Thermoplastic Extrusion Technician

Novolex Corporate • Franklin Park, IL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Step into a day on our Franklin Park floor Sunlight hits the line at 7:00 a.m. and you’re already geared up. You run start-up checks, scan yesterday’s production logs, and bring the extrusion line online. As product moves, you’re watching waste, quality, efficiency, and utilization—tuning settings to keep everything at or above standard. If a defect appears, you spot it fast, trace the cause, and dial in precise adjustments. Mid-shift, a teammate asks for help; you jump in with guidance and share best practices from your experience. Before handoff, you complete end-of-shift paperwork—crewing time, machine time, and production quantities—so the next operator is set up for success. Schedule 12-hour rotating schedule, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with every other weekend off. Hiring now for our Franklin Park location. If you like solving mechanical puzzles, working with your hands, and growing your skills, you’ll thrive here.

Requirements

• 1+ year of manufacturing experience as an Extrusion Machine Operator (thermoforming experience also welcomed).
• Willingness and ability to work a 12-hour rotating schedule, including every other weekend.
• Reliability—arrive before shift start prepared to launch the day on time.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with proven problem-solving and troubleshooting on extrusion machines.
• Clear written and verbal communication; accurate, timely recordkeeping at the required frequency.
• Solid analytical and math skills.
• Quality mindset with experience using production measurement tools.
• Familiarity with product quality standards.
• Comfort with PPE: hairnets, beard-nets, steel-toed shoes/boots, ear protection, and bump caps when required.
• Manual dexterity and steady hands.

Nice To Haves

• Plastic extrusion
• Thermoforming

Responsibilities

• Operate extrusion and related equipment safely at target performance for waste, quality, efficiency, and utilization.
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues and correct machine-related problems through proper adjustments.
• Identify defects, perform in-process inspections, and make real-time corrections to eliminate root causes.
• Propose and implement practical, innovative solutions to production challenges.
• Mentor and support less experienced team members.
• Maintain impeccable housekeeping and follow standard work and all safety guidelines.
• Accurately complete end-of-shift documentation including crewing time, machine time, and production counts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees