Machine Operator

The Stranding Associate is responsible for the setup and operation of the stranding equipment for the manufacture of fiber optic cable cores (loose tube and ribbon) of various sizes and fiber counts which meet or exceed the customer's and OFS' specifications. Documents production process data and enters into database; performs and documents quality and process checks before startup, during the run and at the completion of the cable.

The Stranding Associate monitors the line during the manufacturing operation; performs routine and scheduled cleaning and TPM; organizes work area and materials; scraps excess buffer tube and tension member; performs basic troubleshooting.

Performs additional duties and task as assigned by Supervision and Manager.

ESSENTIAL WORK CATEGORIES

The following describe the work categories associated with the essential duties and responsibilities of this job:

a) Machine Operation: Monitors the Stranding Line continuously to keep the line operating efficiently and effectively; monitors the line speed, binders, tube payoffs, tension member, and take-up, layer wind according to the set-points and operating conditions specified in the process set ups and line procedures. Makes binder changes during the run; scraps excess tube and tension member from previous run; organizes materials, tubes, tension member and empty take-up reel needed for the next run; prints tag and collects process paperwork to be attached to completed cable.

b) Machine Setup: Clean the line and perform minor production maintenance - this includes cleaning eyelets, guides, rollers and binder head. Reviews production order specifications by selecting order information from the database or printed setup sheets; select setup; obtain materials and tooling (binder, filler rod, tension member, buffer tubes, oscillator tooling and empty take-up reel. Review setup information to verify materials, tooling, loading information and set points. Check the dimensions of the buffer tubes, filler rod, and tension member and verifies tube colors.

Following the setup information, the tooling is changed (if applicable), binder is loaded onto binder payoffs, tension member is loaded onto the payoff, splice and pulled through machine, buffer tubes are loaded spliced and pulled through guides, oscillator, and attached to tension member (color order), binder is attached; set-points are verified; line is started, a short length of cable is produced, the machine is stopped and the cable lay length, binder tension, tube color order is verified. If all set points and operating specifications are correct the line is started and set to designated manufacturing speed

c) Miscellaneous: Cleans and organizes materials and work area, weighs tension member, orders materials, stacks and organizes empty filler rod and buffer tube bobbins; runs the tube rewinder or fiber scrap machine during slow manufacturing or maintenance downtime.

Education, and Certification:

• High School or Equivalent.
• Core skill level (TABE) requirements as listed.
• Certification in all aspects of the job.

On-the-Job Experience and Training Requirements:

Supervised on-the-job training of 5 to 6 weeks under the direction of a trainer and Lead Person/Supervisor. Mastery of the complete Stranding operation including troubleshooting generally occurs within 6 months.

Employees are expected to serve as role models for safe work practices and behaviors. This includes following established health and safety policies and procedures, maintaining a clean, organized work area, wearing, and properly storing all personal protective equipment (PPE), and actively engaging as a safety conscious worker with personal safety and wellness as a priority.