Extrusion Machine Operator

Job Description

Job Description

SUMMARY:

The Extrusion Machine Operator is responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining plastic extrusion equipment to produce high-quality plastic products. This role ensures consistent production output, adherence to safety and quality standards, accurate documentation, and efficient machine performance in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. 

• Machine Operation & Production
  • Set up, start, operate, and shut down plastic extrusion machines according to production requirements.
  • Adjust machine settings (temperature, speed, pressure, die positions) to maintain product quality.
  • Monitor production lines to ensure continuous operation and detect equipment or material issues.
  • Perform material loading, including resin, colorants, additives, and regrind.
  • Conduct regular visual and physical inspections of extruded products for defects.
• Quality Control
  • Follow quality standards per specifications, work orders, and customer requirements.
  • Use measurement tools such as tap measure (in both imperial and metric values), calipers, gauges, and scales to verify product dimensions. 
  • Record production data, test results, scrap levels, and machine performance.
• Maintenance & Troubleshooting
  • Perform basic machine maintenance such as cleaning and replacing dies.
  • Identify and troubleshoot mechanical or quality issues.
  • Coordinate with maintenance technicians for equipment breakdowns.
• Documentation & Reporting
  • Complete production logs, downtime reports, and material usage records.
  • Communicate machine performance and production status to supervisors.
  • Participate in shift changeovers and team briefings.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

• This position does not have any direct reports. 

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience as a machine operator, preferably in a manufacturing environment. 
• Ability to read production schedules and quality specifications.
• Other skills required: 
  • Excellent problem-solving abilities.
  • Aptitude for math and general mechanical ability.
  • Ability to work and communicate well with others. 
  • Attention to detail; must be able to follow instructions.
  • Proficiency with hand tools.
  • Ability to read a tape measure.
  • Strong understanding of both imperial and metric measurements with the ability to convert between both. 
  • Willingness and ability to perform repetitive tasks for extended periods. 

• Additional education and experience preferred.
• Experience with plastic extrusion machines.
• Knowledge of thermoplastics.
• Basic computer skills.  

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the duties and responsibilities. 

This position will be located in a production shop floor environment and may be required to work a 12-hour rotating shift; 1st, 2nd, or 3rd shift; or other designated shift hours. Overtime may also be required based on business conditions. While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is moderate with occasional loud noise. Frequently required to talk, hear, walk, sit, and stand. Occasionally required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl. Continually works near moving mechanical parts and may occasionally be exposed to fumes, airborne particles or toxic chemicals. Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. 

• Perform job functions in a safe manner.
• Wear all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required by Company policy for the job being performed.
• Know and follow established job-specific and facility wide safety and health procedures and rules.
• Actively participate in safety and health training and demonstrate competency based on training received. 
• Brings safety and health issues, unsafe acts, and safety suggestions to management’s attention or correct those you can upon observation.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. They may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. 

• Multiple benefit plans to choose from based on you and/or your family’s needs, beginning the 1st of the month following date of hire.
• 401(k) eligibility after 90 days.
• Vacation and Holiday pay
• Training opportunities
• And much more! 

TeMa North America is an Equal Opportunity Employer.