Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Knife Operator Assistant

🎯 Role Definition

The Knife Operator Assistant is a foundational role within our production team, acting as the right-hand support to the lead Knife Operator. You are a crucial part of the team that ensures our industrial cutting and slitting machines run smoothly, safely, and efficiently. This position is hands-on and requires a keen eye for detail, a commitment to safety, and a proactive approach to supporting the manufacturing process. You'll be involved in everything from material preparation and machine setup to quality checks and routine maintenance, making you an indispensable part of our operational success. This is an excellent entry point for individuals looking to build a long-term career in skilled manufacturing and machine operation.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Production Laborer
Warehouse Associate or Material Handler
Assembly Line Worker

Advancement To:

Lead Knife Operator / Machine Operator
Production Line Lead / Team Leader
Production Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

Quality Control Inspector
Shipping and Receiving Clerk

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Actively assist the primary Knife Operator in the complete setup, operation, and shutdown of industrial cutting, slitting, or rewinding machinery, ensuring all steps follow established company procedures and safety protocols.
Safely and efficiently load large, heavy rolls of raw materials (such as paper, film, foil, or textiles) onto the machine's unwind stand, using hoists, pallet jacks, or other material handling equipment.
Prepare and stage upcoming production jobs by locating and verifying correct raw materials, cores, and packaging supplies according to the production schedule and work orders.
Meticulously monitor the machine during operation to detect any signs of malfunction, such as unusual noises, web breaks, or vibrations, and immediately report these issues to the lead operator or supervisor.
Perform routine quality control checks on finished products, measuring dimensions like width and length with a tape measure to ensure they meet precise customer specifications.
Carefully remove finished rolls or cut materials from the machine's rewind or stacking station and prepare them for the next stage of production or for shipping.
Assist in the safe removal, handling, and cleaning of sharp machine knives and blades during job changeovers, following strict lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) procedures.
Maintain a constant supply of necessary materials, such as cores, adhesive, and packaging, to the machine area to minimize downtime and keep the operation running continuously.
Accurately record production data, including material usage, number of rolls produced, downtime, and scrap, on paper logs or within a digital manufacturing execution system (MES).
Uphold a high standard of housekeeping in the immediate work area, ensuring the machine and surrounding floor space are clean, organized, and free of hazards.
Band, wrap, and label finished product securely according to work order instructions, ensuring proper identification and protection for transport and storage.
Assist the lead operator with basic preventative maintenance tasks, such as lubricating machine parts, checking fluid levels, and cleaning sensors.
Observe all company and OSHA safety regulations at all times, including the mandatory use of personal protective equipment (PPE) like safety glasses, steel-toed boots, and cut-resistant gloves.
Collaborate effectively with the lead operator, other production team members, and supervisors to troubleshoot problems and meet daily production targets.

Secondary Functions

Support periodic inventory counts of raw materials and finished goods.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by suggesting ways to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency in the work area.
Collaborate with the quality department to understand defect criteria and help identify non-conforming material.
Participate in daily team meetings and safety briefings to stay informed on production goals and potential hazards.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Material Handling: Proficient in the safe operation of material handling equipment such as pallet jacks, forklifts, or overhead hoists to move heavy materials.
Basic Math & Measurement: Ability to perform basic arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and accurately read a standard tape measure to 1/16 of an inch.
Mechanical Aptitude: A fundamental understanding of how machines work and the ability to use basic hand tools (wrenches, screwdrivers) for simple adjustments and maintenance.
Safety Protocol Adherence: Strong knowledge of and commitment to workplace safety procedures, especially lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) and proper PPE usage.
Computer Literacy: Basic ability to interact with a computer or tablet to enter production data or look up work orders in a manufacturing software system.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough when performing tasks, from measuring products to inspecting for defects, to ensure high-quality output.
Teamwork & Communication: Excellent ability to work collaboratively with the lead operator and other team members, communicating clearly and respectfully to ensure smooth operations.
Problem-Solving: The capacity to identify issues as they arise, think critically, and assist in finding timely and effective solutions.
Work Ethic & Reliability: A strong sense of responsibility, punctuality, and the drive to meet and exceed production goals in a consistent and dependable manner.
Adaptability: The flexibility to work in a fast-paced environment where priorities can shift and to learn new processes and machine functions as required.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational or technical certificate in a manufacturing or industrial technology field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Manufacturing Technology
Industrial Maintenance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-2 years.

Preferred: 1+ years of experience in a manufacturing, production, or warehouse environment is highly desirable. Direct experience as a machine operator helper or material handler is a significant plus.