Extrusion Operator

Circular Plastics Australia (PE); City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly rate + overtime and

Career development and progression

Free onsite parking

Annual flu vaccinations

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Safety-first team environment

Job summary

Circular Plastics Australia (PE) is seeking an Extrusion Operator to efficiently operate and maintain food-grade extrusion machinery for high-quality recycled plastic resin products at Laverton, Victoria. The role emphasizes meeting product specifications, safety protocols, and precise quality checks.

Key duties include setting up machines for different resin types, feeding raw materials, adjusting dies and filters, and monitoring heat, pressure, and other process parameters to minimize downtime

Qualifications

• Previous experience operating and maintaining extrusion machinery.
• AQF Certificate III in Polymer Processing or equivalent an advantage.
• Forklift licence an advantage.
• Strong safety mindset and willing to speak up.
• Able to work autonomously and as part of a team.
• Physically fit and capable of manual duties including moderate to heavy lifting.
• SAP experience an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Operate extrusion machines to produce high-quality food grade plastic resin products according to specifications.
• Set up extrusion machines to produce different resin types in line with product specifications.
• Prepare raw material for extrusion, load and bag as required.
• Maintain and change dies, cutting blades and filters as required based on product specifications.
• Monitor the machines operating conditions such as heat, pressure, vacuum, amps etc.
• Monitor the production process and perform regular quality checks to ensure products meet required standards using test equipment – melt flow index, bulk density, resin colour L,a,b, etc.
• Conduct routine maintenance and troubleshooting of extrusion equipment to minimize downtime.
• Adhere to all safety protocols and procedures to ensure a safe working environment.
• Maintain accurate production records and report any issues or discrepancies to the Shift Lead.

Skills

Safety mindset

Autonomous work

Teamwork

Manual handling

Education

AQF Certificate III in Polymer Processing

Tools

SAP experience

Forklift licence

Job description

Company Description

Circular Plastics Australia (PE) is a joint venture between Pact Group and Cleanaway, operating Australasia’s largest end-to-end polyethylene (PE) recycling facility in Laverton, Victoria. The state-of-the-art plant processes more than 20,000 tonnes of HDPE and PP plastic annually into high-quality recycled resin for use in food, beverage, personal care, and industrial packaging, helping businesses reduce their reliance on virgin plastic and supporting a circular economy.

Job Description

The primary purpose of the Extrusion Operator role is to efficiently operate and maintain food grade extrusion machinery to produce high-quality recycled plastic resin products.

This involves ensuring the production process runs smoothly, meeting quality standards, and adhering to safety protocols.

Shift Pattern

• Tuesday to Thursday: 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM
• Friday: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Operate extrusion machines to produce high-quality food grade plastic resin products according to specifications.
• Set up extrusion machines to produce different resin types in line with product specifications.
• Prepare raw material for extrusion, load and bag as required.
• Maintain and change dies, cutting blades and filters as required based on product specifications
• Monitor the machines operating conditions such as heat, pressure, vacuum, amps etc.
• Monitor the production process and perform regular quality checks to ensure products meet required standards using test equipment – melt flow index, bulk density, resin colour L,a,b, etc.
• Conduct routine maintenance and troubleshooting of extrusion equipment to minimize downtime.
• Adhere to all safety protocols and procedures to ensure a safe working environment.
• Maintain accurate production records and report any issues or discrepancies to the Shift Lead.

Qualifications

Knowledge and Experience

• Previous experience operating and maintaining extrusion machinery
• AQF Certificate III in Polymer Processing or equivalent an advantage
• Forklift licence an advantage
• Strong safety mindset and willing to speak up
• Able to work autonomously and as part of a team
• Physically fit and capable of manual duties including moderate to heavy lifting
• SAP experience an advantage

Additional Information

Benefits:

• Competitive hourly rate + overtime and allowances
• Career development and progression opportunities within Pact Group
• Free onsite parking and annual flu vaccinations
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for wellbeing support
• Supportive, safety-first team environment