Swing Sander Operator

Job DetailsJob Location: States Industries Panel Plant - Eugene, OR 97402Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $22.90 - $24.90 HourlyTravel Percentage: NoneJob Shift: SwingSander Operator / Grader About the Role At States Industries, our Sander Operators/Graders play an important role in making sure our hardwood plywood panels meet the quality and finish standards our customers expect. This is a hands-on, skilled production position responsible for operating our industrial sanding equipment, grading finished and unfinished panels, monitoring quality, and helping continuously improve the sanding operation. We’re especially interested in candidates with previous industrial sander, woodworking, plywood, or wood products manufacturing experience. Experience operating production sanding equipment or grading wood products is highly valued. Bilingual English/Spanish candidates are encouraged to apply. If you have experience around industrial sanding equipment, understand wood quality and defects, or have a strong mechanical aptitude and want to continue developing your skills, we want to hear from you. What You’ll Do As a Sander Operator/Grader, you will: Operate and grade on the #1 and #2 Sanders as a primary responsibility. Safely operate industrial sanding equipment while meeting established production and quality standards. Inspect and grade finished and unfinished hardwood plywood panels. Read, understand, and consistently apply grade rules for face and back veneers. Monitor sanding quality and make minor operating adjustments as needed. Identify sanding, surface, veneer, and other quality defects and take appropriate action. Maintain established quality and audit standards, including a 98% grading audit target. Perform routine preventative maintenance and help identify equipment issues before they impact production. Use Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D-365) and other production systems as required. Work closely with other Sander Operators, Graders, Quality, Maintenance, and production leadership to resolve quality and production issues. Support testing of new products, materials, equipment settings, and processes. Assist with new customer requirements and product specifications as needed. Help train and support other Sander Operators and Graders using TWI and established work standards. Help maintain and improve standard operating procedures and work instructions. Complete required training, JSAs, and certifications for the Sander and Putty areas. Participate in grader meetings, team meetings, and continuous improvement activities. Maintain a clean and organized machine and surrounding work area. Support the team in achieving safety, quality, production, and Lean goals. Work across shifts as needed for training, testing, or communication. Perform other duties as assigned to support the team and operation. QualificationsWhat We’re Looking For This role is especially well suited for someone with previous sander or wood products experience who understands that operating the equipment is only part of the job — quality, troubleshooting, and good judgment matter just as much. Successful candidates will bring: Previous industrial sander operating experience strongly preferred. Experience with plywood, veneer, lumber, cabinetry, millwork, or other wood products manufacturing is a strong plus. Previous wood grading or quality inspection experience is highly valued. Knowledge of wood grades, veneer characteristics, surface defects, or sanding quality is a plus. Bilingual English/Spanish candidates are encouraged to apply. Mechanical aptitude and comfort working with production machinery. Ability to recognize equipment or quality issues and make appropriate operating adjustments. Strong attention to detail and an eye for product quality. Basic computer skills and comfort learning production systems. Experience with D-365, MRP/ERP, or similar manufacturing systems is a plus. Ability to read and follow grade rules, production requirements, work instructions, and specifications. Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and percentages. Strong communication and teamwork skills. Ability to troubleshoot problems, gather information, and help identify solutions. Willingness to learn, participate in training, and help develop other team members. Dependability, a strong safety mindset, and a team-first attitude. Safety & Quality Sander Operators/Graders have a direct impact on the quality of our finished product. Employees in this role are expected to: Operate sanding equipment safely and according to established procedures. Consistently apply States Industries grading and quality standards. Identify sanding and panel defects before material moves downstream. Maintain required grading and quality audit performance. Communicate equipment, safety, and quality concerns immediately. Follow all safety procedures when operating, adjusting, cleaning, or maintaining equipment. Participate in continuous improvement efforts that make the sanding operation safer, more efficient, and more consistent. Physical Requirements This is an active manufacturing position. Employees in this role must be able to: Stand and walk for most of the shift. Frequently use hands and arms to operate equipment, handle panels, and perform inspections. Bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb, balance, and reach as required. Safely lift and handle materials weighing up to 50 pounds. Perform repetitive physical activities throughout the shift. Work safely around moving machinery and powered industrial equipment. Work Environment This position works in a fast-paced plywood manufacturing environment and may include: High noise levels. Wood dust and other manufacturing-related conditions. Moving machinery and production equipment. Forklift and pedestrian traffic. Work around industrial sanding and material-handling equipment. Required personal protective equipment must be worn as designated and includes safety glasses and hearing protection. What Success Looks Like A successful Sander Operator/Grader becomes someone the team can rely on for both equipment operation and product quality. You understand how the sander should run, recognize when something isn't right, make appropriate adjustments, and have an eye for defects that could impact the customer. You don't just keep the machine running — you help make the entire sanding operation better. Most importantly, you work safely, communicate well, support your teammates, and take pride in sending a quality product to the next step of the process.