Extruder Operator

Soprema • LaGrange, GA

1d

About The Position

The Extruder Operator operates and monitors the extrusion process to manufacture extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation boards while meeting production, quality, and safety standards. This hands-on manufacturing role includes operating equipment, monitoring process parameters, troubleshooting operational issues, and supporting daily production activities.

The operator adjusts process settings, monitors raw-material feeding and dosing, performs equipment start-ups, shutdowns, and product changeovers, and inspects finished boards for quality and dimensional compliance. The role also includes basic equipment cleaning and first-level maintenance, maintaining a safe and organized work environment, communicating issues and shift information, and supporting continuous improvement and other plant operations. The position reports to the Production Manager.

Work takes place in a manufacturing environment with temperature variation, high noise levels, dust, and odors. The role requires mandatory PPE, extended periods of standing and walking during 12-hour shifts, and the ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 15 pounds. Bending, twisting, reaching, climbing stairs, and repetitive physical tasks are also required. Weekend, holiday, and overtime work may be required based on production needs, as may flexibility to adapt to changing schedules, shift assignments, and operational priorities.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Good work ethic and reliability.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and handle changing production demands.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow operating procedures and safety requirements.
• Flexibility and willingness to perform a variety of production-related tasks.
• Safety-consciousness and a strong commitment to workplace safety practices.
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during a 12-hour shift.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 15 pounds.
• Ability to bend, twist, reach, climb stairs, and perform repetitive physical tasks throughout the shift.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and overtime as required by production needs.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing production schedules, shift assignments, and operational priorities.
• Ability to wear mandatory personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, hearing protection, safety shoes, gloves, and other required safety equipment.

Nice To Haves

• 2 to 5 years of experience in a manufacturing or industrial production environment.
• Forklift operating experience.
• Experience operating extrusion equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and adjust the extrusion process to safely and efficiently produce XPS insulation boards in accordance with production, quality, and safety standards.
• Adjust process settings, including temperatures, pressures, flow rates, speeds, material dosing, calibrators, filters, and other operating parameters.
• Monitor process trends and equipment performance to maintain stable operating conditions and identify potential issues.
• Control and monitor the feeding and dosing of raw materials, including solids and gases.
• Perform equipment start-ups, shutdowns, and product changeovers.
• Inspect product dimensions and overall board quality for compliance with specifications.
• Communicate operational and process-related issues to the supervisor.
• Perform basic equipment cleaning and first-level maintenance tasks.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in accordance with plant safety procedures.
• Immediately report near misses, incidents, unsafe conditions, injuries, equipment malfunctions, and safety concerns to the supervisor.
• Communicate effectively with team members during shift handovers and daily operations.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to safety, quality, efficiency, and production performance.
• Assist packagers and other team members as needed to support plant operations.
• Perform other related duties assigned by the supervisor.

What This Job Offers

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