Film Operator

The Plastics Extrusion Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of plastic extrusion equipment used to manufacture polyethylene film products. This position monitors production processes, performs machine adjustments, conducts quality inspections, and ensures production goals are met while maintaining compliance with safety and quality standards. The Extrusion Operator works closely with production, maintenance, and quality personnel to maximize equipment performance, minimize waste, and produce high-quality products that meet customer specifications.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Film Machine Operation

• Operate plastic      extrusion lines and related equipment in accordance with established      operating procedures.
• Start up,      monitor, adjust, and shut down extrusion equipment safely and efficiently.
• Monitor machine      settings, temperatures, pressures, and production rates to ensure optimal      performance.
• Make routine      process adjustments to maintain product quality and production efficiency.

Product Quality

• Perform and      document quality checks on film thickness, width, appearance, and other      customer specifications.
• Identify and      correct quality issues during production.
• Segregate and      report non-conforming material according to company procedures.
• Maintain      accurate production and quality records.

Production Efficiency

• Meet or exceed      established production standards while minimizing downtime and scrap.
• Monitor raw      material usage and ensure proper material handling procedures are      followed.
• Assist with      changeovers and product transitions to maximize equipment uptime.
• Communicate      production concerns and opportunities for improvement to supervisors.

Safety and Housekeeping

• Follow all      company safety policies, procedures, and OSHA requirements.
• Utilize      required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Maintain a      clean, organized, and safe work area in accordance with 5S and      housekeeping standards.
• Report safety      concerns, equipment issues, and incidents immediately.

Equipment Care

• Perform routine      machine inspections and basic preventive maintenance tasks.
• Assist      maintenance personnel with troubleshooting and repairs when necessary.
• Report      equipment malfunctions promptly to minimize production interruptions.

Teamwork and Communication

• Communicate      effectively with supervisors, quality personnel, maintenance technicians,      and fellow operators.
• Participate in      shift turnover meetings and provide accurate production updates.
• Support team      objectives and assist in training new employees when requested.

Documentation

• Complete      production reports, quality records, downtime logs, and material usage      documentation accurately and timely.
• Utilize      production systems and paperwork to track manufacturing performance and      inventory movement.

Qualifications

• High school      diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous      manufacturing experience preferred; plastics extrusion experience highly      desirable.
• Mechanical      aptitude and ability to troubleshoot production equipment.
• Ability to read      and understand production specifications and work instructions.
• Basic math      skills including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and      measurement conversions.
• Ability to work      independently and as part of a production team.
• Strong      attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Physical Demands

• Frequent      standing and walking throughout the shift.
• Ability to lift      up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Frequent      bending, twisting, reaching, pushing, and pulling.
• Ability to work      around moving machinery and production equipment.
• Ability to      distinguish colors and identify product defects.

Work Environment

• Manufacturing      environment with exposure to noise, heat, and moving equipment.
• Required use of      personal protective equipment.
• Fast-paced      production environment with established production goals and deadlines.
• May require      overtime, weekend work, and shift work as business needs dictate.