Production, Maintenance, Laborers

Extrusion Operator

The Extrusion Machine Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, monitoring, and adjusting foam extrusion equipment used to manufacture foam products.. This role involves controlling raw material feed rates, maintaining product quality standards, and ensuring safe operation of extrusion machinery throughout the production process.

Assist with packaging, labeling, and staging finished products for shipment.

Control and adjust extrusion parameters including temperature zones, pressures, screw speeds, and material feed rates.

Perform machine start-ups, changeovers, shutdowns, and production adjustments as needed.

Inspect foam products for quality attributes including diameter, density, cell structure, surface finish, and color consistency.

Conduct routine quality checks and accurately document production data.

Troubleshoot process issues related to foam expansion, product defects, material flow, or equipment performance.

Safely handle raw materials, additives, colorants, and blowing agents used in the extrusion process.

Perform basic preventative maintenance and assist maintenance personnel with equipment repairs.

High school diploma or GED preferred.

Previous experience operating extrusion equipment, plastics processing equipment, or manufacturing machinery preferred.

Ability to read work instructions, production schedules, and quality specifications.

Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.

Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment.

Foam extrusion manufacturing

Quality control inspections

Mechanical troubleshooting

Preventative maintenance

Production documentation

Ability to work around moving machinery, elevated temperatures, and industrial manufacturing equipment.

Must be able to wear required PPE, including safety glasses, hearing protection, and other protective equipment.

Foam extrusion manufacturing

Industrial machine operation

Manufacturing quality inspections

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hickory, NC.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.