Extruder Operator

Department: Manufacturing / Production
Reports To: Production Supervisor
Classification: Hourly, Non-Exempt
Work Schedule: Assigned Shift; overtime, weekends, and holidays may be required

The Extruder Operator is responsible for safely operating, monitoring, and maintaining plastic extrusion and pelletizing equipment. This position ensures recycled plastic materials are processed according to production schedules, customer specifications, quality standards, and Sunrise safety requirements.

The Extruder Operator monitors temperatures, pressures, feed rates, screen conditions, cooling systems, and pellet quality while identifying and correcting production issues. This role requires strong attention to safety, equipment performance, product quality, and production efficiency.

Safely start, operate, monitor, adjust, and shut down extrusion and pelletizing equipment.

Review production orders, material specifications, work instructions, and shift priorities.

Verify that the correct raw materials, additives, colorants, and regrind materials are being used.

Inspect materials for contamination, moisture, incorrect labeling, or other quality concerns before processing.

Monitor extrusion temperatures, pressures, screw speed, amperage, feed rates, cooling systems, vacuum systems, screens, and pelletizer performance.

Adjust operating settings within approved parameters to maintain product quality and production efficiency.

Perform screen changes, die cleaning, line changeovers, purging, and equipment setup according to established procedures.

Monitor pellets for proper size, color, consistency, moisture level, contamination, and overall appearance.

Collect product samples and coordinate required testing with Quality Control or the laboratory.

Properly identify, label, segregate, and document finished products, work-in-process materials, scrap, and nonconforming material.

Record production totals, downtime, scrap, quality results, equipment settings, and material usage accurately.

Immediately report equipment malfunctions, unusual noises, temperature or pressure changes, leaks, contamination, and safety hazards.

Assist Maintenance with troubleshooting while following Lockout/Tagout requirements.

Maintain a clean and organized work area, including the extruder, pelletizer, platforms, stairs, floors, tools, and surrounding production area.

Complete shift handoffs by communicating machine conditions, production status, quality concerns, downtime, and pending work.

Support other production areas when needed and perform additional duties assigned by management.

Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and work instructions.

Wear required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, safety shoes, and any task-specific protection.

Follow Lockout/Tagout procedures before entering, cleaning, adjusting, or servicing hazardous equipment.

Never remove machine guards or bypass safety devices.

Use approved tools and procedures when working near heated equipment, dies, screens, and molten plastic.

Follow forklift and powered industrial truck requirements when authorized to operate equipment.

Immediately report injuries, near misses, unsafe conditions, spills, and equipment damage.

Maintain safe clearance around operating equipment and emergency exits.

Participate in safety meetings, inspections, training, and incident-prevention activities.

Follow product specifications and approved operating parameters.

Prevent cross-contamination by verifying materials and thoroughly completing required cleanouts and changeovers.

Identify and isolate questionable or nonconforming material.

Maintain accurate…