General Production Worker

Extrusion OperatorThe Extrusion Machine Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, monitoring, and adjusting foam extrusion equipment used to manufacture foam products. This role involves controlling raw material feed rates, maintaining product quality standards, and ensuring safe operation of extrusion machinery throughout the production process.Essential Duties & Responsibilities:Set up, operate, and monitor foam extrusion lines producing foam products.Assist with packaging, labeling, and staging finished products for shipment.Control and adjust extrusion parameters including temperature zones, pressures, screw speeds, and material feed rates.Monitor and regulate injection systems to ensure proper expansion, density, and appearance of foam products.Perform machine start-ups, changeovers, shutdowns, and production adjustments as needed.Inspect foam products for quality attributes including diameter, density, cell structure, surface finish, and color consistency.Conduct routine quality checks and accurately document production data.Troubleshoot process issues related to foam expansion, product defects, material flow, or equipment performance.Safely handle raw materials, additives, colorants, and blowing agents used in the extrusion process.Perform basic preventative maintenance and assist maintenance personnel with equipment repairs.Maintain a clean and organized work area in accordance with company safety standards.Qualifications:High school diploma or GED preferred.Previous experience operating extrusion equipment, plastics processing equipment, or manufacturing machinery preferred.Experience with foam extrusion is highly desirable.Ability to read work instructions, production schedules, and quality specifications.Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment.Skills & Knowledge:Foam extrusion manufacturingMachine setup and adjustmentsQuality control inspectionsMechanical troubleshootingProcess optimizationSafety and compliance awarenessPreventative maintenanceProduction documentationTeam collaborationPhysical Requirements:Frequently stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 lbs.Ability to work around moving machinery, elevated temperatures, and industrial manufacturing equipment.Must be able to wear required PPE, including safety glasses, hearing protection, and other protective equipment.Preferred Experience:Foam extrusion manufacturingIndustrial machine operationManufacturing quality inspectionsJob Type & Location:This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hickory, NC.Pay and Benefits:The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $23.00/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.Workplace Type:This is a fully onsite position in Hickory, NC.About Aerotek:Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com.Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.