Operator

PRIMARY FUNCTION

The operator role is responsible for setting up, operating, and monitoring extrusion equipment to produce quality products at the correct cost. The operator owns the entire extrusion process from raw materials going into the extruder to the time a finished inspected part goes into the carton.

REPORTS TO: Manufacturing Supervisor

DIRECT SUPERVISION: None

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

General Duties

• Sets up and operates extrusion machines and auxiliary equipment.
• Monitors extruder equipment and related components, including control panels, thermocouples, heater bands, and motors, to ensure proper performance.
• Utilizes the company ERP systems to accurately track production data, material usage, by-product (Kinetic co-part), downtime, work orders, and inventory transactions.
• Maintains a clean, safe, and organized work area through proper housekeeping, including keeping floors free of water, regrind, by-product (Kinetic co-part), oil, and clutter, and wiping down extrusion equipment.
• Assists in the training and development of new operators.
• Performs duties in accordance with established work instructions and standardized processes.
• Must perform the duties of a packer, material handler, quality lab, or utility associate as needed.
• May be assigned to different production lines or work areas as a utility associate based on daily staffing needs and operational priorities.
• Must retrieve color from the color lean supermarket and return empty and partially full color jugs at the end of a shift or production run.
• Utilizes troubleshooting guide and operator training platform in Hexagon system as appropriate.

Skilled Specific Duties

• Makes all necessary process adjustments to achieve and maintain production standards unless conditions are outside their control; promptly informs the supervisory manufacturing technician and/or maintenance of issues affecting quality or output. This includes monitoring extruder throughput (pounds per hour), material mix, weight, and by-product (Kinetic co-part).
• Adjusts operating conditions such as temperatures, pressure, screw speed, and motor amps to maintain required quality parameters.
• Troubleshoots maintenance-related issues; reports concerns to the supervisory manufacturing technician, submits work orders through the maintenance work order system, and resolves minor issues in a timely manner.
• Performs all changeovers and setups according to the production schedule within allotted downtime to meet utilization standards.
• Completes all required tear-backs within allotted downtime to maintain efficiency and production targets.
• Performs quality checks on finished products for color, thickness, finish, and dimensions, making necessary corrections to maintain quality standards; records information in Hexagon. This includes completing two-hour QC checks and functional tests.
• Utilizes quality workbench for all relevant quality checks to maintain operator presence at the extrusion line.
• Samples are to be maintained for each rack with check marks and dimensions as evidence while making necessary corrections to maintain quality standards.
• Participates in line trials, R&D, and continuous improvement exercises as needed.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Previous experience in extrusion, manufacturing, or industrial production preferred.
• Ability to set up, operate, and monitor extrusion equipment, dies, and auxiliary machinery.
• Working knowledge of quality control processes, measurements, and product specifications.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical and process issues and make appropriate adjustments.
• Ability to learn and use company ERP systems for production reporting, work orders, inventory tracking, and documentation.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure quality, safety, and production standards are met.
• Ability to adapt to changing daily assignments and work across multiple production lines or departments.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to maintain consistent attendance.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-based, fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, housekeeping, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to heat, noise, moving machinery, and varying temperatures.
• Must wear PPE and comply with all safety and regulatory requirements.

The above description covers the principal functions of the job. It is not intended to be a complete listing of all miscellaneous, incidental or similar tasks which may be assigned during normal or emergency operations.