Extruder Operator - Nights

About the Role

This position serves as a Production Operator with the goal of safely, effectively, and efficiently meeting or exceeding all manufacturing and quality standards. Primary responsibilities include operating the production line, maintaining set production standards, ensuring product quality, and assisting the Assistant Operator and/or the Production Utility Worker as needed.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate the production line for various products, meeting or exceeding production rates, meeting customer specifications, and minimizing waste levels.
• Assist Assistant Operator in operating Powered Industrial Vehicles to stage product, ensuring appropriate level of production supplies/materials are available to minimize downtime.
• Gather/prepare all necessary materials, parts, and tools (e.g., cores, labels, pallets, tape, bags).
• Set up and adjust machinery, operate core cutting machine, and use pallet jack.
• Separate scrap into appropriate film-type gaylord.
• Utilize effective leadership skills to direct the Assistant Operator and/or Production Utility Worker (if applicable).
• Perform minor maintenance including cleaning air filters, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM’s), and Preventative Maintenance (PM’s).
• Maintain clean work areas and ensure tools/equipment are in proper places.
• Assist with housekeeping to ensure an orderly and safe environment.
• Ensure all product is properly packaged (sawed, bagged, tied, etc.).
• Ensure compliance with safety and work regulations, including the use of required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Attend meetings and complete safety training as required; report hazardous conditions immediately.
• Report any accident, incident, or near miss to the appropriate personnel.
• Conduct all required quality/customer specification checks, including monitoring machine operation for accurate product measurements (e.g., color, weight, slits, perforations, widths, lengths).
• Physically and visually inspect all products; enter production/quality data into the machine computer accurately.
• Promptly report all quality defects to the appropriate team members.
• Assist Maintenance Team with troubleshooting issues when needed.
• Maintain good employee relations and adhere to Company policies and procedures.
• Train/mentor Assistant Operator and/or Production Utility Worker when required/requested (if applicable).
• May be assigned to different production lines and areas as needed per company demand.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Prior manufacturing or similar experience required.
• Strong mechanical aptitude required.
• Good mathematical skills required.
• Ability to operate a forklift and other power industrial vehicles safely and effectively.
• Ability to take coaching well and communicate respectfully to promote a positive teamwork culture.
• Ability to read a tape measure and document quality readings.
• Effective communication with team members during shift transitions.
• Knowledgeable about safety requirements and guidelines in manufacturing/warehouse environments.
• Safety-conscious with the ability to adhere to all Department and Plant rules, regulations, and notices.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, follow standardized work instructions, and adhere to safe work practices in a continuous improvement culture.
• Knowledge and experience with SAP or similar ERP systems required, or ability to learn.

Work Environment

• Non-air-conditioned, indoor environment; heat may exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Humidity may exceed 80%.
• Noise may exceed 85dB+.
• Work around and with manufacturing machinery, exposure to moving equipment.

Physical Demands

• Frequent standing, up to 12 hours (may exceed 12 hours).
• Walking, stooping, squatting, up to 75% of the time.
• Frequent lifting, pushing, pulling, up to 50 lbs.
• Frequent reaching, bending, twisting.
• Occasional stair/ladder climbing.
• Frequent and repetitive use of shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, elbows, wrists, hands, and fingers.

Schedule

• Full-time, hourly, non-exempt.
• Shift work (2-week rotating shifts, 12-hour shifts on rotations).
• Overtime per business demand.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience required.
• Previous work experience in a manufacturing and/or warehouse environment preferred.
• Must have a stable work history.