Extrusion Process Technician

Novolex Corporate•Bedford Park, IL

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Pactiv Evergreen, now part of Novolex, is hiring an Extrusion Process Technician for its manufacturing facility in Bedford Park, Illinois. The technician works with shift Operators and the Process Engineer to resolve ongoing production problems, support setup and changeovers, maintain accurate process sheets, and communicate process improvements and interruptions. The role leads production-floor efforts to improve process capabilities by reviewing data, contributing to programs, evaluating technologies, and leading skilled Operators. The Hourly Process Tech guides the team’s work in productivity, safety, quality, operations, continuous improvement, and team effectiveness. The position requires expertise in sheet extrusion, forming, and trimming of thermoformed products, along with the ability to operate and troubleshoot equipment and processes at an advanced level. The technician collaborates with plant maintenance, automation, and tooling teams to resolve complex issues. The position is based at the Bedford Park plant, which manufactures portion-cup lids, coffee lids, and cold-cup lids and has approximately 250 employees. The job offers 12-hour shifts on a rotating 2-2-3-2-2-3 schedule, with every other weekend off. The listed shift is 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Pay is $37.31–$47.97, paid weekly, with the starting rate based on experience and qualifications. Candidates are subject to a background check and drug test at the time of offer, with THC testing only when required by law; employees are subject to post-hire drug and alcohol testing under company policies.

Requirements

At least 5 years of relevant experience, or a similar combination of education and experience.
Experience in plastics processing, including forming and extrusion.
Experience working with machinery.
Understanding of tooling, machining, and material-flow practices for extrusion and thermoforming.
Strong interpersonal skills to train, communicate, and lead effectively.
Ability to work a 12-hour COP shift.
Knowledge of mechanical and electrical principles and applications.
Ability to operate thermoforming and extrusion equipment.
Knowledge of company-specific products, materials, production methods and procedures, and manufacturing equipment capabilities.
Advanced mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot and identify appropriate actions using problem-solving activities.
Ability to comply with company policies and procedures and uphold safety programs and standards.

Nice To Haves

Two- or four-year technical degree or certification.
Project team coordinator experience.
Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) and quality gauges to support a zero-part-defect environment.

Responsibilities

Assist with changeovers while minimizing downtime.
Ensure products run at standard production rates during the assigned shift.
Update and review process sheets and provide recommendations to the plant Process Engineer.
Develop, implement, and execute programs to improve product quality and line efficiency.
Operate and troubleshoot processes and equipment at an elevated level to resolve complex issues, working with plant maintenance, automation, and tooling teams.
Guide the team’s mission in productivity, safety, quality, operations, continuous improvement, and team effectiveness.
Communicate process improvements and interruptions clearly and accurately.
Lead production-floor efforts to improve process capabilities by reviewing data, contributing to programs, evaluating new technologies, and leading skilled Operators.
Comply with company policies and procedures and uphold, support, and exemplify safety programs and standards.