Twin Screw Compounding Technician / Operator

TPE Solutions, Inc.•Shirley, MA

14d•$18 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

XPM Plastics Compounding, a compounding facility focused on highly engineered industrial and medical applications, boasting a very wide range of first class TSE capabilities, is seeking an experienced Line Operator to run and support daily production on our plastics extrusion lines, including 20 mm, 32 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 60 mm and 75 mm equipment. The ideal candidate understands extrusion processes, machine setup, cleaning, material handling and basic troubleshooting. XPM is a subsidiary of TPE Solutions, a world-renowned thermoplastic elastomer supplier and formulator since 2004 (www.tpesinc.com) Primary Function Contribute effectively within a team-based manufacturing operation to produce specialty plastic compounds, ensuring safe, efficient, clean processes and adherence to high quality standards. Position Summary The Twin Screw Compounding Technician / Operator is responsible for the setup, operation, and optimization of twin screw compounding lines to produce custom and standard polymer compounds in accordance with formulation, quality, and safety requirements. This role focuses on material handling, process control, and product consistency in a compounding environment.

Requirements

Hands-on experience with twin screw compounding equipment required
Working knowledge of polymer resins (TPEs (mainly TPUs), PE, PP, Nylon (PA), typically engineered resins, etc.), fillers, and additives
Ability to read and execute formulations, batch sheets, and process instructions
Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills
Ability to lift up to 70 lbs and work in an industrial environment
Willingness to work [shift schedule, overtime as needed]
High school diploma or GED required

Nice To Haves

Experience with Brabender feeders, Leistritz TS extruders, or similar twin screw compounders
Experience with gravimetric feeding systems and loss-in-weight controls
Familiarity with dispersion, shear, and residence time concepts
Experience supporting development trials and scale-up from lab to production
Forklift certification (or willingness to obtain)
Knowledge of basic mechanical troubleshooting and ability to identify abnormal machine behavior
Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality
Reliable, safety focused and able to work in a fast paced manufacturing environment
Technical, vocational, or plastics training preferred

Responsibilities

Set up, start up, operate, and shut down co-rotating twin screw compounding extruders
Handle raw materials including loading feeders, documenting lot numbers and ensuring correct blends
Configure screw elements, barrels, and downstream equipment per formulation and process requirements
Operate and monitor gravimetric and volumetric feeders for resins, fillers, additives, and colorants
Monitor and control process parameters including temperature zones, melt pressure, torque, screw speed, and throughput
Make real-time process adjustments to maintain compound homogeneity, dispersion, and physical properties
Execute material changeovers, purge procedures, and cleanouts to prevent cross-contamination
Perform strand, die-face, or underwater pelletizing operations as applicable
Conduct in-process quality checks (MFI, bulk density, moisture, visual inspection) per work instructions
Accurately document formulations, lot traceability, process conditions, and production results
Troubleshoot process deviations, feeder issues, and material flow problems
Work closely with Quality, Engineering, and R&D on new formulations, trials, and continuous improvement
Follow all safety, environmental, and housekeeping (5S) requirements
Inspect product for consistency, color, moisture and other quality requirements
Record production data accurately in logs or digital systems
Identify and resolve basic mechanical issues or escalate to maintenance when needed