Extrusion Technician

Extrusion Technician

Extrusion Technicians help design, operate, control, and troubleshoot extrusion processes central to the business activities of the company. The primary duty of an Extrusion Technicians is to optimize the specialized processes and keep them on track, even if problems arise. The Extrusion Technician position is both a hands-on and supportive role in Manufacturing Operations, and ensures equipment is set up and operating properly in manufacturing. Extrusion Technicians have strong experience with plastic extrusion machinery and will provide training and technical assistance to extrusion Line Operators. Extrusion Technicians will "hit the ground running" and will be able to easily grasp technical problems, troubleshoot and quickly arrive at and implement solutions. Extrusion Technicians are responsible for start-up of multiple extrusion lines and for ensuring the equipment is shut down, cleaned, maintained, and stored properly. Extrusion Technicians will have a combination of advanced technical experience, interpersonal skills, can solve practical problems and have working knowledge of a variety of plastic materials. Extrusion Technicians work with Line Operators, Quality, Engineers, and Management to resolve issues. Extrusion Technicians participate in continuous improvement activities including support of new product design, process development, equipment validations and process validations. Monitor safety and maintenance needs on the floor, reporting major problems and fixing minor ones.

Essential Functions

• Set-up, operate, assist, and maintain extrusion equipment to extrude thermoplastic materials to form tubes, rods, and profiles according to specifications and to meet output goals
• Installs dies, mandrels, machine screws and sizing rings using hand tools.
• Performs first part inspection as well as in process checks for multiple lines.
• Troubleshoot, repair, and performs maintenance on extrusion equipment
• Ensure materials necessary for extrusions are dried to specifications and according to the manufacturing schedule. Mixes, blends, or colors raw materials as required
• Read job specifications to determine machine adjustments and material requirements
• Adjust settings and controls to ensure extrusion is within defined processing standards
• Perform troubleshooting of plastics extrusion machinery
• Record all data into data collection system
• Package and label finished products per specification
• Complete all assigned housekeeping, cleaning/preventative maintenance tasks
• Program MicroVu to inspect parts
• Writing Non-Conformances in database and taking part in MRB Review
• Set-up/ repair and run tooling in machine shop
• Ensure the cleanliness of the plant is maintained by the manufacturing team members.
• Set-up Laser Linc System of Laser Micrometer and Ultrasonic Wall System.
• Monitor the use of PPE for manufacturing area.

Competencies

• Knowledgeable about processes of screw and tool design, material characteristics, temperature control, automated feedback loops and ancillary downstream equipment
• Aptitude for math and ability to calculate production amounts, ratios, and percentages
• Demonstrate and promote teamwork on a consistent basis
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form
• Ability to read and follow documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
• Communication proficiency, written and oral
• Works within an ISO 9001 environment and promotes 6S principles
• Ability to work within a team environment and to accept supervision and guidance
• Ability to train Line Operators in new extrusion processes
• Excellent organizational and housekeeping skills
• Computer knowledge, Office 365, ERP, Custom AP programs for data collection
• Self-starter with the ability to work alone and take instructions

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Minimum of 10+ years of extrusion experience with basic understanding of process engineering practices. Polymer processing vocational or technical education or certification in addition to prior work experience a plus
• High School Diploma / GED is required
• Understands interrelating functions of the extruder and ancillary equipment such as pullers, cutters, pumps etc.
• Ability to verify quality such as color, width, thickness
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and demanding manufacturing environment
• Familiarity with manufacturing safety and ergonomics.
• Able to operate independently with minimal supervision
• Must be dependable, and will work collaboratively within a team and possess a positive attitude

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment

This job operates in a Manufacturing environment. This role routinely uses standard machining equipment such as Lathes, Milling Machines, Files, Grinders, and computers. A large portion of the work will be performed in the plant where the noise may be loud.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The employee is required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Job requires sitting for long periods of time, walking, using fingers, hands, and arms to lift, reach, push and pull. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 55 pounds. Able to wear gloves, hair covers, lab coats and safety glasses in a clean room environment

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Alternate 4-10 hour shifts are available 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. as approved by Manager.