Polymer Extrusion Line Specialist

Novolex Corporate • Franklin Park, IL

12d • Onsite

About The Position

Join Novolex — Where Materials Expertise Meets Sustainable Impact. We’re a leader in food, beverage, and specialty packaging for foodservice, restaurant delivery and carryout, food processing, grocery and retail, and industrial markets. Our manufacturing and sourcing span resin, paper, molded fiber, aluminum, and more—with 120 product categories, 250 brands, and 39,000+ SKUs supporting customers at scale. Our sustainability framework centers on three pillars: products, operations, and people. These pillars guide our initiatives and fuel our growth. Why This Role Matters: Drive consistent, safe operation of extrusion equipment to meet targets for waste, quality, efficiency, and utilization. Diagnose process issues and perform precise mechanical adjustments to return the line to standard. Contribute fresh, practical ideas to resolve production challenges. Coach junior team members to build capability across the shift. Perform in-process inspections; identify and correct defects at the source. Complete end-of-shift documentation: crewing time, machine time, and quantities produced. Uphold safety, housekeeping, and standard work practices at all times.

Requirements

• 1+ years as an extrusion machine operator in a manufacturing environment.
• Comfort with a 12-hour rotating schedule, including every other weekend.
• Reliable attendance; arrive before shift start ready to produce.
• Hands-on troubleshooting and problem-solving with extrusion machinery.
• Strong communication and meticulous recordkeeping.
• Analytical thinking and solid math skills.
• Proficient in quality checks; understands production measurement tools and product quality standards.
• Willing to wear required PPE (hairnets, beard-nets, steel-toed shoes/boots, ear protection, bump caps) when required.
• Manual dexterity and sound mechanical aptitude.

Responsibilities

• Drive consistent, safe operation of extrusion equipment to meet targets for waste, quality, efficiency, and utilization.
• Diagnose process issues and perform precise mechanical adjustments to return the line to standard.
• Contribute fresh, practical ideas to resolve production challenges.
• Coach junior team members to build capability across the shift.
• Perform in-process inspections; identify and correct defects at the source.
• Complete end-of-shift documentation: crewing time, machine time, and quantities produced.
• Uphold safety, housekeeping, and standard work practices at all times.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Well-being resources supporting mental, physical, and financial health.
• Community Engagement: Focused Giving supports sustainability initiatives and efforts addressing food and hunger, plus local facility-led activities.
• Training & Development: Ongoing skills development via MyLearning, industry curricula, LMS resources, and Tuition Reimbursement (Non-Union).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed