Extrusion Process Technician

PURPOSE OF THE JOB The Extrusion Process Technician is a hands-on technical leadership role responsible for operating and optimizing extrusion equipment while serving as the plant's extrusion process expert. This position supports process stability, product quality , recipe management, troubleshooting, operator training, and continuous improvement initiatives across the extrusion operation. The successful candidate will work closely with production, quality, and maintenance teams to improve performance, reduce process variation, and ensure safe, efficient manufacturing operations. As a key member of the process team, this role provides technical guidance to extruders operators, helps develop and maintain standard work procedures, leads training and certification efforts, and serves as the backup to the Process & Quality Leader when needed. Reports to : Process & Quality Leader Span of Control : Plant level Shift: Monday - Friday 6:30am-3pm Hourly Rate: $30.00/hour Sign-On Bonus $1,000 Sign-On Bonus $500 paid after 90 days of employment $500 paid after 180 days of employment Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 6:30 AM - 3:00 PM O vertime as needed Benefits Benefits begin on your first day of employment! Quarterly VIP Bonus Program Multiple comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription plan options Healthy Living Incentives and Rewards Programs Paid Time Off (PTO) 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match up to 6% Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) Company-Paid Basic Life Insurance Company-Paid Short-Term Disability Coverage Weekly Pay JOB RESPONSIBILITIES Hands-on Extruder Serve as a hands-on Extruder Lead, operating extrusion equipment while providing technical and functional leadership for the extrusion team. Lead compliance and training efforts, support troubleshooting and continuous improvement initiatives, and ensure adherence to safety, quality, and production requirements. Safety Work safely; follow all safety rules and rules of conduct Secure all data and pictures for extrusion-related safety alerts Process & Quality Management Maintain and update HMI recipes and standard changeover plans under the direction of the Process and Quality Leader Create, review and revise standard work documents as needed Manage melt index tracking for Resin Surge Bins & Reclaim Operations Maintain records of process abnormalities including feedback and observations from Operators and QC Technicians Assist and provide direction as needed in trouble shooting process upsets and resolutions, and secure data and pictures for same Create and communicate all operator alerts related to T2 and T3 extruders as well as reclaims 1 & 2 Monitor product quality by reviewing daily lab results and communicate/provide direction to operators on recommended process adjustments Monitor and communicate the status of processing capability and product performance Training Train on standard work process for current and new equipment Lead training & certification process for employees training for Tech III utilizing the Tech III training matrix to track progress Identify and create plans for skill gap closure for existing Tech III’s Other Lead creation, implementation and sustainment of 5S on the Hill Manage process plans, and control and communication in Process/Quality Leader’s absence Support crews remotely on off shifts as necessary to address questions or upsets JOB REQUIREMENTS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS : High School Diploma or GED required Minimum of 5 years of extrusion operator or related manufacturing experience Tech III Certification preferred Strong working knowledge of extrusion equipment, controls, and troubleshooting techniques.Demonstrated ability to diagnose and resolve equipment and process issues.Consistent record of strong job performance and dependable attendance Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement initiatives KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES : Strong Word & Excel skills Knowledge of QC test procedures and Proficient program Demonstrated record-keeping skills Can perform and teach all extrusion operating procedures and controls Ability to do basic mathematical calculations. Excellent time management & multi-tasking skills Ability to work with little or no supervision Good communication and interpersonal relations skills Basic supervisory skills ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT Work in hot/cold manufacturing environment Ability to work overtime or adjust schedule as necessary for observation and communication with other shifts