Production Operator

  • Theodore, AL
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Location: Theodore, AL (In-Person / Near Mobile)

Reports To:  Production Manager

Pay: From $19.00-$21.00 / hour (Starting rate based on experience, a 60-day probationary period is required) Escalation of rate will depend on levels of knowledge and responsibility gained through hands on training, dependability, and a proven track records of learning the different components of our operations.

Job Type: Full-Time

Schedule: 8-Hour Rotating Shifts (24/7 continuous operation – requires Day, Evening, and Night shift availability)  Candidates must be willing to work overtime and holidays to meet client demands)

Why Join INCOA Performance Minerals?

INCOA Performance Minerals is a rapidly expanding calcium carbonate manufacturing company near Mobile, AL. We don’t just run a production line; we leverage technology and data to constantly improve. We are looking for self-directed, analytical individuals who want to build a long-term career. Because our plant is growing, we invest heavily in cross training our team. If you have the mental focus to analyze data and the drive to solve real-world mechanical problems, we will provide the training to make you an expert.

Full Benefits Package:

  • Healthcare & Wellness: Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Retirement: 401(k) with competitive company matching
  • Time Off: Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays
  • Security: Company-paid Life Insurance & LTD

The Reality of the Role: Data Analytics Meets Plant Operations

This is a unique, hybrid position. You aren’t just pushing buttons or moving pallets. You will act as an operational detective—using advanced plant production software to hunt down inconsistencies before they cause costly downtime or waste.

  1. Desk-Based Data & Pattern Analysis (On-the-Job Training Provided):
  • Focused Screen Time: Spend extended periods at a computer station actively monitoring plant production systems, automated tracking tools, and statistical process control (SPC) charts.
  • Catching the Glitches: Spot trends, minute variances, and data anomalies in real-time that indicate a machine might be failing, quality is dropping, or waste is increasing.
  • Preventing Shutdowns: Use your focus and attention to detail to flag issues before they cause a full production stop.
  1. Hands-On Field Investigation:
  • Verify in the Plant: You won’t just sit behind a desk. When the data looks wrong, you will head directly out into the production facility to inspect the physical equipment (grinding mills, blowers, pneumatic systems, etc.).
  • Collaborative Troubleshooting: Bridge the gap between the software screen and the mechanical hardware, working with the operations and maintenance teams to pinpoint exactly where the physical issue matches the data anomaly.
  • Process Testing & Material Handling: Obtain material samples for quality control testing, record operational metrics, and assist with cross-functional tasks in maintenance, shipping, or packaging as needed.

Shift Structure (24/7 Rotating 8-Hour Shifts)

We operate a fast-paced, 24/7/365 continuous manufacturing facility.

  • To keep the plant running smoothly around the clock, operators work 8-hour shifts that rotate across day, evening, and night schedules.
  • Full schedule flexibility, including weekends and holidays, is required to meet production demands on a lean, cohesive team.

Qualifications & Aptitude We Look For:

We are fully prepared to train the right candidate on our specific software and manufacturing equipment, but you must bring the baseline aptitude to succeed:

  • Analytical Aptitude: A natural curiosity for puzzle-solving, identifying patterns, or diagnosing problems. If you enjoy digging into data, spreadsheets, or technical systems to figure out why something isn’t working, you have the mindset we need.
  • Computer Literacy: Strong comfort level sitting at a computer station for long stretches. Proficiency with Microsoft Office (specifically Excel and Word) is required; experience with process control systems or CMMS is a major plus.
  • The Hybrid Hustle: The ability to pivot seamlessly from focused computer work to physically demanding field tasks (standing for long periods, climbing stairs/ladders, and lifting or moving equipment up to 50 lbs in a dusty, industrial environment).
  • Industrial Environment Exposure: 1–3 years of experience in a manufacturing, warehouse, or industrial facility is preferred.
  • Credentials: A high school diploma or GED, and Associates Degree is preferred. Possession of a current TWIC Card or experience in an OSHA-compliant facility is a significant advantage.

Reliability: Rock-solid attendance and punctuality. In a 24/7 continuous-run operation, your shift teammates rely heavily on you to arrive on time for a clean operational handoff.

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Span

A calculated value that describes the breadth of the particle size distribution by looking at the size of the particle below which 90% of all particles are found (d90), the median and the size of the particle below which 10% of all particles are found (d10).

The Span is calculated from the following equation:

Where:
d90 = particle size below which 90 % of the particles are described
d10 = particle size below which 10% of the particles are described
d50 = particle size below which 50% of the particles are described, also known as the median

Broader distributions have a larger span while narrower distributions have a smaller span.

Level of Ultrafines

The percentage of the total distribution that includes particles that are 0.5 microns or smaller.

Some demanding applications require careful control of the level of very small particles. These particles can make the powder difficult to disperse and can actually absorb important components of formulations ultimately altering end-use performance.

Topcut

The size below which 100% of the particles can be found.

Unlike most ground calcium carbonate suppliers, INCOA specifies at the 100% passing rather than the industry standards of 95% or 98% passing. We recognize that even very low levels of oversize particles can interfere with the performance of our products in your applications

Median

The size below which 50% of the particles can be found.

This is the most common means of describing the size of ground calcium carbonate powders. INCOA describes our medians on the final product as-received by our customers. This means that the specification testing is performed on samples of the shipment before shipment on the final product not on material still in-process.