Extrusion Operator - 1st Shift

Join a team that works together, looks out for one another, and keeps production moving.

We’re looking for a first shift Extrusion Operator who takes pride in their work and understands the value of teamwork on the floor. In this role, you’ll work side-by-side with a skilled, dependable crew to operate equipment safely and efficiently, meet production goals, and support overall quality and uptime. If you’re reliable, safety-minded, and motivated by contributing to a team’s success, you’ll thrive here.

This position is eligible for up to a $2,000 sign-on bonus and up to a 15% pre-tax profit share paid quarterly—because when the team succeeds, everyone shares in the results.

Position Summary

The Extrusion Operator is responsible for the processing of plastic product into sheets. The Extrusion Operator will perform production activities by operating an extruder and other relevant equipment. The Extrusion Operator will follow a production schedule, make sure all supplies needed for production runs are available and operate the extruder generally unassisted. In addition, the Extrusion Operator will be able to communicate quality issues, complete daily required documentation, report machine malfunctions and ensure good production of quality sheet.  This is a full time, hourly position that performs work under the Shift Team Lead with final approval by the Extrusion Team Lead.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

(Other duties may be assigned as needed.)

• Set up and operate sheet extruder and ancillary equipment.
• Adjust and calibrate the blending equipment to ensure proper blend of material components.
• Blend colors at correct let down ratios.
• Ensure a steady supply of plastic products (virgin resin, regrind and color) are delivered to the extruder by monitoring the flow of plastic components as required.
• Change dies, screws, rolls and dialups on the extruder.
• Understand and program Welex gauging systems.
• Understand and operate all heat, feed, cooling, trimming and grinding systems.
• Set and monitor temperatures on the die and zones in the extruder.
• Take instrument readings on extruder and make adjustments as required.
• Change filters and screens on the extruder.
• Set up and operate the roll-stand equipment
• Set the temperature on the roll and adjust speeds as required per product specifications.
• Complete job/color changes with minimal scrap.
• Match and distinguish colors from samples.
• Maintain product specifications by performing quality checks using calipers, tape measures, and velocity gauge.
• Measure all sheet for correct dimensions and gauge.
• Make proper adjustments to correct any issues identified during QA checks.
• Ensure that extruded sheet has no defects and meets quality standards.
• Diagnose minor production problems and recommend corrective action to Extrusion Shift or Maintenance Team Leads.
• Perform all shift change responsibilities as required.
• Verify packaging is in compliance with product specifications.
• Complete daily reports and other production documentation as required.
• Maintain an effective working relationship with all department employees.
• Maintain a neat and orderly work area at all times.
• Use all required safety supplies and procedures at all items.
• Perform quality testing as needed: orientation tests, melt index tests, color tests, etc. 

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to independently setup the extrusion machine using established protocols.
• Ability to operate the extrusion machines including temperature settings, and other controls.
• Ability to troubleshoot and make adjustments to the temperature and line speed of machinery to maintain acceptable product quality.
• Ability to use calipers, tape measures, velocity gauge and other tools as required.

Minimum Level of Education/Training Required 

• HMWPE extrusion is a plus
• High School diploma or equivalent, required

Minimum Experience Required

• 2 years of experience in a plastic extrusion related environment, preferred

Minimum Experience Required

• 2 years thermoforming experience as an operator, or completion of all Hampel Operator III competencies.