Pelletizer Operator

• Location 5115 Winchester Ave,Martinsburg, WV, 25405,United States
• Base Pay $23.00 / Hour
• Employee Type Full-Time Non-Exempt

1. Machine Operation & Setup

Startup & Shutdown:
Safely initiate and power down extrusion and pelletizing lines according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Parameter Management:
Actively monitor and adjust melt temperatures, screw speeds, and pressure settings to optimize processing.

Feed Management:
Oversee the consistent feeding of PET fluff into the hopper, ensuring no bridging or starving of the extruder.

2. Process Control & Quality Assurance

Product Consistency:
Monitor pelletizing systems (water-ring, underwater, or strand cutting) to ensure pellets meet strict size, shape, and density specifications.

Contamination Control:
Vigilantly monitor melt filters and screen changers; replace them promptly to remove impurities from the recycled stream.

Sampling:
Conduct periodic quality checks and collect samples for lab analysis to verify moisture levels and Intrinsic Viscosity (IV) standards.

3. Maintenance & Troubleshooting

Mechanical Integrity:
Perform "first-line" routine maintenance, including cleaning blades, inspecting die plates, and lubricating components.

Problem Solving:
Identify and resolve technical issues such as surging, "black specks," or pellet clumping (agglomeration).

Changeovers:
Assist in the assembly/disassembly of die heads and cutter hubs during material changeovers or deep cleaning cycles.

4. Safety & Documentation

Logs & Tracking:
Maintain precise production logs, including throughput weights, downtime tracking, and material usage.

Safety Compliance:
Adhere strictly to Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures and wear all required PPE (high-heat gloves, face shields, and hearing protection).

Housekeeping:
Maintain a "5S" standard work area to prevent slip hazards from stray pellets and dust accumulation.

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience:

1–3 years in plastics extrusion or pelletizing (highly preferred).

Technical:
Ability to use basic hand tools and navigate PLC touchscreens.

Knowledge:
Understanding of PET thermal properties and moisture sensitivity.

Soft Skills:

Strong attention to detail, ability to work in a structured environment, and clear communication in English.

Physicality:
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for the duration of a long shift.

Environment:
Must be comfortable working in a noisy industrial setting with fluctuating temperatures (hot/cold).

Precision:
High degree of manual dexterity for handling delicate machine components.

As a Pelletizer Operator , you are a vital link in our sustainability mission. You will transform recycled PET fluff into high-quality, uniform resin pellets ready for manufacturing.

This role requires technical precision, a keen eye for quality, and a commitment to maintaining a steady, efficient production flow.