Extrusion Machine Operator

Extrusion Machine Operator

The Extrusion Machine Operator sets up, operates, monitors, and troubleshoots extrusion equipment used in the manufacturing of wire, cable, and medical tubing products. This role ensures products are produced safely, efficiently, and within precise quality specifications while consistently meeting production goals in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate extrusion machinery according to detailed production specifications and work instructions.
• Monitor extrusion line performance, including temperatures, speeds, and material flow, to maintain stable production.
• Perform machine adjustments and fine-tuning to ensure product quality and dimensional accuracy.
• Conduct quality inspections on in-process and finished products, using measurement tools to verify dimensions and specifications.
• Accurately document production results, inspection data, and any deviations in computer-based or written records.
• Use calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other measuring devices to confirm product compliance with quality standards.
• Troubleshoot minor equipment issues and escalate more complex mechanical concerns to maintenance or engineering as needed.
• Complete equipment changeovers, including extrusion set-up and material loading, in an efficient and safe manner.
• Handle materials, including loading, packing, labeling, and organizing products and components for production and shipment.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work area, including adherence to clean room and quality-focused procedures when required.
• Meet production output and quality targets while minimizing scrap and supporting continuous process improvement.
• Work collaboratively with supervisors, engineers, and other operators to resolve issues and optimize line performance.
• Follow all safety, quality, and operational guidelines and participate in ongoing improvement initiatives.
• Stand for extended periods and lift materials and products as required to support continuous production flow.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of experience in extrusion, machine operation, or a manufacturing production environment.
• Proven experience operating manufacturing or extrusion machinery in a production setting.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to perform basic mechanical troubleshooting on equipment.
• Quality inspection experience, including visual checks and dimensional verification.
• Proficiency using measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, and gauges.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow written work instructions and production specifications.
• Basic computer skills for documentation, data entry, and production reporting.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in both operation and recordkeeping.
• Ability to stand for extended periods during shifts.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds when required.
• Stable work history demonstrating reliability in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience working toward production output goals in a fast-paced setting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Wire and cable manufacturing experience.
• Plastic extrusion experience, including extrusion set-up and changeovers.
• Experience in medical tubing and specialty cable manufacturing.
• Experience working in a clean room or clean, quality-focused production environment.
• Familiarity with continuous process improvement practices.
• Experience with packing, labeling, assembly line work, and general production tasks.
• Material handling experience, including loading, picking, and inventory-related activities.
• Comfort using hand tools and operating various production equipment.
• Exposure to ERP or other manufacturing systems for tracking production and inventory.
• Wire EDM and EDM machine experience.
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting skills beyond basic adjustments.
• Ability to lift at least 10 pounds on a regular basis in addition to heavier lifting requirements as needed.

Why Work Here?

Employees join a global manufacturing operation that produces high-performance medical and specialty cable products in a stable and reputable environment. The organization offers clear career progression with three levels of Extrusion Operators (Level I, II, and III), providing structured opportunities to advance skills and responsibilities. Team members gain hands-on experience with specialized extrusion and manufacturing processes that are highly valued in the market, along with exposure to medical-device and specialty cable production. There are long-term growth opportunities within operations and potential pathways into research and development, all supported by a collaborative culture focused on quality, safety, and continuous improvement.

Work Environment

The role is based in a manufacturing environment producing medical tubing and cable products, with a clean, organized, and quality-focused production setting. Employees work closely with extrusion equipment, measuring devices, and quality inspection tools, as well as packing, labeling, and material handling equipment. The environment includes clean room areas where adherence to specific cleanliness and procedural standards is required. Work is performed in a fast-paced production atmosphere with a strong emphasis on safety, quality, and continuous process improvement. Team members collaborate with supervisors, engineers, and experienced operators on various shifts. Training is conducted on first shift before transitioning to the assigned shift, with shift differentials available for second and third shifts. The role involves standing for extended periods and lifting materials and products as part of daily tasks.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ashaway, RI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $30.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Ashaway, RI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 5, 2026.