Job Title: Double Backer Operator
Department: Corrugator
Reports to: Shift Supervisor/Corrugator Superintendent
Location: Corrugator Floor
Position Summary: The Double Backer Operator is responsible for operating the double backer section of the corrugator, where single-face web and liner board are bonded under heat and pressure to produce finished corrugated board. This role is critical to board quality, flatness, and caliper consistency. The Double Backer Operator works in close coordination with the Single Facer Operator, Corrugator Operator (CR Operator), and the Dry End crew to maintain continuous production flow with minimal waste and downtime.
Compensation:
The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity. At ND Paper, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.
About Us
ND Paper is a leading manufacturer of high-quality pulp, paper, and packaging products in the United States, generating over half a billion dollars in annual sales. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Nine Dragons Paper (Holdings) Limited – the largest containerboard producer in the world – ND Paper is part of a global network committed to excellence and innovation. With two integrated pulp and paper mills in Rumford, Maine and Biron, Wisconsin, a packaging plant in Sturtevant, Wisconsin, and two sheeting/Packaging facilities in Langhorne, Pennsylvania and Fairmont, West Virginia, the ND Paper family produces nearly one million tons of products annually. Our 1,100 dedicated employees are the heart of our operations, and we are committed to fostering positive work environments where individuals can advance and thrive. At ND Paper, we are investing in our future, and that starts with our staff.
Key Responsibilities & Expected Results:
- Demonstrate safety as a core value and establish a safe work environment by actively leading the safe execution of work.
Equipment Operation
- Set up, operate, and monitor the double backer unit including the hot plates, glue unit, and belt system.
- Maintain proper hot plate temperatures per grade and board specification (caliper, flute, liner weight).
- Adjust pressure and dwell time to achieve consistent glue bond without over-wetting or delamination.
- Monitor and adjust glue application rate (double backer glue) to specification.
- Perform belt tension and tracking adjustments to prevent edge curl and board warp.
Board Quality
- Inspect board continuously for flatness, caliper, bond quality, and warp; escalate defects immediately.
- Detect and respond to delamination, soft spots, wash boarding, and moisture-related issues.
- Collect and record caliper readings at defined intervals per quality protocol.
- Adjust hot plate temperature zones in response to changing liner moisture or ambient conditions.
- Communicate board quality issues to Control Room Corrugator Operator and Shift Supervisor in real time.
Glue System
- Monitor glue viscosity, temperature, and roll gap at double backer glue station.
- Perform basic glue system maintenance including cleaning glue pans and rolls during breaks or order changes.
- Report abnormal glue consumption, foam, or viscosity drift to lead or supervisor.
Changeovers & Order Changes
- Execute liner and medium splices in coordination with the Single Facer and CR Operator.
- Set up for order changes including speed, temperature, and glue gap adjustments per run card.
- Minimize waste board during transition through timely adjustments and communication.
Safety & Housekeeping
- Follow all lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures before performing any maintenance or clearing jams.
- Maintain a clean and organized work area around the double backer and hot plate section.
- Identify and report unsafe conditions, near-misses, and equipment abnormalities immediately.
- Wear required PPE at all times: safety glasses, ear protection, heat-resistant gloves where applicable.
- Comply with all plant safety policies and participate in safety meetings.
Maintenance Support
- Perform operator-level preventive maintenance (PM) tasks per the PM schedule.
- Report equipment wear, unusual sounds, or performance degradation through the downtime log or verbal escalation.
- Assist maintenance technicians during scheduled and unscheduled downtime as directed.
Reporting & Communication
- Log all production downtime events (cause, duration, action taken) on the downtime tracking sheet.
- Complete beginning-of-shift and end-of-shift equipment checks per the DB operator checkout sheet.
- Communicate all in-progress quality and equipment issues clearly during shift handoffs.
Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s)
Performance in this role is evaluated against the following metrics:
- Board quality defect rate (delamination, warp, caliper deviation) - target: <2% of linear footage.
- Waste generated during order changes - compared to plant average and trended over time.
- Corrugator uptime contribution - downtime events attributable to double backer section.
- Safety compliance - zero LOTO violations; active participation in near-miss reporting.
- PM completion rate - operator-level PMs completed on schedule.
Qualifications and Skills /Education and Experience Required
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum 1 year of experience operating equipment in a manufacturing environment.
- Basic mechanical aptitude; ability to make precise manual adjustments on running equipment.
- Ability to read and follow work orders, run cards, and standard operating procedures.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and work in a hot, loud industrial environment.
Preferred
- Prior corrugator or paper/packaging converting experience but not required.
- Experience operating a double backer, hot plate belt system, or similar bonding equipment but not required.
- Familiarity with corrugated flute profiles (A, B, C, E, F, BC, EB) and board grades.
- Experience reading and interpreting production specifications and quality control data but not required.
- Bilingual in Mandarin/English/ Spanish a plus.
Physical Requirements Requirement
Standing / walking on concrete floors
Lifting up to 50 lbs (paper rolls, glue containers)
Reaching, bending, and stooping around equipment
Working in high-heat environment (hot plates 300°F+)
Exposure to noise levels requiring hearing protection
Use of hand tools and adjustment instruments
Success Profile/Career Development The Double Backer Operator role is a foundational corrugator position with a defined development path. High-performing operators may progress to:
- Single Facer Operator
- Corrugator Operator (CR Operator / Lead)
- Corrugator Mechanic (with additional technical training)
Working Conditions Plant site – Corrugator Department
Attributes for Success
- Hard work – tackle each task with determination, passion and creativity; the willingness to put in whatever effort is required to successfully complete the job at hand.
- Pursuit of Excellence – strive to consistently exceed expectations in our day-to-day work and outperform our competitors in the marketplace, regarding work and company achievements as a collaborative goal with the desire to go above and beyond.
- Integrity - treat the company and teammates with upmost respect, operating on strong moral codes to drive company values and culture.
- Sense of Urgency – drive forward each day with speed, agility, and flexibility to capture unrealized opportunities and avoid potential risks for the business.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit – act like an owner, challenging the status quo, asking the right questions, and actively seeking ways to innovate and improve.
- Adaptability – be fluid with ND Paper’s continuous evolution while driving change in a fast-paced environment, equipped with the ability to acclimate quickly.
- Servant Leadership – set an example by implementing meaningful leadership with heart, empathy, foresight and stewardship.