Polymer Compounding Operations Technician

A day in this rolePicture this: it’s 2:40 PM in Fountain Inn. You clock in, greet your crew, review the manufacturing schedule, and prep the line. You confirm melt-mixing equipment is running properly, pull computer-generated load sheets, and begin moving bulk raw materials from silos and tanks into mixing vessels with precision. You weigh out additives for the dry blend, stage raw materials, and keep the packaging area ready to bag and box finished PVC pellets per labeling instructions. Throughout the shift, you communicate with your lead, swap notes with relief operators, and jump in where the team needs you. By 11:00 PM, your work has helped keep our customers’ supply chains moving.About Teknor ApexIn 1924, Alfred Fain opened a small tire store in Rhode Island. Nearly a century later, Teknor Apex has grown into a global custom compounder with nine U.S. sites and facilities in Belgium, Singapore, Germany, and China—still privately held and led by Fain’s grandson. Our success is built on long-term relationships—with employees and customers alike. As our CEO Jon Fain says, “Manufacturing is a team sport and we work together to achieve our goals.”What you’ll operate and ownBlending: Convert measured additives into a uniform dry blend powder.Compounding: Accurately weigh all materials for production runs; organize and store raw materials according to our raw material program.Packaging: Pack PVC pellets into boxes and bags as scheduled; follow silo selection, labeling, and packaging specs.Console control: Transfer bulk raw materials from silos/tanks into mixing vessels per computer-generated load sheets.Core responsibilitiesVerify melt-mixing equipment is functioning safely and correctly.Retrieve and follow processing instructions to produce pellets to spec.Set up per defined conditions; consult lead or supervisor on issues.Share processing notes and quality concerns with operators and support staff; escalate to Lead/Supervisor as needed.Provide break relief; flex across jobs and lines as required.Maintain a neat, orderly workstation.Demonstrate teamwork; support overtime coverage when colleagues are out.Attend departmental meetings.Successfully complete a 90-day probationary period.Physical and environmental demandsLift, cut, and dump bags up to 60 lbs into blenders multiple times a shift.Scoop from boxes/drums; over a shift you may handle 20,000–40,000 lbs of material.Operate forklifts and hand trucks.Scrape blender walls; bend, stoop, and lean for extended periods.Climb ladders/stairs; handle drums and related equipment.Work in warm to hot environments; wear required PPE (safety shoes, glasses, hearing protection, respirator as needed).Skills and qualificationsRead/interpret documents; apply sound judgment and problem-solving.Math skills: add, subtract, multiply, divide; work with fractions/decimals; calculate rates/ratios/percent; interpret bar graphs.Reliable, consistent attendance in a continuous production setting.Lift up to 50 lbs repeatedly; climb stairs; tolerate warm/hot conditions.Typically train on 1st shift up to 4 weeks before assignment to 2nd or 3rd; overtime (including Saturdays/Sundays) as needed for customer demand.Forklift operation with a valid license; company-provided PPE.Schedule and locationShift available: 2nd Shift (2:40pm - 11:00pm)Fountain Inn is a smoke-free facility; tobacco use is not permitted on company premises.What you bringExcellent attendance record.Commitment to safe work practices.Ability to follow work instructions.Solid, consistent work history.ProficienciesCompounderMixingBlendingPlastics - PA6 ExperienceRewards and benefitsMedical, Dental, Vision with very low deductibles; company pays ~85%.Benefits eligibility within 30 days of hire.Company-paid wellness programs: smoking cessation, mental health, weight loss.On-site medical clinic for employee and spouse at no charge (prescriptions, wellness visits, immunizations).Up to 7% employer 401(k) contribution plus free financial planning.Employee Assistance Program.Two weeks paid vacation and 13 paid holidays.$1,000 Sign-on Bonus: $250 after 30 days, $250 after 90 days, $500 after 180 days.Employee referral bonus.Shift differential: $1.25 (2nd), $1.50 (3rd).8-hour production shifts; paid weekly.Overtime production schedule posted 1 year in advance—no production for most holiday weekends.Monthly attendance bonuses and performance bonuses.Pay increases for cross-training/skills growth.Weekly onsite food trucks.Recognition points redeemable for products (perfect attendance, milestones, achievements).Company discounts: gyms, restaurants, theme parks, travel, auto, and more.Frequent employee appreciation events—meals, giveaways, contests.Free income tax filing assistance for eligible associates.Community involvement and volunteer opportunities; Family Day; service recognition.Join usIf you thrive in a team-first environment and take pride in safe, precise work, we’d love to meet you.Teknor Apex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any protected status under state or federal laws. Must be 18 years of age to work at Teknor Apex. #J-18808-Ljbffr Torrey Holistics