Extrusion Supervisor
IPS Corporation is a global, market-leading provider of Water and Flow Management Solutions and Specialty Adhesives Solutions for applications where failure is not an option. Founded in 1954 in Los Angeles, CA, IPS began by producing clear cements for laminating acrylic sheet for aircraft canopies. Today, we offer over 10,000 products across residential and commercial construction, irrigation, pool & spa, marine, and industrial manufacturing sectors. With 13 manufacturing plants worldwide and a network of customer-focused distributors, IPS delivers premium brands, world-class service, and a robust global supply chain.
About the Role
The Extrusion Supervisor oversees daily extrusion operations, ensuring consistent product quality, meeting production targets, optimizing line efficiency, and maintaining a safe working environment. This role requires strong technical knowledge of plastic extrusion processes and proven leadership skills.
Responsibilities
- Directly supervise, train, and mentor a team of extrusion operators, technicians, and material handlers (typically 6–12 direct reports).
- Oversee daily production schedules across multiple extrusion lines to ensure on-time delivery of high-quality products.
- Monitor and optimize extrusion processes, including melt temperature, screw speed, haul-off speed, cooling, and dimensional control.
- Troubleshoot common extrusion issues such as dimensional variations, surface defects, melt fracture, surging, and die swell.
- Manage setup, changeovers, and startup/shutdown procedures for extruders and downstream equipment.
- Work closely with Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance teams to resolve process and quality concerns.
- Enforce all safety policies and procedures (OSHA compliance, lockout/tagout, PPE, machine guarding) and lead safety meetings.
- Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs): line efficiency, scrap rate, uptime, throughput, and OEE.
- Control raw material usage (resins, additives, colorants) and minimize waste.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and Kaizen methodologies.
- Conduct employee performance reviews, coaching, disciplinary actions, and participate in hiring decisions.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, ISO/QMS standards, and all regulatory requirements.
Requirements
- Minimum 5+ years of hands-on experience in plastic extrusion, with at least 2–3 years in a supervisory or lead role.
- Strong technical knowledge of single-screw and twin-screw extruders, dies, calibrators, haul-offs, cutters, winders, and auxiliary equipment.
- Experience with a variety of polymers including HDPE, LDPE, PP, PVC, ABS, PC, and engineering resins.
- Proven ability to troubleshoot extrusion defects and optimize process parameters for consistent quality and output.
- Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement tools.
- Strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and ERP/MRP systems.
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and process specifications.
Preferred Qualifications
- Formal training in extrusion technology (e.g., Paulson, Rauwendaal, or equivalent).
- Experience with profile extrusion, pipe/tubing, sheet, film, or compounding.
- Knowledge of die design, maintenance, and repair.
- Experience with statistical process control (SPC) and quality systems.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand for long periods, walk production floor, and climb stairs/ladders as needed.
- Capable of lifting up to 50 lbs occasionally.
- Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with noise, heat, and moving machinery.
- Willingness to work flexible shifts, including overtime, nights, and weekends when required.
Pay
$80,000 - $90,000 per year