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Lead Sheet Extrusion Operator 13670 US Highway 20A, Pioneer, OH 43554 $33 - $40 an hour - Full-time Apply with Indeed Lead Sheet Extrusion Operator Hydra-Matic Co., Inc. | Pioneer, Ohio 43554

Job Type:

Full-Time, Permanent Pay:

$33.00-$40.00 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience (pending final approval)

Overtime:

1.5 times the regular hourly rate for hours worked exceeding 40 in a fixed workweek

Relocation Assistance:

Available for qualified candidates; negotiated individually An Exceptional Opportunity for an Experienced Sheet Extrusion Professional Hydra-Matic Co., Inc. is seeking a highly experienced Lead Sheet Extrusion Operator with a minimum of five years of hands-on industrial plastic extrusion experience to help launch and operate a brand-new Davis-Standard PVC sheet extrusion line at our manufacturing facility in Pioneer, Ohio. This is not a typical machine operator position. We are making a significant investment in expanding our manufacturing capabilities and are looking for an accomplished extrusion professional who wants to play an important role in establishing a new production operation from the ground up. The successful candidate will participate in equipment installation, commissioning, startup, and manufacturer-led training alongside Davis-Standard technical specialists before assuming primary responsibility for the daily operation, performance, and reliability of the extrusion line. We are looking for someone who truly understands sheet extrusion—someone who can independently operate the equipment, troubleshoot process issues, maintain consistent product quality, and keep production running efficiently. This position offers competitive compensation, an exceptional planned work schedule, modern equipment, and the opportunity to become a key technical contributor within an established, family-owned manufacturing company. About the Equipment Our new production line is a modern, highly automated Davis-Standard sheet extrusion system designed to manufacture precision PVC sheet material.

The equipment includes:

130mm Davis-Standard Thermatic III single-screw extruder 56-inch Nordson/EDI Prodigi sheet die with automatic die-lip control 60-inch, three-roll vertical downstack cooling and finishing system Automated sheet thickness monitoring and control Allen-Bradley PLC-based process controls and touchscreen operator interfaces Integrated sheet slitting, accumulator, and automatic turret winding system Automatic roll cutting, transfer, and discharge The line is designed to manufacture thin-gauge PVC sheet at approximately 500-700 pounds per hour. Direct experience operating flat-sheet extrusion equipment with a three-roll stack or similar roll-stand configuration is strongly preferred. Experience with rigid or semi-rigid PVC is especially desirable. Key Responsibilities Independently operate, monitor, and adjust the sheet extrusion line to maintain consistent production and product quality. Perform equipment startup, shutdown, product changeovers, and process adjustments. Monitor and control extrusion temperatures, melt pressure, screw speed, roll temperatures, roll gaps, line speed, and sheet thickness. Identify and troubleshoot extrusion-related problems, including thickness variations, surface defects, material degradation, inconsistent melt flow, and winding issues. Perform routine preventive maintenance, equipment inspections, cleaning, lubrication, and minor mechanical adjustments or repairs within training and authorization. Recognize mechanical or electrical equipment problems and coordinate necessary repairs with maintenance personnel. Monitor automated slitting, winding, and roll-handling equipment to ensure efficient, uninterrupted production. Maintain product quality standards while minimizing scrap, waste, and unnecessary downtime. Direct and coordinate the activities of one or two production tenders assigned to the shift. Participate in initial equipment installation, commissioning, startup, and process optimization. Assist in developing standard operating procedures, production practices, and preventive maintenance routines. Help train future extrusion operators and production personnel as the operation expands. Maintain accurate production records and follow all company safety and quality procedures. Required Qualifications Minimum of five years of hands-on experience operating industrial plastic extrusion equipment , including substantial experience with flat-sheet extrusion or closely related roll-stack sheet processing. Demonstrated ability to independently set up, operate, adjust, and troubleshoot extrusion equipment. Strong understanding of extrusion process variables and their effects on product quality. Practical mechanical aptitude, including experience with preventive maintenance and basic equipment troubleshooting. Familiarity with industrial machinery involving rollers, drives, hydraulics, pneumatics, and temperature-control systems. Ability to interpret machine operating parameters and make appropriate process adjustments. Experience using computerized industrial equipment controls or PLC-based operator interfaces. Ability to work independently, solve production problems, and maintain consistent equipment performance. Strong attention to safety, quality, and production efficiency. Willingness to assist in training and directing other production personnel. Preferred Qualifications Direct experience with rigid or semi-rigid PVC sheet extrusion. Experience operating three-roll sheet extrusion stacks or calender-style roll stands. Familiarity with Davis-Standard, Nordson/EDI, or comparable extrusion equipment. Experience with automated thickness gauging and die-lip control. Experience operating automatic slitters, accumulators, and turret winding systems. Hands-on experience supporting equipment installation, commissioning, or startup. Experience training or mentoring other extrusion operators.

Compensation and Work Schedule Hourly Pay:

$33.00-$40.00, depending on qualifications and experience, subject to final approval.

Overtime:

Paid at 1.5 times the regular hourly rate for hours worked exceeding 40 in a fixed seven-day workweek.

Initial Startup and Training Schedule:

Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM-3:30 PM. During this phase, the lead operator will assist with equipment installation and setup, participate in commissioning and Davis-Standard-led training, help develop operating procedures, and support initial process optimization.

Planned Production Schedule:

Once the extrusion line is fully operational, the position is expected to transition to: Six consecutive 12-hour day shifts Followed by eight consecutive days off Repeating 14-day rotation The exact workday rotation will be finalized as production requirements are established. This schedule provides extended, predictable time away from work while maintaining a full-time manufacturing career.

Relocation Assistance:

Available for qualified candidates and negotiated individually based on circumstances. Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance Company-paid life insurance Paid holidays Paid vacation Stable, year-round employment Long-term career opportunity with an established, family-owned manufacturing company Opportunity to help launch a new manufacturing operation Equipment-specific training with Davis-Standard technical specialists About Hydra-Matic Founded in 1945, Hydra-Matic Co., Inc. is an established, family-owned American manufacturing company serving the industrial battery industry and other specialized markets. We are making a major investment in expanding our Pioneer, Ohio manufacturing facility and introducing advanced in-house PVC sheet extrusion capabilities. We believe that successful manufacturing operations depend on experienced, capable people who take pride in their work. If you are an experienced extrusion professional who enjoys troubleshooting, improving production processes, and taking ownership of equipment performance, we encourage you to apply.

Pay:

$33.00 - $40.00 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 - 72.0 per week

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Relocation assistance Vision insurance Application Question(s): How many years of hands-on experience do you have operating industrial plastic extrusion equipment? Have you independently set up, operated, adjusted, and troubleshot an industrial plastic extrusion line? Are you willing and able to work on-site in Pioneer, Ohio, including relocating if necessary? What types of extrusion equipment have you operated? Please include the materials processed and equipment manufacturers. Describe an extrusion process problem you personally diagnosed and corrected. What was the issue, and what adjustments did you make?

Work Location:

In person