Foam Operator I - Nights

Pregis•Hopkinsville, KY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The PE Foam Extrusion Line Operator is responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining polyethylene (PE) foam extrusion equipment to produce high-quality foam products in compliance with company specifications and safety standards. This role requires strong technical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to troubleshoot process and equipment issues specific to PE foam production.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills
Ability to read and understand work instructions, specifications, and SOPs
Basic math skills for measurements and production calculations
Ability to safely operate manufacturing equipment
Willingness to work in a fast-paced production environment

Nice To Haves

Experience in extrusion or plastics manufacturing
Experience with polyethylene (PE) foam extrusion
Familiarity with blowing agents and foam expansion processes
Experience with PLC/HMI control systems
Forklift certification (or willingness to obtain)
Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience

Responsibilities

Set up and operate PE foam extrusion lines, including extruders, dies, cooling systems, and downstream equipment
Monitor and adjust process parameters such as temperature profiles, pressure, blowing agents, screw speed, and line speed
Perform product changeovers, start-ups, and shutdowns efficiently for various PE foam products
Inspect finished foam for density, thickness, cell structure, and surface quality to meet specifications
Troubleshoot quality issues such as shrinkage, collapse, uneven cell structure, or surface defects
Perform routine maintenance, cleaning, and die conditioning to ensure optimal extrusion performance
Accurately complete production records, batch logs, and quality documentation
Follow safety procedures for handling heated materials, pressurized systems, and blowing agents
Coordinate with maintenance, quality, and production teams to optimize uptime and efficiency
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment