Cleanroom, Computer Skills, Depth Perception, Detail Oriented, Documentation, English Language, Extrusion, Hand Tools, Lift/Move 25 Pounds, Manufacturing, Material Moving, Mathematics, Medical Equipment, Medical Protocols, Network Routers, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), Physical Demands, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Process Control Engineering, Process Manufacturing, Production Specifications, Production Systems, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Testing, Tolerance Analysis, Writing Skills
Extruder Operator
Medical Device Manufacturing | Concord, CA
Day Shift: 5:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Night Shift: 1:00 PM – 9:30 PM
About the Role
The Extruder Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and monitoring silicone extrusion equipment used in the manufacturing of OEM silicone medical components and proprietary medical devices. This role ensures product quality, dimensional accuracy, and compliance with medical device manufacturing standards within a cleanroom production environment.
The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, mechanically inclined, and comfortable working in a regulated, process-driven manufacturing setting.
Responsibilities
- Set up and operate silicone extrusion machinery according to work orders and production specifications.
- Install machine screws, sizing rings, and tooling using hand tools.
- Connect hoses and regulate steam, water, air, or oil flow for proper silicone processing.
- Start and adjust machine controls including vacuum, air pressure, temperature, and extrusion speed.
- Synchronize extrusion speed with pulling rolls to ensure consistent product output.
- Weigh and mix raw silicone materials according to production formulas.
- Measure extruded products using micrometers, calipers, and gauges to verify dimensional accuracy.
- Adjust process controls to maintain product specifications and tolerances.
- Inspect finished extruded material for defects including wrinkles, bubbles, splits, or surface inconsistencies.
- Test physical properties of extruded products as required.
- Reel extruded product into rolls of specified weight and length when necessary.
- Transport raw materials to and from extrusion lines.
- Retrieve and review SOPs, routers, and drawings using production floor terminals.
- Communicate production status and issues with supervisors and team members.
Qualifications
- Prior manufacturing experience preferred, ideally in extrusion, plastics, or silicone processing.
- Ability to read and write basic English instructions and recognize numerical sequences.
- Strong mathematical skills including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and ratios.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions in a structured production environment.
- Strong attention to detail and quality-focused mindset.
- Basic computer skills to access production documentation systems.
- Cleanroom manufacturing experience preferred.
Physical Requirements
- Frequent standing and reaching throughout shift.
- Occasional walking, bending, kneeling, or crouching.
- Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds regularly.
- Ability to work around moving mechanical equipment.
- Vision requirements include close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
- Primarily performed in a cleanroom manufacturing environment.
- Exposure to moving mechanical parts.
- Occasional exposure to airborne particles.
- Moderate noise level.
- Knowledge of cleanroom gowning and protocols preferred.