Job Title: Utility Operator- Converting
Department: Converting
Reports to: Converting Shift Production Lead/Converting Supervisor
Location: Converting Floor
Position Summary: The Utility Operator – Converting is a cross-trained, multi-machine operator who provides flexible, skilled coverage across the converting department. Unlike an operator assigned to a single machine, the Utility Operator is expected to run effectively on multiple pieces of equipment - Flexo folder gluers, die cutters, the bundler, and the stitcher - and to move between assignments as production demand, staffing, and scheduling require.
This role is the converting department's operational flexibility. A strong Utility Operator reduces the impact of absenteeism, fills machine gaps during peak periods, and accelerates throughput when specific lines need surge coverage. The ideal candidate is technically proficient, adaptable, and self-directed - someone who can take an assignment, confirm their setup, and run to standard without close supervision.
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 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:
Multi-Machine Operation
- Operate assigned converting equipment safely and to production standard - including Flexo folder gluers, Rotary die cutters, bundler, and stitcher.
- Set up assigned equipment at shift start by staging cutting dies, print plates, color ink buckets and any job-specific parameters before running first piece and if possible at the end of each shift at all converting machine stations, so tooling is always available for production.
- Complete first-piece verification on every order before full production begins; do not advance to full run without confirming specification.
- Transition between equipment assignments within or across shifts as directed by the Lead operator or Supervisor, typically unitality operators will take over as a 1st assistant while the original 1st assistant will takeover the Lead Operator when they’re absent or break or lunch.
- Quality & Accuracy
- Inspect in-process product throughout the run - check dimensions, print registration, score/slot positions, glue integrity, and bundle/stitch quality
- Stop the run immediately if product is out of spec; notify the Lead Operator and initiate a quality hold per SOP.
- Verify order count accuracy; do not release an order to staging with an unresolved count discrepancy.
- Complete all required quality check forms and attach job ticket documentation before releasing finished goods.
- Downtime Logging & Issue Reporting
- Log all downtime events with the correct reason code, machine, and elapsed time - no blank reason codes.
- Attempt operator-level troubleshooting (feed adjustments, minor jams, glue system resets) before calling for help.
- Escalate mechanical, electrical, or recurring issues to the Lead Operator immediately - do not continue running on a known problem.
- Report setup delays, material issues, or ticket discrepancies to the Lead Operator at the time they occur, not at end of shift.
- Safety & Housekeeping
- Follow all LOTO (lockout/tagout) procedures before performing any cleaning, adjustment, or clearing of jams on equipment.
- Wear all required PPE for each machine and task - compliance is non-negotiable.
- Maintain a clean, organized work area throughout the shift; complete 5S housekeeping duties before leaving the machine.
- Report any unsafe condition, near-miss, or injury to the Lead immediately.
- Shift Handoff & Communication
- Communicate run status, open issues, and pending setups to the incoming operator or Lead Operator at shift change.
- Leave equipment in a clean, safe state at end of shift - no mid-job jams, no materials left in feeders without documentation.
- Participate in pre-shift huddles and follow any task assignments or priority changes from the Lead Operator/ Lead Supervisor and or Shift Superintendent.
Equipment coverage & Skill Progression The Utility Operator role is defined by multi-machine competency. The following matrix is used to track each operator's current clearance level. Operators are expected to expand their clearance profile over time through structured cross-training.
Equipment / Task Competency Level Cleared to Run Solo
Flexo Folder Gluer ___________________ ☐ Yes ☐ In Training
Die Cutter ___________________ ☐ Yes ☐ In Training
Bundler ___________________ ☐ Yes ☐ In Training
Stitcher ___________________ ☐ Yes ☐ In Training
Ink / Color Kitchen Support ___________________ ☐ Yes ☐ In Training
Qualifications and Skills /Education and Experience
Required:
- Ability to learn and operate multiple types of converting equipment through structured on-the-job training.
- Ability to read and interpret job tickets, print layouts, and material/order specifications.
- Reliable attendance and punctuality - this role is a coverage position; unplanned absences directly impact production.
- Demonstrated attention to detail in a production or manufacturing environment.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and complete required documentation accurately.
Preferred:
- Prior experience operating converting equipment - flexo folder gluers, die cutters, bundler, or stitcher - in a corrugated or packaging environment but not required, however the utility operator has to perform competency in the allotted time as per job performance guidelines.
- Bilingual English/Spanish - strong preference given the composition of the production workforce.
- Familiarity with quality inspection, LOTO procedures, and 5S housekeeping standards.
- Prior experience in a utility, cross-trained, or float operator role but not required.
- Bilingual in Mandarin/English/Spanish a plus.
Physical Requirements
- Frequent handling and positioning of rotary dies - team lift required above 50 lbs.; large-format dies may require mechanical assist.
- Standing and working at machine height for full shift duration (8–12 hours).
- Required PPE: steel-toed boots, safety glasses, cut-resistant gloves during all die handling, hearing protection in designated areas
What Success Looks Like-First 90 days
- In 30 days: The operator can run at least one machine type to standard with minimal supervision, completes job functions of 1st assistant operator, and able to logs downtime with reason codes consistently.
- In 60 days: The utility operator is cleared as 1st assistant on a second machine type and transitions between assignments without disruption to shift flow. Quality check completion rate is consistent and accurate.
- In 90 days: The operator is cleared as 1st assistant on three or more machine types, can be assigned to any available line without significant ramp time, and is identifying and escalating issues proactively rather than reactively.
- At 6 months: The operator is a dependable, flexible resource across the full converting floor - someone the Lead can assign to the highest-priority gap without concern about quality or output.
Authority & Escalation Guidelines
The Utility Operator – Converting has authority to:
- Stop a run that is producing out-of-spec product or creating a safety risk.
- Initiate a quality hold per SOP and immediately notify the Lead Operator, Lead Supervisor and or Department Superintendent.
- Perform operator-level troubleshooting on assigned equipment.
The Utility Operator must escalate to the Converting Shift Production Lead or Superintendent when:
- A machine requires maintenance beyond operator-level intervention.
- A quality issue requires a disposition decision or customer communication.
- An order cannot be completed due to material, tooling, or specification problems.
- Any safety hazard, injury, or near-miss occurs.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Note: All metrics are in a 60–90 day baseline period. Targets will be set collaboratively after baseline data is established. Metric Baseline Period Target (Post-Baseline) Frequency
Machine Output vs. Standard Run Speed 60–90 days TBD after baseline Per shift
First-Piece Verification Completion Rate 60–90 days 100% documented Per order
Order Count Accuracy 60–90 days TBD after baseline Per order
Downtime Reason Code Completion Rate 60–90 days TBD after baseline Per shift
Quality Hold Compliance (SOP-QA-001) 60–90 days 100% Per event
Cross-Training Clearances Earned 60–90 days ≥2 by 90 days Quarterly
Safety Incidents (recordable/near-miss) 60–90 days 0 recordable Monthly
5S Compliance Score 60–90 days TBD after baseline Weekly
Onboarding Milestones
Milestone Expected Outcome
30 Days Cleared on at least one machine type as 1st assistant; first-piece verification completed on every order; downtime logged with reason codes; LOTO and PPE compliance demonstrated consistently.
60 Days Cleared on second machine type as 1st assistant; transitions between assignments without supervisor direction; quality check forms completed accurately; no missed escalations.
90 Days Cleared on three or more machine types as 1st assistant; KPI baselines established; operating independently across assigned equipment; cross-training tracker current and signed off.
6 Months Full floor utility coverage capability; recognized by Lead Operator as a reliable flex resource; performance review completed and targets set; skill matrix updated with current clearance levels.
Working Conditions Plant Site – Converting 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.
ND Paper Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as voluntary benefits such as accident insurance, hospital indemnity, and critical illness for you and your family.
- Financial protection benefits, including life insurance, disability insurance, and business travel accident insurance.
- Tax advantaged accounts such as Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
- Paid holidays, personal days, and vacation days to support work-life balance.
- A 401K retirement plan with a company match and annual fixed contribution
- Wellness programs with incentives and an on-site clinic available at our Rumford and Biron location.
Enjoy competitive salaries, comprehensive health benefits, and paid time off. Discover more about our benefits and how we support our team by visiting 2026 Benefits. Come be a part of our team and grow with us! Apply Please submit your resume, and salary requirements to https://us.ndpaper.com/careers No unsolicited resumes - ND Paper does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Any unsolicited resume you submit to us will immediately become the property of ND Paper. If you would like to become a recruiter for ND Paper, please contact us and we will agree in writing to terms and the specific job roles for which you are authorized to recruit.