Benefits:- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Competitive salary
- Dental insurance
- Free uniforms
- Health insurance
- Opportunity for advancement
- Paid time off
- Profit sharing
- Signing bonus
- Training & development
XPM Plastics Compounding | Shirley, MA
XPM Plastics Compounding is an advanced twin-screw thermoplastic compounding facility specializing in highly engineered polymer formulations for demanding industrial and medical applications. As an affiliate of
TPE Solutions, a trusted thermoplastic elastomer supplier and formulator since 2004, XPM combines decades of polymer expertise with state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities.
We are seeking an experienced
Twin Screw Extrusion Operator / Technician to join our growing manufacturing team. This is a hands-on position for someone who understands twin-screw extrusion, enjoys working with sophisticated equipment, and takes pride in producing consistent, high-quality materials.
Why Join XPM?
- Competitive pay
- Profit-sharing opportunities
- 401(k) with company contribution
- Medical and dental insurance
- Paid time off
- Annual performance and salary reviews
- Bonus opportunities
- Small, close-knit team
- Opportunity to work with state-of-the-art twin-screw extrusion equipment
- Opportunity to support both commercial production and new product development
- Growing company with significant investment in advanced American manufacturing
The Role
The Twin Screw Extrusion Operator / Technician is responsible for the
setup, operation, monitoring, and basic troubleshooting of co-rotating twin-screw compounding lines. The position works closely with Engineering, Quality, and Management to produce specialty polymer compounds safely, efficiently, and consistently.
XPM operates a broad range of twin-screw equipment, including
20 mm, 32 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 60 mm, and 75 mm lines.
Key Responsibilities
- Set up, start, operate, monitor, and shut down twin-screw extrusion lines
- Prepare and load raw materials, including resins, fillers, additives, and colorants
- Verify material identity, lot numbers, formulations, and batch documentation
- Set up feeders, screw configurations, barrels, dies, and downstream equipment
- Monitor and adjust temperature, screw speed, torque, pressure, feed rates, and throughput
- Operate gravimetric and volumetric feeding systems
- Make process adjustments to maintain consistent production and product quality
- Perform material changeovers, purges, cleanouts, and line preparation
- Operate pelletizing and downstream material-handling equipment
- Perform in-process quality checks such as moisture, bulk density, MFI, appearance, and color
- Accurately document production data, process conditions, material lots, and quality results
- Identify and troubleshoot basic process, feeder, and material-flow issues
- Recognize abnormal equipment conditions and work with Maintenance or Engineering when additional support is required
- Assist with new material trials, process development, and production scale-up
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment
- Follow all safety, quality, environmental, and housekeeping requirements
Qualifications
Required:
- Hands-on experience operating twin-screw compounding equipment
- Understanding of polymer processing and extrusion fundamentals
- Mechanical aptitude and strong troubleshooting skills
- Ability to read and follow formulations, batch sheets, and process instructions
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
- Ability to work effectively as part of a small manufacturing team
- Ability to lift up to 70 lbs. and work in an industrial manufacturing environment
- High school diploma or GED
Preferred:
- Experience with Brabender feeders, Leistritz extruders, or similar equipment
- Experience with gravimetric or loss-in-weight feeding systems
- Experience processing TPU/TPEs, PE, PP, nylon/PA, or other engineered resins
- Knowledge of fillers, additives, pigments, and color dispersion
- Understanding of screw design, shear, residence time, and material dispersion
- Experience with production trials, new formulations, or scale-up
- Basic mechanical troubleshooting experience
- Forklift certification or willingness to obtain certification
- Technical, vocational, plastics, or manufacturing training
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for someone who is
hands-on, dependable, mechanically inclined, and detail-oriented. The right candidate takes ownership of their equipment and production line, understands that small process changes can have a significant impact on compound quality, and is comfortable working in a growing operation where every team member plays an important role.
This is an opportunity to work directly with advanced twin-screw compounding technology and contribute to both
commercial manufacturing and the development of new, highly engineered polymer compounds.
Compensation
$22.00 – $32.00 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.
Benefits
- 401(k) with company contribution
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Paid time off
- Profit sharing
- Performance/bonus opportunities
- Annual performance and salary reviews
Location: Shirley, Massachusetts