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SC
Shakespeare Company
Extrusion Operator
Entry-Level JobVerifiedNo experience needed
Career Insights for Extruder Machine Operator
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Based on South Carolina data
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What they do
An Extruder Machine Operator operates and maintains machines that extrude or draw out thermoplastic or metal materials into hoses, bars, tubes, rods, wires, or structures.
$40,573 / year median in South Carolina
+5% projected growth
Job Description
Position Summary The Extrusion Operator safely operates and monitors extrusion lines to produce monofilament products that meet customer specifications for quality, output, and consistency. This role is responsible for machine setup, process monitoring, basic troubleshooting, and ensuring adherence to production and quality standards. Newly hired team members will receive New Hire Orientation, Shakespeare Safety Orientation, SPC training and utilization of statistical software (NWA), and Forklift/Pallet Jack training and certification. Essential Functions
- Read and comprehend shop order, Bill of Materials (BOM), process & product specifications, and special instructions.
- Pack filled spools, label spools/cartons/boxes according to instructions.
- Identify and locate parts according to BOM.
- Neatly and accurately fill out all extrusion paperwork.
- Set up, start up, and stop extruder according to process/procedures.
- Perform testing, tie up product, keep hopper filled, separate lines in quench tank and doff lines.
- Set up and operate doff timers/metered yardage systems/doff to buzzer to control yardage, maintain wind quality.
- Check and set winding tensions, operate, and monitor computers, laser mics, reports, enter data into NWA, identify out of control conditions.
- Monitor equipment/process setup against specifications, understand corrective actions.
- Efficiently manage/complete changeovers from one product to another.
- Troubleshooting (Basic) - startup / target properties with assistance
- Understand different types of die packs & their installation/removal procedure
- Put roll stands in correct gear ratio per product; know when it's required
- Set additive equipment to process, monitor and keep filled
- Cook out, flush out, and purge extruder & understand when each type of clean out is required
- Recognize quality problems based on QA data SPC/visual inspections, process equipment inspections
- Use additives and understand the purpose of these additives
- Troubleshoot equipment, additives, diameter measurement to root cause Execute the "changeover" from one product to another product: Remove and load drying system Change winder components Execute die change Execute finish change Input process settings (i.e., extruder, roll stands and winders) Complete startup and sample testing requirement Secondary Functions
- Work in a safe manner and maintain general housekeeping
- Demonstrate commitment to customer quality, business results and continuous improvement
- Expected to increase knowledge and progressively improve individual performance
- Manage daily tasks to achieve target production rates
- Other assignments as requested
- Shift work required
- Overtime required as needed to cover absences/vacations
- Strong listening and communication skills
- Strong attention to detail and organization skills required
- Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot problems
- Basic computer skills
- Must demonstrate commitment to safety
- Must demonstrate a willingness and desire to learn
- Must demonstrate effective time management and sound judgment
- Ability to make basic mathematical calculations (including addition, subtraction, finding averages)
- Ability to read information and numbers and write legibly
- Must demonstrate a willingness to assist other operators when necessary
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Basic math and reading skills
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
- Experience in extrusion or manufacturing operations
- Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability
- Manufacturing environment with exposure to heat, noise, and dust
- Ability to stand for extended periods (6-8 hours) / 12-hour shifts.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
- Frequent bending, climbing, and manual dexterity are required.
- Ability to use motorized equipment (forklift, pallet jack).
- Hand /finger agility: grasp, move, adjust, tie knots, utilize scissors.
- Able to wear
PPE:
steel-toed footwear, hearing protection, safety glasses.- Attention to detail and quality focus
- Mechanical aptitude
- Basic computer/data entry skills
- Teamwork and communication
- Strong work ethic and reliability The above statements describe the general nature and level of responsibilities for these positions and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of this position.