Extrusion Operator I-MPA

af8bbf20-6ee1-407c-9d8b-c32ea7123844•Morrisville, PA

10h•$21 - $23

About The Position

The Extrusion Operator processes non-complex color compounds according to product specifications and procedures. The role involves setting up, operating, monitoring, troubleshooting, cleaning, and maintaining extrusion and pelletizing equipment to produce compound samples and pellets safely and efficiently. The operator works under the direction of a team leader or Level 3 co-worker and must be able to train on first shift. The position is located in Morrisville, Pennsylvania, and is scheduled for third shift, Sunday through Friday, from 11:30 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. The starting pay is $21 per hour, plus a $1.75 shift differential. The role is non-exempt.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Knowledge of materials, methods, equipment, machines, and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Knowledge of production processes and techniques used to manufacture products effectively.
Knowledge of compound formulation and ability to evaluate color, including hue, chroma, and shade.
Knowledge of customer-service principles and processes, including customer-needs assessment, service-quality standards, and customer-satisfaction evaluation.
Knowledge of equipment, policies, and procedures that support the safety of personnel and property.
Fundamental knowledge of quality controls and continuous-improvement applications.
Knowledge and application of arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.
Computer literacy, including information and data-management systems, electronic equipment, and software such as Microsoft Suite and Oracle.
Valid driver's license and reliable automobile transportation.
Tow Motor Forklift certification.
Ability to train on first shift.

Nice To Haves

One to two years of relevant manufacturing or production work experience.

Responsibilities

Make sound safety decisions, follow procedures, watch out for others, contribute to safety improvements, and participate in safety programs.
Safely transport materials, tools, and equipment between work and storage areas using hoists, carts, dollies, or other equipment.
Review work assignments, verify product identification, and retrieve the work binder and labor sheet with specifications.
Prepare the work area by retrieving the color mix and selecting the correct die, screw, and cutting blade.
Work with a team leader or Level 3 co-worker to determine machine setup based on product specifications.
Set up or change over the extruder, including setting feed rate and temperature, entering specifications, attaching the correct die and pelletizer blade, and configuring the extruder screen and Gala water temperature.
Install, replace, and change machine parts and attachments to complete work order specifications.
Use a tow motor to lift color pots to the platform, place them in the proper slot, and add color mix to the feeder.
Produce compound samples to specification using production equipment and instruments, including extruders, scales, feeders, classifiers, pelletizers, dies, visual display units, dials, and calibrators.
Run compound through the extruder, pelletizer, Gala or cooling trough, and sizing screens into a shipping container to create pellets, under guidance from a team leader or Level 3 co-worker.
Check pellet quality under guidance by pressing samples to confirm there is no salt-and-pepper mix of light and dark pellets.
Reprocess pellets that do not meet color specifications by remixing them in a tumbler and rerunning them through an injection-molding or extruder machine.
Prepare product containers for shipping and print barcoded shipping labels.
Adjust machine settings and functional parts, devices, and control instruments during production to maintain product quality, and record changes on the labor sheet.
Monitor production, troubleshoot problems or operating errors that affect quality, and report issues to a team leader or Level 3 co-worker.
Use mathematical calculations to adjust settings and troubleshoot production errors, including feed-speed issues.
Complete production paperwork and workflow updates, including final specifications, work binder, work board, shipping labels, and container placement in the shipping area.
Prepare production reports by collecting and summarizing information and trends on the production checklist.
Document processing specifications and labor hours in computer systems and in reports, forms, and logs.
Move completed material to shipping using a tow motor, update project status on the work board, and return the work binder to its proper place.
Check, clean, lubricate, adjust, and repair extruders, mixers, feeders, pelletizers, and related mechanical equipment under guidance.
Document machine error messages and visual inspection information, and share equipment problems with a team leader or Level 3 co-worker.
Investigate potential equipment problems by observing and listening to machines and using precision measuring and testing instruments; notify a team leader or Level 3 co-worker of potential issues.
Clean and prepare the extruder and die for new batches by tearing down machines and removing compound using hand tools, cleaning solution, or other equipment.
Maintain written calibration and speed records or logs documenting machine performance and produced material.
Identify equipment needing repair or maintenance, inspect or test damaged parts, and notify the team leader and maintenance.
Provide mechanical maintenance information in response to questions and requests from management and maintenance.
Suggest changes to working conditions and equipment use that may improve production efficiency and effectiveness.
Respond promptly and professionally to inquiries, complaints, and requests to support positive working relationships.
Keep the work area clean and organized by collecting and discarding material, worn machine parts, and other refuse.
Follow quality-system, safety, and environmental requirements, including safe equipment operation, use of required personal protective equipment, completion of safety training, and contribution to safety goals.
Participate on continuous-improvement teams and help implement new ideas.
Support team and company goals, attend training, and keep relevant knowledge and skills current.