Extruder Operator
About The Position
The Extruder Operator operates extrusion lines to manufacture PVC pipe in accordance with company specifications. The role includes production tasks, visual inspections, measuring pipe, making line adjustments, packaging finished products, documenting production checks, and helping maintain quality standards. The operator works under the direction of a Supervisor and may train inexperienced employees when required. This position has no supervisory responsibilities. The work may take place indoors and outdoors, with exposure to extreme cold or heat, high noise, vibration, moving machinery, electrical hazards, falling debris, chemicals, gases, dust, oils, cutting fluids, and other atmospheric conditions. The position requires operating equipment and powered vehicles, using measurement and hand tools, and performing physical tasks such as standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and safely handling objects within the recommended 50-pound limit.
Requirements
- High school diploma or recognized equivalent, or at least 6 months of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
- Ability to write routine reports and communicate effectively with employees at all levels of the organization.
- Ability to calculate fractions, percentages, decimals, circumference, and volume, and apply basic arithmetic.
- Ability to solve practical problems and interpret written, oral, diagram, or schedule instructions in situations with limited standardization.
- Adequate sight, hearing, and limb use to safely operate powered vehicles and machinery; ability to distinguish product identification, warning indicators, operational signals, and alarms.
- Ability to visually verify work and understand written communication, and to hear and understand verbal communication in person or by telephone.
- Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and maintain balance while walking, standing, or crouching around equipment.
- Ability to safely lift or handle objects within the recommended 50-pound limit and request assistance for heavier objects.
- Ability to walk through, under, and around equipment with at least 30 inches of clearance.
- Ability to operate telephones and calculators as required.
- Ability to feel objects, textures, size, shape, and temperature using fingertips.
- Ability to grasp and safely use manual and powered tools, including power saws, drills, hammers, presses, and latches.
Responsibilities
- Keep equipment and the work area clean and orderly in compliance with THM and ISO standards.
- Meet all qualification requirements and work under the direction of the Supervisor.
- Operate extruder machines and control panels used to produce PVC pipe.
- Assist with machine changeovers.
- Measure pipe specifications and report issues to the Supervisor and Quality Control.
- Identify visual defects in pipe during production.
- Calculate and adjust puller speeds and extrusion-line settings as required.
- Cut, make, and collect Quality Control samples as required.
- Perform minor equipment repairs and troubleshoot equipment.
- Follow safe work practices and report hazardous conditions.
- Train inexperienced employees when required.
- Use calipers and micrometers to verify that pipe is within tolerance.
- Complete Production Inspection Reports and supporting documentation accurately.
- Record bi-hourly line checks and notify the Supervisor of changes.
- Operate a forklift to move finished product, boxes, materials, and supplies.
- Record machine conditions and report abnormalities to the Supervisor.
- Calculate machine rate and speed accurately.
- Clean extruder and cooling-tank water filters.
- Perform miscellaneous assigned tasks.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
