Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Extrusion Operator Helper

🎯 Role Definition

As an Extrusion Operator Helper, you are the essential partner to the Lead Extrusion Operator and a vital link in our production chain. Your primary focus will be to support the seamless operation of our plastic extrusion lines, from material preparation to final product packaging. This hands-on role requires a keen eye for detail, a commitment to safety and quality, and a proactive mindset. You will be responsible for ensuring machinery is properly supplied, performing quality checks, and maintaining a clean and organized workspace, all while learning the intricacies of the extrusion process and contributing to the overall efficiency and success of the production floor.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Production Worker
Warehouse Associate
Assembly Line Worker

Advancement To:

Extrusion Operator
Lead Extrusion Operator
Production Supervisor or Team Lead

Lateral Moves:

Quality Control Technician
Maintenance Assistant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Actively assist the lead Extrusion Operator in all phases of the production setup, including die changes, screen pack replacements, and line startups to ensure seamless manufacturing flow.
Continuously monitor extrusion machinery gauges, controls, and output to ensure operations are within established parameters for temperature, pressure, and speed.
Accurately weigh, mix, and load raw materials such as plastic resins, colorants, and additives into hoppers and feeders according to production specifications.
Perform regular, in-process quality control checks on extruded products using calipers, micrometers, tape measures, and other gauging instruments to verify conformance to specifications.
Carefully package, label, and palletize finished products according to customer requirements and internal standards for shipment and inventory.
Operate material handling equipment, such as pallet jacks and forklifts (if certified), to transport raw materials and finished goods throughout the facility.
Maintain detailed and accurate production records, logs, and quality control documentation for traceability and operational reporting.
Proactively identify and report any equipment malfunctions, process deviations, or quality issues to the Lead Operator or Production Supervisor for swift resolution.
Operate grinders and other reprocessing equipment to reclaim scrap material, promoting sustainability and contributing to waste reduction goals.
Visually inspect finished products for cosmetic defects, such as blemishes, color inconsistencies, or surface imperfections, ensuring high-quality output.
Support the setup and threading of downstream equipment, including cooling tanks, pullers, cutters, and winders, to ensure a smooth, continuous production line.
Accurately read and interpret production work orders to understand product specifications, material requirements, and run quantities.

Secondary Functions

Contribute to the efficient changeover of production lines by preparing necessary tools, materials, and equipment in advance to minimize downtime.
Maintain a high level of cleanliness and organization in the immediate work area and on the production floor, adhering to 5S or similar housekeeping principles.
Strictly adhere to all company safety protocols, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and safe material handling practices.
Assist with routine preventative maintenance tasks, such as cleaning dies, lubricating machine parts, and clearing material jams, to improve machine longevity and performance.
Ensure an adequate supply of packaging materials, such as boxes, bags, cores, and labels, is staged and available at the production line to prevent interruptions.
Communicate effectively with team members across shifts, including operators, supervisors, and quality technicians, to ensure a smooth and collaborative workflow.
Participate in team meetings and continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing safety, quality, and overall productivity.
Weigh and document production scrap at the end of each shift to assist in tracking process efficiency and material yield.
Band, wrap, and secure finished pallets to ensure stability and safety during internal transport and warehouse storage.
Develop a foundational understanding of the entire extrusion process, from the properties of raw materials to the characteristics of the finished product.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Mechanical Aptitude: Foundational understanding of how machinery works and the ability to assist with minor adjustments, setups, and maintenance.
Basic Math & Measurement: Proficiency in performing simple calculations and accurately reading measurement tools like tape measures, calipers, and micrometers.
Material Handling: Experience or ability to be trained on the safe operation of pallet jacks and other material moving equipment. Forklift certification is a significant plus.
Quality Inspection: Ability to perform visual checks and use measurement tools to ensure products meet precise quality standards.
Machine Operation: Capacity to learn and assist in the operation of complex industrial machinery, including extrusion lines and auxiliary equipment.
Documentation: Skill in accurately completing production logs, quality forms, and other required paperwork.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous in monitoring processes and inspecting products to catch deviations and defects early.
Teamwork and Communication: Ability to work collaboratively with the lead operator and other team members, communicating clearly and effectively to achieve shared goals.
Safety Consciousness: A strong, unwavering commitment to following all safety rules and procedures to maintain a safe work environment for oneself and others.
Problem-Solving Skills: The capacity to identify operational issues, troubleshoot minor problems, and know when to escalate more complex issues to senior staff.
Physical Stamina: Ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 lbs, and perform physically demanding tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Ability to Follow Directions: Capable of understanding and executing complex verbal and written instructions from work orders and supervisors.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Certificate from a vocational or technical school in a related discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Manufacturing Technology
Industrial Maintenance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-2 years in a manufacturing, production, or general labor environment.

Preferred: Direct experience in a plastics manufacturing setting, particularly with extrusion or blow-molding processes, is highly desirable but not required for candidates with strong mechanical aptitude and a willingness to learn.