Extrusion Process Technician

ICU Medical•Salt Lake City, UT

About The Position

The Extrusion Process Technician ensures the proper functioning and availability of extrusion machines by performing preventive and corrective maintenance and configurations. The position helps ensure processed products meet quality standards and comply with internal criteria. The technician operates plastic extrusion machines and peripheral equipment, performs tool changes and maintenance, monitors machine operation and production plans, maintains extrusion tooling, documents process parameters and results, and works with production, quality, and engineering teams to resolve issues and improve equipment performance. The role also includes managing spare parts inventory, supporting scrap reduction, and following applicable quality, environmental, and occupational health and safety management systems. Work is performed in a clean room. The employee may sit or stand for extended periods depending on the machine being operated, uses a computer or touchscreen to enter work-order data, and may occasionally need to move or lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Travel is typically less than 5% of the time.

Requirements

High school diploma and/or completed technical degree in mechanical or electromechanical engineering, and/or at least one year of experience in extrusion processes.
Experience with extrusion machines and peripheral equipment.
Experience assembling and disassembling extrusion tooling.
Experience performing basic equipment maintenance.
Knowledge of machinery and tools.
Knowledge of handling nylon, PVC, or silicone resins, polypropylene, and polyethylene.
Ability to analyze and troubleshoot defective plastic parts.
Knowledge of vacuum systems.
Basic knowledge of smooth and corrugated tube extrusion machines.
Basic knowledge of electrical, pneumatic, and control systems.
Experience with online measuring devices such as Zumbach or offline devices such as Mitutoyo, Keyence, or Micro-Vu.
Basic knowledge of extrusion screws.
Basic knowledge of completing extrusion process documentation, including parameters, dimensions, and results graphs.
Ability to interpret part specification drawings.
Computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel and Word.

Nice To Haves

Experience in medical manufacturing.
Basic English reading, comprehension, and writing skills.

Responsibilities

Confirm component specifications at each startup and coordinate sample inspections with Quality Assurance.
Operate plastic extrusion machines and peripheral equipment, including performing tool changes, providing operational support, and maintaining equipment.
Clean and polish extrusion tooling after use and use maintenance tools appropriately.
Monitor extruders and follow procedures to ensure production plans are met.
Monitor extruder operation, including speed, temperatures, parameters, and tooling.
Work with production, quality, and engineering departments to ensure the quality of processed parts.
Complete extrusion process documentation, including parameters, dimensions, and results graphs.
Make adjustments within the validated process window when problems arise from process variations, and report situations that could compromise the final product.
Work proactively with the production and engineering supervisor, line leader, and quality inspector to resolve extrusion process problems.
Manage spare parts inventory to keep assigned equipment in optimal operating condition.
Coordinate with the production supervisor to carry out activities needed to meet daily production plans.
Participate in scrap reduction projects.
Improve assigned equipment to ensure optimal operating conditions.
Understand and apply the company’s ISO 13485 Quality Management System, ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System, and any other required operating systems.