XPS Machine Operator

Duties & Responsibilities

• Extrusion Line Operation: Set up, start, operate, and shut down XPS extrusion equipment according to established procedures. Adjust temperature, pressure, screw speed, die settings, haul-off, and downstream equipment to maintain product specifications. Load raw materials and additives into the extrusion system. Monitor production parameters and machine indicators to ensure stable operation.
• Quality Control: Perform regular measurements of thickness, width, density, and surface quality. Record data accurately and communicate deviations promptly. Make necessary machine adjustments to maintain consistent quality. Identify and remove defective product.
• Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Perform basic troubleshooting during production. Clean dies, filters, screens, and machine components. Assist maintenance technicians with minor repairs. Report equipment issues immediately to minimize downtime.
• Production & Documentation: Meet daily production targets and report issues. Complete production logs and quality records. Communicate shift changes and equipment status with incoming teams. Maintain a clean and organized work area.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have any direct reports.

Required Qualifications

• A High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 1-3 years of production or machine-operation experience.
• Understanding of temperature control, melt flow, and die adjustments.
• Ability to use calipers and read a tape measure.
• Strong understanding of both imperial and metric measurements with the ability to convert between both.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities.
• Aptitude for math and general mechanical ability.
• Ability to work and communicate well with others.
• Aptitude for attention to detail; must be able to follow instructions.
• Willingness to work rotating shifts, overtime, or weekends.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Mechanical or technical training.
• Plastic extrusion or foam manufacturing experience.
• Experience operating plastic extrusion machinery.
• Basic computer skills.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Frequently required to talk, hear, walk, sit, and stand. Occasionally required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl. Continually works near moving mechanical parts and may occasionally be exposed to fumes, airborne particles or toxic chemicals. Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Health & Safety Requirements

Perform job functions in a safe manner. Wear all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required by Company policy for the job being performed. Know and follow established job-specific and facility wide safety and health procedures and rules. Actively participate in safety and health training and demonstrate competency based on training received. Brings safety and health issues, unsafe acts, and safety suggestions to management’s attention or correct those you can upon observation. Comply with environmental and waste-handling requirements.

Other Duties

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. They may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.