Extruder Operator – Plastic Manufacturing

About the role

The Extruder Operator is responsible for safely running and maintaining plastic extrusion and pelletizing equipment to meet production schedules and quality standards. This role works on assigned shifts and may require overtime, weekends, and holidays.

Key responsibilities

• Start, operate, monitor, adjust, and shut down extrusion and pelletizing lines.
• Verify raw materials, additives, colorants, and regrind before processing.
• Monitor temperatures, pressures, screw speed, feed rates, cooling and vacuum systems, and adjust settings within approved parameters.
• Perform screen changes, die cleaning, line changeovers, purging, and equipment setup.
• Inspect pellets for size, color, moisture, and contamination; collect samples for quality testing.
• Accurately record production totals, downtime, scrap, equipment settings, and material usage.
• Report equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, and assist maintenance while following Lockout/Tagout procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and communicate shift handoffs.

Required profile

• Strong focus on safety, equipment performance, and product quality.
• Ability to follow detailed work instructions and safety procedures.
• Willingness to work assigned shifts, including overtime and holidays.
• Effective communication for shift handoffs and teamwork.

Required skills

• Operation of plastic extrusion equipment.
• Operation of pelletizing equipment.
• Temperature and pressure monitoring.
• Screw speed and feed rate adjustment.
• Lockout/Tagout safety procedures.
• Quality control sampling and documentation.

What we offer

• Competitive hourly wage.
• Opportunities for overtime and skill development.
• Safe, supportive manufacturing environment.