Production Tech

Ultra-Poly Corporation is hiring!

About us:

Ultra-Poly Corporation is a pioneer in recycling plastics through innovative manufacturing processes. We are a family owned and operated regional business with our corporate headquarters located in Portland PA. Our work culture is supportive and provides opportunities to grow in an environmentally responsible business. We strive to be and employer that you can be proud to be a part of the team.

Position Summary:

The Production Tech is a hands-on hybrid role responsible for both working as part of the production crew and assisting with the mechanical health of the processing lines. Roughly half of the role is being part of the production crew, and half is wrench-time: troubleshooting, repairing, and performing preventive maintenance on shredders, granulators, extruders, melt filtration systems, elutriation equipment, and material conveying systems. The right candidate helps keep the line running, and knows when to fix a problem at the machine versus escalate it.

What you can expect to be doing:

Production Associate (50%)

• Execute the production schedule: manage line startups, shutdowns, and product changeovers, including screen changes, die changes, and feedstock transitions between PP and PE runs.
• Verify in-process quality checks (melt flow, density, color, contamination) are performed at required intervals and that product conforms to customer specification; quarantine nonconforming material per ISO 9001:2015 procedures.
• Complete shift production reporting: throughput, downtime causes, scrap, and material usage; conduct shift-to-shift handoff communication.
• Enforce plant safety requirements, including lockout/tagout (LOTO), confined space, hot work, and PPE compliance; lead incident reporting and participate in investigations.
• Train and develop operators on equipment operation, quality checks, and safe work practices; provide input on performance.

Line Tech (50%)

• Troubleshoot and repair production equipment, including single- and twin-screw extruders, shredders, grinders/granulators, screen changers and melt filtration systems, elutriation and aspiration systems, pelletizers, dryers, blenders, and pneumatic/mechanical conveying.
• May assist with performing preventive maintenance per schedule: screw and barrel inspection, gearbox lubrication and oil changes, heater band and thermocouple replacement, knife/blade changes and gap settings, belt and bearing replacement.
• Diagnose electrical and controls issues at a first-line level (motors, sensors, heater zones, VFD faults) and coordinate with maintenance technicians or electricians on complex repairs.
• Fabricate or modify basic components as needed (cutting, grinding, basic welding a plus).
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and parts usage in the work order system; identify and request critical spares.
• Minimize unplanned downtime by anticipating wear items during changeovers and addressing developing issues before failure.

Qualifications:

• 2+ years of experience in plastics processing, recycling, or comparable heavy industrial manufacturing, including at least 1 years of mechanical maintenance on production equipment.
• Working knowledge of extrusion and size-reduction equipment (extruders, shredders, granulators) and the ability to read mechanical drawings and equipment manuals.
• Proficiency with hand and power tools, precision measurement (calipers, feeler gauges), rigging, and safe equipment handling.
• Basic electrical troubleshooting (480V 3-phase awareness, VFDs, PLC fault reading).
• Forklift certification and welding/fabrication skills.
• Vocational or technical training in industrial maintenance, mechatronics, or plastics technology.
• Solid understanding of LOTO and industrial safety practices.
• Ability to work a 12-hour rotating shift schedule, lift up to 50 lbs, climb stairs and ladders, and work in a non-climate-controlled plant environment around dust and noise (PPE provided).
• High school diploma or GED.

What we are looking for in our hires:

• Mechanically Inclined
• Great attention to details
• Ability to multi-task and work well under pressure
• Have a strong work ethic - dependable and demonstrate good attendance
• Able to work a 12-hour shift
  • Our work schedule rotates every 2 weeks: 36 hours one week & 48 hours second week (schedule includes every other weekend)
  • Day shift hours = 7 AM to 7 PM
  • Night shift hours = 7 PM to 7 AM
• Able to meet the physical qualifications for this position which include:
  • Standing for extended periods of time
  • Lift, throw, bend, squat, twist and reach
  • Lift, push or pull up to 50 lbs.
• Need to be able to read, write and understand English
• Lastly, have a positive attitude and be willing to assist others when needed

What Ultra-Poly offers:

• Starting rate $22.00
• Performance reviews every 6 months
• Better work/life balance with 12-hour shifts and 7 days off in a 2-week period
• Growth opportunities and on-the job training
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 100% company paid disability, life and AD&D insurance
• Quarterly attendance bonuses
• Safety bonuses
• and more...

Ultra-Poly is a place where you can stop searching for a job, because you actually found a place where you are comfortable and can begin your next career. Take the next step and apply for one of our openings!