Polymer Compounding Process Operator

Since 1924, Teknor Apex has grown from a single Rhode Island tire store into a global leader in custom polymer compounding with operations across the U.S., Belgium, Singapore, Germany, and China. Still privately held and family-led, we prize the close-knit teamwork and customer partnerships that power our success.

About the role

A day on the compounding floor: You arrive ready to run a safe, efficient 8-hour production shift. Working alongside a tight crew, you may rotate through several stations that turn raw ingredients into high-quality PVC pellets.

• Blending: Convert measured additives into a uniform Dry Blend powder.
• Compounding: Weigh ingredients for production runs; organize and store raw materials per our material control program.
• Console operations: Transfer bulk materials from silos and tanks into mixing vessels following computer-generated load sheets.
• Packaging: Bag and box finished PVC pellets according to the schedule, silo selection, and labeling instructions.

Responsibilities

• Verify all melt-mixing equipment is safe and in proper working order before and during operation.
• Retrieve and follow processing instructions to produce pellets per the manufacturing schedule and setup conditions.
• Communicate quality or process concerns promptly to the Lead or Supervisor and share key details with operators and support staff at shift handoff.
• Provide break relief and flex across jobs or lines as coverage needs arise.
• Maintain a neat, organized work area and attend department meetings.
• Demonstrate teamwork, reliability, and availability for overtime coverage; successfully complete a 90-day probationary period.

Physical demands

• Cut, handle, and dump bags up to 60 lbs into blenders repeatedly each shift.
• Scoop from boxes/drums and load a total of roughly 20,000–40,000 lbs per shift.
• Operate forklifts and hand trucks; handle drums and associated equipment.
• Scrape and clean blender interiors; climb ladders and stairs as needed.
• Bend, stoop, and lean for sustained periods; wear required PPE at all times.

Requirements

• Comfort reading work instructions and applying sound judgment to solve problems.
• Solid math skills: add/subtract/multiply/divide; work with fractions/decimals; calculate rate, ratio, and percent; interpret bar graphs.
• Consistent attendance and strong work ethic suited to continuous production.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs repeatedly; climb stairs; work in a warm-to-hot environment.
• Train on 1st shift for up to 4 weeks, then move to 2nd or 3rd; overtime may include Saturdays and Sundays.
• Operate a forklift safely with a valid license.

PPE provided: certified safety shoes, safety glasses, hearing protection, and respirator as needed.

Schedule

• Shift: 2nd Shift (2:40pm – 11:00pm) with an added differential of $1.25/hr for 2nd and $1.50/hr for 3rd.
• Pay cadence: Weekly for 8-hour production shifts.
• Overtime planning: Production OT schedule posted one year in advance; most holiday weekends are not scheduled.

Pay

Sign-on bonus: $1,000 total—$250 at 30 days, $250 at 90 days, $500 at 180 days.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision: Attractive coverage with very low deductibles; 85% of premiums paid by the company; eligibility within 30 days.
• On-site medical clinic: No-charge access for employees and spouses, including prescriptions, wellness visits, and immunizations.
• Retirement: Up to 7% employer 401(k) contribution plus free financial planning support.
• Time off: Two weeks paid vacation and 13 paid holidays.
• Well-being: Company-paid programs for smoking cessation, mental health, and weight loss; Employee Assistance Program.
• Recognition and rewards: Monthly attendance and performance bonuses; pay increases for new skills; recognition points redeemable for great products (for perfect attendance, milestones, and other achievements).
• Extras: Employee referral bonuses; weekly food trucks; discounts for gyms, restaurants, theme parks, travel, automotive, and more; frequent appreciation events; free income tax filing assistance for eligible associates; community volunteer options; Family Day; years-of-service recognition.

Qualifications

What great candidates share:

• Excellent attendance
• Commitment to safe work practices
• Ability to follow detailed work instructions
• Solid, reliable work history

Teknor Apex Fountain Inn is a smoke-free facility. The use of tobacco products is not allowed on company premises.