Primary Function: The primary focus is to participate in the research, development, and manufacturing of polymeric materials under the direction of the engineering staff. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: • Reviews project instructions to ascertain test specifications, procedures, objectives, test equipment, nature of technical problems, and possible solutions such as process or product redesign, the substitution of material, or rearrangement of equipment or subassemblies. • Assists in devising, fabricating, and assembling new or modified mechanical components or assemblies for products such as industrial equipment and machinery, power equipment, machine tools, and measuring instruments. • Sets up and conducts tests of complete units and components under operational conditions to investigate design proposals for improving equipment performance or other factors, or to obtain data for development, standardization, and quality control. • Assists with the analysis indicated and calculated test results in relation to design or rated specifications and test objectives and modify or adjusts equipment to meet specifications. • Records test procedures and results, numerical and graphical data, and recommendations for changes in product or test methods. Presents data as necessary. • Support all aspects of the manufacturing process within the following departments. • Regular production, • Orthopedic production • Engineering materials production • R&D activities. Supervisory Responsibilities: None. Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. • Knowledge of Polymer Processing and polymer materials is necessary. • Expertise in compounding polymers and blending techniques. Works well in a team-based work environment. Education and/or Experience: High school diploma or G.E.D required (technical school desirable); minimum of 10 years of industry experience; in-depth knowledge of compounding manufacturing process from a hands-on perspective. Education may be substituted for experience. Technical and analytical abilities are important to the success of this position Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide into all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Language/Communication Skills: • Ability to read and interpret documents including safety rules, operational instructions, procedure manuals, and MSDS sheets. • Ability to write routine reports. Computer Skills: Must be proficient in using system programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. Other Required Ability: • Reasoning ability to include; the ability to apply common sense to carry instructions in written, oral, or diagram form, deal with problems involving several variables in standardized situations. Certificates, Licenses, and/or Registrations: None. Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. • Ability to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb and balance, stoop, kneel, talk, and hear. • Must be able to pass a baseline medical and pulmonary test. • Will require the use of Tyvek™ gowning and other PPE including but not limited to respirators. • Ability to frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. • Specific vision ability includes close vision and color vision. Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. • Regular exposure to fumes or airborne particles. • Occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts and vibration. • Normal exposure to moderate noise levels. Travel Expectations: None. Telework Conditions: None. Pathogen Exposure Risk: Low Foster, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We maintain a policy of non-discrimination in providing equal employment to all qualified employees and candidates regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, protected veteran’s status, or other legally protected classification in accordance with applicable state and local law.
See More Details >>We are seeking a highly skilled Controls Engineer to join our extrusion plant operations team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in drive programming, PLC systems, and closed-loop control systems. This role is critical for ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and efficiency of our extrusion processes through advanced automation and control strategies. Key Responsibilities • Design, program, and maintain PLC-based control systems for extrusion equipment. • Develop and implement closed-loop control strategies for temperature, pressure, and speed regulation. • Configure and troubleshoot drive systems (AC/DC drives, servo systems) for extrusion lines. • Integrate and optimize HMI interfaces for operator usability and process monitoring. • Perform system diagnostics and root cause analysis to minimize downtime. • Collaborate with maintenance and engineering teams to support continuous improvement initiatives. • Ensure compliance with electrical safety standards and plant operational procedures. • Document control logic, wiring diagrams, and system configurations for future reference. Required Qualifications • Proficiency in PLC programming and troubleshooting: o Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation) – ControlLogix, CompactLogix o Siemens – S7 series, TIA Portal • Experience with drive programming (e.g., ABB, Siemens, Rockwell PowerFlex). • Strong understanding of closed-loop control systems and PID tuning. • Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Profibus, Modbus). • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and P&IDs. • Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail. Preferred Qualifications • Experience in extrusion processes or similar continuous manufacturing environments. • Knowledge of SCADA systems and data acquisition. • Familiarity with robotics integration and advanced motion control. • Strong project management and documentation skills. • Ensuring all department workers adhere to the safety policies and procedures. • Ensure operational efficiency of electrical equipment and mechanical systems through timely inspection and repair. Qualifications: • Excellent electrical, electronic, and mechanical skills. • Experience with Auto Cad or similar program. • Knowledge of NEC, NFPA79, OSHA Regulations. Education and/or Experience: • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, or related field (or equivalent experience). • 7+ years of experience in industrial automation and controls engineering. • Prior experience with cGMP, ISO 13485 or ISO 9001 are preferred. • 5-10 years work experience in a regulated industry preferred. Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide into all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Language/Communication Skills: Ability to read and write and follow written work instructions. Computer Skills: • SOLIDWORKS and/or AutoCAD preferred • Familiarity with MS Office and ability to learn new electronic maintenance recording system Certificates, Licenses, and/or Registrations: N/A Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. • Ability to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb and balance, stoop, kneel, talk, and hear. • Ability to frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds unassisted, occasional lifting/moving of up to 100 pounds. Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. • Regular exposure to fumes or airborne particles. • Occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts and vibration. • Normal exposure to moderate noise levels. Travel Expectations: Up to 15% travel to support all US locations (Connecticut and Nevada). Telework Conditions: None. Pathogen Exposure Risk: Low.
See More Details >>Mechanical Technician Opportunity This position involves troubleshooting and repairing hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems on various machinery. Regular maintenance calls require quick response and thorough preparation for any repairs needed. Preventative maintenance tasks are essential, both during operation and scheduled downtime. • Key responsibilities include maintaining a clean and organized workspace, adhering to safety protocols, and effectively utilizing available resources. • A high level of technical competence, particularly in mechanical and electrical systems, is crucial for this role. A successful candidate will possess excellent problem-solving skills, be able to work independently, and effectively communicate with colleagues. Basic knowledge of hand tools and power equipment is essential, along with physical stamina to perform demanding tasks throughout the shift.
See More Details >>Embarking on a career in the mechanical trade in Putnam, CT, often begins with an apprenticeship that blends practical experience with classroom instruction, enabling individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships typically last three to four years, demanding extensive training under certified professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 143 mechanical trade professionals in Putnam, CT, with wages averaging $608.20 per week. The job outlook is promising, with a 6% growth projected from 2024 to 2025. Apprenticeships in Putnam offer an average weekly wage of $500, with an annual overtime average of $4,800. Vocational schools, unions, and platforms like HireLevel facilitate the search for apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a rewarding career with strong earning potential—often exceeding $65,000 annually for experienced professionals.
