Extrusion Technician - 1st Shift

L T Hampel Corp•Germantown, WI

About The Position

The Extrusion Technician processes plastic into sheets by operating an extruder and related equipment. The role follows production schedules, ensures supplies are available, and generally operates the extruder unassisted. The technician communicates quality issues, completes required documentation, reports machine malfunctions, and supports the production of quality sheet. This is a full-time, hourly position working under the Shift Team Lead, with final approval by the Extrusion Team Lead. The position is for first shift and offers eligibility for up to a $2,000 sign-on bonus and up to a 15% pre-tax profit share paid quarterly. The technician works with a production team to operate equipment safely and efficiently, meet production goals, and support quality and uptime.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Ability to independently set up extrusion machines using established protocols.
Ability to operate extrusion machines, including temperature settings and other controls.
Ability to troubleshoot and adjust machinery temperature and line speed to maintain acceptable product quality.
Ability to use calipers, tape measures, a velocity gauge, and other required tools.

Nice To Haves

HMWPE extrusion experience is a plus.
Two years of experience in a plastic extrusion-related environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

Set up and operate the sheet extruder and ancillary equipment.
Adjust and calibrate blending equipment to ensure the correct blend of material components.
Blend colors at the correct let-down ratios.
Monitor the flow of plastic components and ensure a steady supply of virgin resin, regrind, and color to the extruder.
Change dies, screws, rolls, and dialups on the extruder.
Understand and program Welex gauging systems.
Operate heat, feed, cooling, trimming, and grinding systems.
Set and monitor die and extruder-zone temperatures; take instrument readings and make adjustments as required.
Change extruder filters and screens.
Set up and operate roll-stand equipment, including setting roll temperatures and adjusting speeds to product specifications.
Complete job and color changes with minimal scrap and match and distinguish colors from samples.
Maintain product specifications by performing quality checks with calipers, tape measures, and a velocity gauge; measure sheet dimensions and gauge.
Make adjustments to address issues identified during quality checks and ensure extruded sheet meets quality standards and has no defects.
Diagnose minor production problems and recommend corrective action to the Extrusion Shift or Maintenance Team Leads.
Perform shift-change responsibilities as required.
Verify packaging complies with product specifications.
Complete daily reports and other required production documentation.
Maintain effective working relationships with department employees and keep the work area neat and orderly.
Use required safety supplies and follow safety procedures.
Perform quality testing as needed, including orientation, melt index, and color tests.