Extrusion Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Shift will be 1st 730am-4pm Pay range $26-$30.

An  Extrusion System Maintenance Mechanic specializes in the industrial cooling systems critical to the extrusion manufacturing process. Because the quality of extruded plastic or metal depends on precise temperature control, this role focuses on the "closed-loop" or "open-loop" water systems that cool the product as it leaves the die.

Role Summary

The Extrusion Water System Maintenance Mechanic ensures the continuous operation of chilled water systems, heat exchangers, and cooling troughs. This role is vital for preventing product warping and minimizing production downtime caused by overheating or scale buildup in the cooling lines.

Key Responsibilities

•  Cooling System Upkeep: Maintain and repair water troughs (tanks), vacuum tanks, and spray headers used to solidify extruded profiles.

•  Chiller & Tower Maintenance: Service industrial chillers, cooling towers, and heat exchangers, including compressor checks and refrigerant monitoring.

•  Pump & Motor Repair: Troubleshoot and rebuild centrifugal pumps and motors that circulate water from the reservoir to the extrusion lines.

•  Water Chemistry & Filtration: Monitor water quality to prevent mineral scaling and biological growth; clean and replace industrial filtration systems and strainers.

•  Pipefitting: Install and repair high-pressure PVC, copper, or stainless steel piping and specialized "quick-connect" fittings used on extrusion dies.

•  Emergency Troubleshooting: Diagnose flow rate drops or temperature fluctuations that threaten production quality.

Technical Requirements

•  Industrial Hydraulics: Deep understanding of fluid dynamics, flow control valves, and pressure regulators.

•  Thermal Dynamics: Knowledge of how water temperature affects different materials (HDPE, PVC, Aluminum, etc.) during the cooling phase.

•  System Integration: Ability to work on integrated PLC-controlled water systems that automatically adjust flow based on line speed.

•  Preventative Maintenance (PM): Executing scheduled descaling of heat exchangers and lubrication of pump bearings.

Physical & Environmental Conditions

•  Environment: Often works in a loud, high-temperature manufacturing plant, specifically around steam and wet floors.

•  Safety: Expertise in Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures for high-voltage pumps and pressurized thermal systems.

•  Precision: Must be able to work quickly during "changeovers" when cooling troughs must be reconfigured for different product shapes.

Preferred Qualifications

•  Experience: 3–5 years in an industrial maintenance setting, specifically within plastics or metal extrusion.

•  Certifications: EPA Section 608 Certification (for chiller/refrigerant handling) is often highly valued.

•  Blueprints: Proficiency in reading industrial piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).