Extruder Operator

Pratt Industries • Newnan, GA

1d

About The Position

The Extruder Operator is responsible for safely operating plastics extrusion machinery, including setup, operation, cleanup, and recommending improvements to meet customer demand. The role involves producing bubble-wrap film from resin, monitoring and adjusting machine output, resolving operating issues, maintaining equipment, and ensuring product quality and production efficiency.

The operator works to meet production schedules and customer service goals while complying with safety, quality, and housekeeping procedures. They complete production, machine-status, safety, and quality reports, and may train and assist other extrusion machine operators. Overtime and holiday work may be required to support customer operations.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt efficiently to frequent product and job changes during a shift.
• Ability to read and follow written instructions, including quality, safety, and job-packet instructions.
• Ability to read a tape measure accurately and calculate percentages, measurements, volume, and rate; ability to work with the metric system.
• Ability to understand and carry out written, oral, or graphic instructions and develop real-time solutions to problems.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Pratt Lift Truck Operator License.
• Ability to regularly lift or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally push or pull product weighing up to 130 pounds with tools or machinery assistance.
• Ability to work overtime as necessary, sometimes on short notice, and on holidays when required.

Nice To Haves

• Prior work experience in the packaging industry, including paper, plastics, or converting.
• One year of experience working on cast-film extrusion machines.
• Experience with production software such as Vorne.

Responsibilities

• Operate safely and follow company safety rules, Good Manufacturing Practices, quality procedures, and other company policies.
• Set up extrusion lines to produce bubble-wrap film from resin.
• Load resin, additives, and blends into hoppers and verify material types and ratios.
• Complete or assist with machine roll changes as needed.
• Monitor machine operation and output, adjusting melt temperatures and pressures, bubble height and inflation, bubble uniformity, and cooling systems as needed.
• Identify and correct machine issues such as bubble breaks, wrinkles, jams, poor clarity, and die lines; report higher-level mechanical concerns through maintenance work orders.
• Perform or proactively support machine upkeep, including die cleaning and screen and filter changes.
• Keep work areas clean and free of tripping hazards during and at the end of the shift.
• Prevent poor-quality product from leaving the facility and balance product quality with efficiency, waste reduction, and downtime reduction.
• Train and assist other extrusion Machine Operators with machine duties, downtime, setup times, and quality.
• Complete production, machine operational status, safety, and quality reports accurately and on time.
• Follow the production schedule and recommend schedule changes to meet cost, quality, and service goals; report unusual scheduling issues to a Supervisor.
• Work overtime, sometimes on short notice, and work holidays when necessary.
• Perform additional duties assigned by management.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation plans.
• Full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage.
• All State and Pre-Paid Legal benefits.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid vacation and paid holidays.
• Childbearing and parental leave.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED