Summary of Responsibilities

The Extruder Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, monitoring, and maintaining extrusion and reprocessing equipment used in the manufacturing and recycling process. This role ensures the safe and efficient conversion of raw and recycled materials into reusable products while maintaining quality, production, and safety standards.

The Extruder Operator plays a critical role in supporting production operations by monitoring material flow, adjusting machine settings, troubleshooting issues, and maintaining operational records. This position requires strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to work safely in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Essential Functions

• Set up, operate, and monitor extrusion and reprocessing machinery, including extruders, grinders, granulators, shredders, pelletizers, and related production equipment.
• Prepare machinery for operation by installing dies, screens, cutters, and adjusting machine settings including temperature, pressure, speed, and material flow.
• Monitor production processes to ensure material consistency, throughput, and product quality standards are maintained.
• Inspect finished product for defects, contamination, dimensions, and overall quality using measuring tools and visual inspections.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process issues to minimize downtime and maintain production efficiency.
• Perform routine equipment cleaning, inspections, lubrication, and minor maintenance tasks.
• Identify and remove contaminated or non-conforming materials from the production process.
• Monitor water levels, temperature controls, and material blending processes throughout production runs.
• Complete die face changes and assist with startup and shutdown procedures for extrusion equipment.
• Maintain accurate production logs, machine settings, quality inspections, and operational documentation.
• Follow all company safety procedures, including OSHA requirements, PPE usage, and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment at all times.
• Work collaboratively with production, maintenance, quality, and leadership teams to support operational goals.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by management.

Required Skills

• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to operate and adjust extrusion and reprocessing equipment safely and efficiently.
• Knowledge of plastics, polymers, recycled materials, and manufacturing processes preferred.
• Understanding of temperature controls, material flow, and extrusion process parameters.
• Ability to identify quality defects and contamination issues.
• Basic mathematical and measurement skills.
• Ability to read work instructions, production schedules, and operating procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate production and quality records.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Basic computer skills for documentation and production tracking.
• Strong understanding of workplace safety practices and procedures.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during 12-hour shifts.
• Frequent bending, stooping, lifting, pushing, pulling, and reaching.
• Ability to lift up to 75 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to work in manufacturing environments with varying temperatures, noise, fumes, airborne particles, and moving mechanical equipment.
• Required use of PPE including gloves, hearing protection, safety glasses, respirators, and protective clothing as required.

Competencies

• Accountability
• Attention to Detail
• Technical Proficiency
• Problem-Solving
• Safety Awareness
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Time Management
• Adaptability in a Fast-Paced Environment

Education

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Vocational training or technical education in manufacturing, plastics, industrial operations, or related fields preferred.

Experience

• 2+ years of manufacturing, extrusion, plastics, recycling, or industrial operations experience preferred.
• Experience operating extrusion or reprocessing equipment strongly preferred.
• Experience working in a fast-paced production environment preferred.
• On-the-job training may be provided.

The CREO Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this position. Employees may be asked by a Supervisor or Manager to perform other job-related duties. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. This job description is not a contract for employment; either the employee or CREO Group may terminate employment at any time, for any reason, with or without notice.

12-Hour Shifts | Monday – Friday | 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM