Thermoplastics Processing Technician (Molding & Extrusion)

Job Description

Job Description

Thermoplastics Processing Technician (Molding & Extrusion)

Step into a hands-on role where precision, pace, and process all come together. As a Thermoplastics Processing Technician, you will start and operate multiple plastics production lines, keep them tuned for quality output, and document the details that keep our operation running smoothly.

A day in the life

You arrive, review the production schedule, and bring your lines online. You verify machine setpoints against specifications, start equipment safely, and monitor purges to ensure a clean, stable process. Throughout the shift, you perform in-process checks, confirm correct sleeves, boxes, labels, and raw materials by part number, and make on-the-fly mechanical adjustments to keep parts in spec. When an issue pops up, you troubleshoot, clean filters, complete minor maintenance, and coordinate with your supervisor for any needed repairs—then re-start equipment and return to target rates. You capture production and quality data by hand or with data collectors, complete documentation on problems, root causes, and solutions, and properly close out each run. Along the way, you help train Technician Operators, rotate to provide break and lunch relief, and keep your area tidy and safe.

What you’ll operate

• Extrusion blow mold, extrusion machines
• Injection mold and injection blow mold machines
• Lining, labeling, pad printing, and silk-screen equipment
• Mechanic’s tools, calipers, gauges, and weight scales

Essential responsibilities

• Start up production machines; verify and maintain accurate setpoints
• Operate extrusion, blow molding, injection molding, labeling, pad printing, and silk-screen stations
• Clean filters, conduct minor maintenance, and monitor equipment during purging
• Confirm correct sleeves, boxes, labels, and materials via part numbers
• Perform ongoing quality inspections; sample parts to specification
• Troubleshoot line issues and adjust machines to resolve problems
• Notify supervisor for required maintenance; re-start equipment after service
• Document problems, causes, and corrective actions
• Record production and quality data; close out runs accurately
• Maintain housekeeping standards and enforce safety practices
• Assist in training other Technician Operators
• Provide relief coverage for breaks and lunches
• Complete other related duties and special projects as assigned

Marginal functions

• Make boxes, pack and/or test products as needed
• Attach labels to products as required

Qualifications Education

High school diploma or equivalent required, plus mechanical aptitude and technical training related to packaging, plastics, and printing equipment.

Experience

1–3 years operating machinery in the packaging/plastics industry with demonstrated proficiency meeting production and quality requirements.

Skills

• Language: Basic reading, writing, and speaking
• Mathematics: Practical arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry; ability to compute fractions, percentages, ratios, proportions, variables, and formulas
• Reasoning: Apply sound judgment to solve practical problems with several concrete variables; interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or scheduled instructions
• Computers: Basic to intermediate proficiency; experience with CNC machines

Physical and visual demands

• Regular standing, walking, bending, lifting, moving, talking, hearing, pushing, carrying, reaching, and grasping
• Normal mental and visual attention with manual coordination; periods of concentrated attention and coordination
• Visual clarity at 20 inches or less and 20 feet or more; ability to focus sharply, judge distance/space relationships, and distinguish colors
• Light to medium work: exert up to 50 pounds of force continuously and up to 50 pounds frequently to move objects

Work environment

Proximity to moving mechanical parts and exposure to noise, dust, high temperatures, heat from equipment, hot water, hot plastic, and heater bands used to melt plastic. Required protective gear may include hair net, safety glasses, earplugs, and gloves.