Sr. Plastic Extrusion Technician (3rd shift)

IPS Corporation•Fontana, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sr. Plastic Extrusion Technician operates, monitors, and maintains plastic extrusion equipment to produce high-quality plastic profiles, tubing, pipe, sheet, or other extruded products. This hands-on role ensures consistent product quality, efficient production, and adherence to safety and process standards in a manufacturing environment.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
2-4+ years of hands-on experience operating plastic extrusion equipment (profile, pipe, tubing, sheet, or film preferred).
Knowledge of extrusion process principles, temperature control, and material behavior of common resins (PVC, PE, PP, ABS, etc.).
Ability to read and interpret process sheets, work instructions, and basic technical drawings.
Mechanical aptitude and comfort using hand tools, measurement instruments, and basic troubleshooting techniques.
Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently or as part of a production team.
Willingness to work rotating shifts, overtime, and weekends as production demands require.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods in a manufacturing environment.
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and basic ERP/MRP systems.
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and work instructions.

Nice To Haves

Technical training or associate degree in plastics, manufacturing, or related field
Experience with specific extrusion processes relevant to the company’s products (e.g., pipe, profile, medical tubing, or co-extrusion).
Familiarity with statistical process control (SPC), quality systems, or ISO standards.
Basic understanding of plastics material science or prior experience with material formulation/blending.
Forklift or powered industrial truck certification.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.

Responsibilities

Monitor and optimize extrusion processes, including melt temperature, screw speed, haul-off speed, cooling, and dimensional control.
Troubleshoot common extrusion issues such as dimensional variations, surface defects, melt fracture, surging, and die swell.
Set up, start up, operate, and shut down single-screw or twin-screw extruders and related downstream equipment (pullers, cutters, coolers, winders, etc.).
Perform material handling: load raw materials (pellets, regrind, additives), blend formulations as required, and manage material changes or purges.
Conduct in-process quality checks (dimensions, appearance, weight, wall thickness, ovality) using calipers, micrometers, laser gauges, or other measurement tools.
Troubleshoot common extrusion issues (surging, die lines, contamination, dimensional variation, melt fracture) and take corrective action or escalate as needed.
Perform routine preventive maintenance, die and tooling changes, screen pack changes, and basic equipment cleaning.
Follow all safety procedures, including lockout/tagout, PPE requirements, and proper handling of hot equipment and materials.
Accurately complete production logs, quality records, and shift reports.
Assist with process optimization, scrap reduction, and continuous improvement efforts.
Maintain a clean and organized work area in accordance with 5S or similar standards.