Plastics Extruder Operator - 1st Shift

Pratt Industries•Macungie, PA

13h

About The Position

Responsible for safely operating plastics extrusion machinery to produce bubble-wrap film from resin. The role includes setup, operation, cleanup, monitoring and adjusting machine output, identifying and addressing production issues, and recommending improvements to meet customer demand. The operator works to maintain product quality, efficiency, and minimal downtime while following safety, quality, and good manufacturing practices. The position also includes completing production and quality records, supporting and training other operators, and following production schedules. Overtime may be required, sometimes on short notice, including work on holidays when necessary.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with flexibility and efficiently handle frequent product and job changes during a shift.
Ability to read and follow written instructions, including quality, safety, and job-packet instructions.
Ability to read a tape measure accurately and quickly; calculate percentages, measurements, volume, and rates; and use the metric system.
Ability to understand and carry out written, oral, or graphic instructions using common sense, and develop real-time solutions to problems.
Ability to stand, walk, talk, and hear regularly; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl frequently.
Ability to regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally push or pull product weighing up to 130 pounds with tools or machinery assistance.
Required visual abilities include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and adjustment of focus.
Must obtain and maintain a Pratt Lift Truck Operator License.
Must be able to work overtime as necessary, sometimes on short notice, and sometimes work holidays.

Nice To Haves

Prior work experience in the packaging industry, including paper, plastics, or converting.
One year of experience working on cast-film extrusion machines.
Experience with production software such as Vorne.

Responsibilities

Safely operate and set up extrusion lines that produce bubble-wrap film from resin, following company safety rules and GMPs.
Load resin, additives, and blends into hoppers and verify material types and ratios.
Complete or assist with roll changes as needed during the shift.
Monitor machine operation and output, adjusting melt temperatures, pressures, bubble height and inflation, bubble uniformity, and cooling systems as needed.
Identify and correct production issues such as bubble breaks, wrinkles, jams, poor clarity, and die lines; report higher-level mechanical concerns through maintenance work orders to the appropriate supervisor, manager, or maintenance personnel.
Perform machine upkeep, including die cleaning and screen and filter changes.
Keep work areas clean and free of tripping hazards, including end-of-shift cleaning.
Follow quality procedures and prevent substandard product from reaching customers.
Understand machine capability and capacity and improve efficiency while limiting waste and downtime without sacrificing quality.
Train and assist other extrusion machine operators with machine duties, downtime, setup times, and quality.
Complete required production, machine operational status, safety, and quality reports accurately and promptly.
Comply with company policies and procedures, including safety and housekeeping requirements.
Follow the production schedule and recommend schedule optimizations to meet cost, quality, and service goals; report unusual scheduling issues to a supervisor.
Work overtime as necessary, sometimes on short notice, and work holidays when necessary to serve customers.
Perform additional duties assigned by management.
Obtain and maintain a Pratt Lift Truck Operator License.