The Extruder Operator is responsible for safely operating, monitoring, and maintaining plastic extrusion and pelletizing equipment. This position ensures recycled plastic materials are processed according to production schedules, customer specifications, quality standards, and Sunrise safety requirements.
The Extruder Operator monitors temperatures, pressures, feed rates, screen conditions, cooling systems, and pellet quality while identifying and correcting production issues. This role requires strong attention to safety, equipment performance, product quality, and production efficiency.
Key Skills for This Role
Lockout/Tagout
Full Job Posting
Extruder Operator
Department: Manufacturing / Production Reports To: Production Supervisor Classification: Hourly, Non-Exempt Work Schedule: Assigned Shift; overtime, weekends, and holidays may be required
Position Summary
The Extruder Operator is responsible for safely operating, monitoring, and maintaining plastic extrusion and pelletizing equipment. This position ensures recycled plastic materials are processed according to production schedules, customer specifications, quality standards, and Sunrise safety requirements.
The Extruder Operator monitors temperatures, pressures, feed rates, screen conditions, cooling systems, and pellet quality while identifying and correcting production issues. This role requires strong attention to safety, equipment performance, product quality, and production efficiency.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Safely start, operate, monitor, adjust, and shut down extrusion and pelletizing equipment.
Review production orders, material specifications, work instructions, and shift priorities.
Verify that the correct raw materials, additives, colorants, and regrind materials are being used.
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Material changeovers, line purging, and contamination control.
Lockout/Tagout and machine-guarding procedures.
Quality inspections and production documentation.
Physical Requirements
Regularly stand and walk for extended periods.
Frequently bend, reach, climb stairs, push, pull, and use hand tools.
Lift and carry up to 50 pounds, with assistance or lifting equipment when required.
Work around heat, noise, moving machinery, dust, odors, and plastic-processing materials.
Use required PPE throughout the assigned work area.
Maintain sufficient vision, hearing, coordination, and mobility to operate equipment safely.
Performance Expectations and KPIs
Performance will be evaluated based on:
Compliance with safety procedures and PPE requirements.
Production output compared with established shift targets.
Product quality and conformance to specifications.
Scrap, waste, and material-loss percentages.
Equipment uptime and avoidable downtime.
Accuracy of production, quality, and material records.
Proper completion of changeovers, cleanouts, and screen changes.
Housekeeping and organization of the assigned work area.
Attendance, punctuality, and reliability.
Communication and effectiveness of shift handoffs.
Timely reporting of mechanical, safety, and quality concerns.
Teamwork and cooperation with Production, Quality, Maintenance, and Warehouse personnel.
Success in This Role
A successful Extruder Operator consistently produces quality material, protects employees and equipment, follows approved procedures, maintains accurate records, communicates production concerns promptly, and takes ownership of the assigned extrusion line.
Management reserves the right to modify duties, responsibilities, schedules, and performance expectations based on operational needs. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
