Twin Screw Extrusion Operator Technician Job Shirley Massachusetts USA,Manufacturing / Production

Location: Shirley

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…