Sr. Plastic Extrusion Technician (1st shift)

About the role

The Sr. Plastic Extrusion Technician operates, monitors, and maintains plastic extrusion equipment to produce high-quality plastic profiles, tubing, pipe, sheet, or other extruded products. This hands-on role ensures consistent product quality, efficient production, and adherence to safety and process standards in a manufacturing environment.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• 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.
• Set up, start up, operate, and shut down single-screw or twin-screw extruders and related downstream equipment (pullers, cutters, coolers, winders, etc.).
• Perform material handling: load raw materials (pellets, regrind, additives), blend formulations as required, and manage material changes or purges.
• Conduct in-process quality checks (dimensions, appearance, weight, wall thickness, ovality) using calipers, micrometers, laser gauges, or other measurement tools.
• Troubleshoot common extrusion issues (surging, die lines, contamination, dimensional variation, melt fracture) and take corrective action or escalate as needed.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance, die and tooling changes, screen pack changes, and basic equipment cleaning.
• Follow all safety procedures, including lockout/tagout, PPE requirements, and proper handling of hot equipment and materials.
• Accurately complete production logs, quality records, and shift reports.
• Aid with process optimization, scrap reduction, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area in accordance with 5S or similar standards.

Required Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent; technical training or associate degree in plastics, manufacturing, or related field preferred.
• 2-4+ years of hands-on experience operating plastic extrusion equipment (profile, pipe, tubing, sheet, or film preferred).
• Knowledge of extrusion process principles, temperature control, and material behavior of common resins (PVC, PE, PP, ABS, etc.).
• Ability to read and interpret process sheets, work instructions, and basic technical drawings.
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort using hand tools, measurement instruments, and basic troubleshooting techniques.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently or as part of a production team.
• Willingness to work rotating shifts, overtime, and weekends as production demands require.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and basic ERP/MRP systems.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and work instructions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with specific extrusion processes relevant to the company’s products (e.g., pipe, profile, medical tubing, or co-extrusion).
• Familiarity with statistical process control (SPC), quality systems, or ISO standards.
• Basic understanding of plastics material science or prior experience with material formulation/blending.
• Forklift or powered industrial truck certification.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Manufacturing floor environment with exposure to heat, noise, and moving equipment.
• Requires standing, walking, bending, and occasional lifting.
• Strict adherence to safety protocols is mandatory.
• Willingness to work flexible shifts, including overtime, nights, and weekends when required.

Hourly Range

$27.00 - $32.00/hour