Extrusion Machine Operator

XL Pro Staffing & Consulting•Dallas, TX

About The Position

They will be responsible for safely operating sheet extrusion lines used to produce PET (virgin, PCR, and/or regrind) plastic sheet for thermoforming food containers. This role ensures consistent sheet quality, accurate material blending, proper documentation, and compliance with food safety and safety standards. The Operator monitors machine performance, adjusts processing parameters, and maintains production efficiency while minimizing scrap and downtime. - Operate PET sheet extrusion lines including extruder, screen changer, melt pump, die, polishing stack, trim system, and winder. - Start up and shut down extrusion equipment according to SOP. - Set and adjust temperature profiles, screw speed, line speed, die gap, and roll pressures. - Perform screen changes and die cleaning as required. - Monitor sheet thickness, clarity, width, and roll quality - Inspect sheet for defects including gels, contamination, gauge variation, and visual imperfections. - Use measurement tools (micrometers, thickness gauges). - Complete all production documentation accurately. - Maintain GMP, BRC/SQF, and food safety compliance. - Immediately escalate quality concerns. - Follow Lockout/Tagout procedures. - Wear required PPE at all times. - Maintain clean and organized work area. - Report unsafe conditions immediately. - Take ownership of full line safety, not just assigned station. Must be fully capable of performing the duties of a Material Handler and Ext Op Assistant and is expected to step into those functions as operational needs require - Stage and verify correct raw materials (vPET, PCR, internal regrind). - Understand and execute approved material blend ratios. - Load resin systems and monitor dryers for correct temperature and moisture levels. - Track material usage and scrap generation. - Safely operate forklifts or pallet jacks (certification required) - Maintain FIFO and lot traceability compliance. - Assist with roll changes and packaging of finished rolls. - Monitor trim systems and grinder feed. - Support startup and changeovers. - Perform housekeeping around the line. - Collect samples for QC testing. - Record production data accurately and timely.

Requirements

HS Diploma/GED
1–3 years extrusion or industrial manufacturing experience preferred
Demonstrated ability to perform Material Handler and Operator Assistant duties independently
Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in a non-climate controlled manufacturing environment
Basic math skills and documentation accuracy

Responsibilities

Operate PET sheet extrusion lines including extruder, screen changer, melt pump, die, polishing stack, trim system, and winder.
Start up and shut down extrusion equipment according to SOP.
Set and adjust temperature profiles, screw speed, line speed, die gap, and roll pressures.
Perform screen changes and die cleaning as required.
Monitor sheet thickness, clarity, width, and roll quality
Inspect sheet for defects including gels, contamination, gauge variation, and visual imperfections.
Use measurement tools (micrometers, thickness gauges).
Complete all production documentation accurately.
Maintain GMP, BRC/SQF, and food safety compliance.
Immediately escalate quality concerns.
Follow Lockout/Tagout procedures.
Wear required PPE at all times.
Maintain clean and organized work area.
Report unsafe conditions immediately.
Take ownership of full line safety, not just assigned station.
Must be fully capable of performing the duties of a Material Handler and Ext Op Assistant and is expected to step into those functions as operational needs require
Stage and verify correct raw materials (vPET, PCR, internal regrind).
Understand and execute approved material blend ratios.
Load resin systems and monitor dryers for correct temperature and moisture levels.
Track material usage and scrap generation.
Safely operate forklifts or pallet jacks (certification required)
Maintain FIFO and lot traceability compliance.
Assist with roll changes and packaging of finished rolls.
Monitor trim systems and grinder feed.
Support startup and changeovers.
Perform housekeeping around the line.
Collect samples for QC testing.
Record production data accurately and timely.