Process Technician Extrusion

US Farathane•Orion, MI

About The Position

The Process Technician-Extrusion represents the company and is responsible for properly setting up extrusion lines and downstream equipment. The role involves tearing down and setting up machines and tooling for line changeovers according to procedures and standard practices, starting extrusion lines within acceptable scrap limits, and troubleshooting production problems to minimize scrap and downtime. The technician follows safety guidelines, trains line operators on quality checks for specific jobs, and trains new extrusion technicians. The technician performs setup and production activities, monitors equipment and product quality, completes required records, and communicates production and quality concerns to supervisors, associates, and incoming-shift technicians. The role may also involve training apprentice technicians, developing new processes, updating setup sheets, and participating in team problem-solving. The position requires maintaining housekeeping standards and completing a daily tech log. Work includes exposure to loud noise and hot and cold temperatures in manufacturing plants. The position also describes a professional office environment with controlled temperatures and routine use of standard office equipment. Physical demands include standing for at least eight hours a day, walking, reaching, handling objects, and potentially lifting or moving up to 50 pounds. Overtime may be required as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to operate a forklift.
Ability to read procedures and job instructions in English.
Ability to interpret instructions provided in written, oral, or schedule form.
Ability to perform the essential duties satisfactorily; reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.
Good attendance and ability to work overtime as needed.

Nice To Haves

Three years of Extrusion Technician experience is preferred.
A certain degree of creativity and latitude is expected.

Responsibilities

Execute production job teardown and setup procedures within standard time allotments.
Set up lines to produce conforming products by following the setup sheet’s steps and process parameters.
Follow standard work practices for aligning and securing tools and equipment.
Check that extruder and tooling temperature controls function properly, including heater bands, thermocouples, crossover tubes, and barrel zones.
Ensure material dryers and alarms are on and functioning properly.
Check stamping dies, lead-ins, and other inline tooling for proper condition and function before startup.
Configure, position, and verify inline equipment—including water tanks, printers, cutters, pullers, misters, presses, and heaters—before startup.
Review applicable quality alerts before startup.
Start up lines and obtain first-article approval within acceptable scrap limits.
Ensure required machine guarding is in place.
Operate the line and pack parts as required.
Load or change out material as required.
Complete required paperwork and documentation, including startup/shutdown checklists, process monitoring, in-process check sheets, production records, and scrap counts.
Communicate production and quality issues or concerns to the Production Supervisor as needed.
Red-tag nonfunctioning tooling or equipment and return it to maintenance or tool-room areas.
Immediately notify the Production Supervisor of discrepancies in established quality checks.
Communicate production and quality issues or concerns with associates, supervisors, and incoming-shift Extrusion Technicians.
Train and mentor Apprentice Technicians as assigned.
Conduct new process development as assigned.
Update setup sheets based on process improvements.
Participate in team problem-solving activities, such as 8D’s and communication meetings.
Maintain high housekeeping standards in assigned areas.
Complete the tech log daily.
Follow established safety guidelines.
Train line operators on quality checks for specific production jobs and train new extrusion technicians.