Extrusion Operator - 1st Shift

About the Role

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.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate sheet extruder and ancillary equipment.
• Adjust and calibrate 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) to the extruder by monitoring the flow of plastic components.
• Change dies, screws, rolls, and dial-ups 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 the extruder and make adjustments as required.
• Change filters and screens on the extruder.
• Set up and operate roll-stand equipment.
• Set roll temperatures 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 gauges.
• Measure all sheets for correct dimensions and gauge.
• Make proper adjustments to correct any issues identified during QA checks.
• Ensure 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 times.
• Perform quality testing as needed: orientation tests, melt index tests, color tests, etc.

Qualifications

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

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent, required.
• 2 years of experience in a plastic extrusion-related environment, preferred.
• 2 years of thermoforming experience as an operator, or completion of all Hampel Operator III competencies.
• HMWPE extrusion experience is a plus.