Extrusion Machine Operator

Extrusion Operator

The ideal operator has:

• Experience setting up and running machines with adjustable parameters such as speed, temperature, pressure, and fluid flow.
• Proven progression from trainee/novice to independent operator, requiring minimal supervision.
• Hands-on experience stabilizing processes by making real-time adjustments during unstable operation.
• Familiarity with process tooling (dies, guides, etc.), including setup, changeover, cleaning, and basic measurement.
• Skilled use and care of hand tools (wrenches, pliers, hex keys) and measuring instruments (calipers, scales, dial gauges).
• Experience performing manual product quality inspections using hand measurement tools.
• Ability to complete production paperwork and enter data into computer systems.
• Comfortable performing basic math for machine setup, adjustments, and in-process quality checks.
• Demonstrated learning and skill advancement through training, qualifications, promotions, or operation of multiple processes.

Job Qualifications:

• We are seeking candidates with hands-on experience operating industrial machinery—not simple part assembly roles.
• Must be able to read and comprehend specific Shop Order requirements.
• Basic math skills are required to determine inside diameter, wall thickness and length of product to meet customer requirements.
• Must be mechanically inclined in order to understand how an extrusion machine operates and flexible in order to react to manufacturing variables which might arise.
• This person should be a detail oriented individual, who has a great deal of patience, as the cleaning operations of this department are demanding.
• This operator may be required to bend, twist and lift 50 to 75 pounds when performing his/her duties.

Job Duties:

• Extrusion Operators produce product by carefully blending raw materials per the San Marcos (Shop Order) instructions, raw material "Formula" requirements and the "Pellet Mixer"setting procedure.
• Operator controls raw materials by receiving Lot numbers from San Marcos Quality Assurance releases and the correct amount of raw materials from stores for the assigned Shop Order.
• Sets mixer to predetermined feed as established for material type and color.
• Sets speed, heat, and take-up equipment per predetermined standard for material type and size.
• Selects and sets extrusion dies to precise tolerances in order to produce proper sized tubing according to customer requirements as described in the Shop Order.
• Thoroughly and meticulously cleans the dies, filters and chambers of previous material to prevent contamination.
• Maintain Quality Standards by verifying weight and contents of raw materials. Conduct in-process batch inspections. Documents all process events and approves product for next step in manufacturing process.
• Examines and records any and all electronic or mechanical variations with the processing of shop orders.
• Maintain inventories of all filters, dies, inks, thinners, printing dies, various extrusion equipment and spare parts in order to run continuously.

Schedule: 2nd shift, 2pm-11pm (Must be willing to train on 1st shift)