Extruder Operator

Job Title

This will be a full-time position working a 12-hour rotating shift schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays. This position will work as part of the operations team to produce the portfolio of compounds, minimize waste, and maintaining excellent quality and safety standards. Performs housekeeping as needed to maintain a safe and orderly work environment.

Targeted Outcomes

• Operate the Extruder under specific process specifications.
• Spend a majority of shift on the shop floor monitoring compounding line equipment.
• Make routine checks to ensure processing parameters are recorded hourly to ensure process integrity.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform minor troubleshooting during process upsets.
• Operate overhead hoist, box dumpers and tilters, and drum dumpers to process additives.
• Perform minor maintenance and equipment health checks, as needed.
• Prepare blends/batches of additives, per product specifications.
• Pack-out finished material into box or bag packaging, as well as bulk trailer.
• Operate forklift and other Powered Industrial Vehicles.
• Other assigned duties; daily activities may vary based on daily production needs.

Team

• Reports to: Production Manager
• Team Members: Foley Production

Required Experience

• High school education or GED.
• Experience in the operation of various hand tools.
• Maintains acceptable housekeeping standards.
• Effective communication skills required.
• Ability to work individually and within a small group.
• Current driver's license (needed for Powered Industrial Vehicle operation).
• 1 year of experience in a Manufacturing environment preferred.

Required Skills

• Demonstrated experience in plastic extrusion/compounding.
• Demonstrated experience actively promoting a safe workplace.
• Current Powered Industrial Vehicle license/use.
• Demonstrated experience participating in continuous improvement projects; 5S, LEAN, Six Sigma.
• Advanced computer skills with proficiency in an automation software platform (Wonderware, Delta V, etc.).
• Ability to use data historian in troubleshooting and data logging.
• Frequent climbing on/ off from Powered Industrial Vehicle.
• Solid mechanical and mathematics aptitude; including the ability to calculate percent's, ratios, unit conversions, and averages.
• Basic computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to interpret gauges and instruments.
• Physical requirements include lifting 55-lb bags (floor to chest), working in hot & cold temperatures, climbing stairs, frequent walking, standing, and reaching in front of body.

Ascend is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, creed, sex, age, disability, or national origin.

At Ascend Performance Materials, we value transparency and fairness in our hiring process. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, search firms, or staffing agencies. Any resumes received from such entities will be considered the property of Ascend Performance Materials, and we will not be obligated to pay any fees for such submissions. Our Talent Acquisition Team actively engages with preferred recruitment partners who have established agreements with us. We encourage all interested candidates to apply directly through our official channels to be considered for any open positions.

Ascend Performance Materials is the premium provider of high-quality chemicals, fibers and plastics focused on improving quality of life and inspiring a better tomorrow through innovation. We are a fully integrated material solutions provider with manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and Asia.

Our global workforce makes the materials used to make safer vehicles, cleaner energy, better medical devices, smarter appliances, and longer-lasting apparel and consumer goods. We are committed to safety, sustainability, and the success of our customers and our communities.

Our vision is to be the recognized leader in the nylon 6,6 value chain, creating new possibilities with PA66 for everyone, everywhere, every day. We achieve that through living our Ascend values: OARS.

Our OARS values shape how we work, lead, and grow together. We take ownership, stay accountable, operate reliably, and support one another to deliver results safely and consistently. Through clear expectations, empowered decision-making, intentional communication, and continuous feedback, we create a culture built on action, visibility, and shared success.

Together, OARS gives us a shared language and clear direction. These values guide our decisions, shape priorities and set expectations as we move forward – aligned, focused and committed to creating performance materials that improve lives today and inspire a better tomorrow.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information or other protected status under federal, state or local laws.