Production Operator - 3rd Shift

Production Operator (Extrusion / Blending)

Job Summary We are seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Production Operator to join our manufacturing team. This role requires a minimum of 3 years of experience in a manufacturing facility; extrusion experience is strongly preferred.

In this hands-on position, you will set up, operate, and maintain extrusion lines and related equipment used to blend, mix, package, and transport liquid or dry chemicals that form our customers’ products. You will play a key role in delivering the highest-quality products at the lowest possible cost while consistently meeting customer specifications, delivery requirements, and company policies and procedures. Forklift certification is a plus.

Essential Functions

• Set up, start, and operate all assigned machinery, verifying that controls meet operating, safety, and ISO standards.
• Weigh ingredients to precise recipe specifications and load them into equipment, or ensure correct pre-blended materials are delivered to the work area and properly inserted.
• Continuously monitor production processes and equipment to ensure safe, efficient operation; troubleshoot equipment and process issues as they arise.
• Operate machinery to mix, extrude/discharge, or handle materials in accordance with established operating procedures.
• Visually and physically inspect materials to confirm conformance with quality standards.
• Collect material samples for laboratory evaluation and implement any required batch adjustments based on lab instructions.
• Escalate issues or problems promptly to the Production Lead or Production/Shift Supervisor.
• Perform thorough cleaning of all assigned equipment and maintain departmental housekeeping standards.
• Complete all required system transactions and data entries accurately, ensuring data integrity.
• Document work completed through logs, reports, procedures, and other required records.
• Actively participate in training, retraining, and continuous-improvement initiatives.
• Strictly follow all safety rules, regulations, and company policies, including consistent use of required personal protective equipment.
• Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications Education & Experience

• Proven experience operating extruders or other production machinery (minimum 3 years in a manufacturing environment preferred).
• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs continuously throughout the shift.
• Strong cross-functional problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to health and safety regulations, including consistent use of protective gear.
• Preferred: Forklift experience or certification.
• Preferred: Flexibility to work various shifts.
• Preferred: Bilingual skills (not required).

Physical Demands The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position:

• Regularly required to see, talk, and hear.
• This is a highly active role requiring standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing for the majority of the shift.
• Frequently lift and/or move items weighing more than 50 pounds.
• Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 200 lbs with the aid of equipment.
• Ability to stand and/or walk for a full 10-hour shift.
• Vision of 20/40 or better (with or without correction) and sufficient hearing to perform assigned tasks safely.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Reading comprehension level sufficient to understand and follow job requirements, procedures, and safety instructions.