Primary Production Utility

Extruder Operator

Company Background: Farmina is nature and science in perfect harmony. Our mission is to develop the best all-natural, nutritious, and scientifically validated food that dogs and cats will love. Farmina is an innovative Pet Nutrition Company focusing on servicing dog and cat pet parents to make the best personalized nutritional decisions for their pet's well-being while providing life changing solutions along the way.

We at Farmina firmly believe in our company motto: Happy pet. Happy you.

Position Purpose

The Extruder Operator is responsible for the efficient operation of a twin-screw extruder to produce high-quality pet food products that meet company standards and customer specifications. This role involves monitoring and controlling the extrusion process, performing equipment adjustments, and ensuring safety, quality, and production goals are achieved.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent (Associate's degree in a technical field preferred).
• 1-3 years of experience in extrusion or manufacturing operations (experience with twin-screw extruders preferred).

Skills and Competencies:

• Familiarity with twin-screw extrusion technology and its applications.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents, SOPs, and process charts.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Basic math and computer skills for production data entry and analysis.
• Good communication and teamwork abilities.

Certifications (Preferred):

• Forklift operation certification.
• HACCP or GMP training.

This role is based on first shift, but the ability to work second shift as needed is required.

Key Responsibilities

Operation and Monitoring:

• Operate and monitor the twin-screw extruder, including upstream and downstream equipment such as feeders, preconditioners, and cutting systems.
• Adjust machine settings (e.g., temperature, pressure, feed rates, moisture) to optimize product quality and production efficiency.
• Conduct routine checks to ensure consistent product size, texture, and appearance.

Quality Control:

• Perform in-process quality checks, such as measuring moisture, density, and temperature.
• Collaborate with the quality assurance team to address deviations from product specifications.
• Document production parameters and quality results accurately.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting:

• Perform basic preventive maintenance, including cleaning the extruder barrel, screws, and dies.
• Identify and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and process issues, escalating complex problems to the maintenance team as needed.
• Monitor wear and tear of extruder components and report issues requiring replacement.

Safety and Compliance:

• Adhere to safety protocols, GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices), and food safety standards.
• Ensure equipment and work areas are clean and compliant with regulatory standards.
• Participate in safety and operational training sessions.

Process Improvement:

• Suggest and implement improvements to enhance productivity, efficiency, and quality.
• Assist in developing and refining extrusion recipes and procedures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on process optimization projects.

Record Keeping and Communication:

• Maintain accurate production logs, including material usage, batch tracking, and machine parameters.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, maintenance, and quality teams about production issues or needs.
• Assist in training new operators on extrusion equipment and procedures.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Benefits Package including Medical, Dental, Vision Benefits and much more.
• 90% Company Paid Employee Only Medical Plan Option
• 401K with Employer Matching Program
• Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off
• Employee Discounts

This job description may not be inclusive of all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described, and may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of the Employer.

Farmina is An Equal Opportunity Employer