Blown Film Extrusion Operator

Kairos Recruitment; Northern Ireland; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading packaging supplier in Northern Ireland is seeking a Blown Film Extrusion Operator who will be responsible for setting up and monitoring extrusion lines while ensuring quality and efficiency. The ideal candidate will have experience with blown film extrusion processes and machinery. The company offers a competitive salary dependent on experience, sponsorship for visas, and additional benefits such as accommodation support and production bonuses. Relocation candidates are welcome.

Benefits

Pension

Working Visa Sponsorship

Quarterly Production Bonus

Free accommodation for the first 30 days

Qualifications

• Previous experience in Blown Film Extrusion required.
• Knowledge of operating 5-layer machines is ideal.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor blown film extrusion lines.
• Ensure production specifications are followed.
• Perform minor machine adjustments and routine maintenance.

Skills

Experience in Blown Film Extrusion

Machine operation (K45, K9, Optimex 1, KCO-EX, Optimex 2)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Printing or Chemical Engineering

Job description

Blown Film Extrusion Operator

This company offer sponsorship so they will consider applicants who are a UK citizen and hold a British Passport and open to relocation to Northern Ireland but also;

• An individual already in the UK who was granted their own Skilled Worker Visa before 22/07/25.
• An overseas candidate who holds a Bachelor's degree in Printing or Chemical Engineering. Northern Ireland

Salary - DOE

Hours - This role follows a continental shift pattern, based on a recurring two-week rota.

Shifts are either 06:00-18:00 (day shift) or 18:00-06:00 (night shift) - 42-hour contract.

Current Pattern in Place

Week 1: Monday, Thursday, and Friday

Week 2: Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday

2 weeks of day shift followed by 2 weeks of night shift

Benefits

• Pension
• Working Visa Sponsorship
• Quarterly Production Bonus and Annual Service Bonus
• Free accommodation for the first 30 days of employment, with Batchelor accommodation provided for a small weekly fee thereafter.

Company- Ireland's leading supplier of flexible plastic, laminate packaging and technical films, offering a full range of services, including blown film extrusion, flexographic printing, lamination, slitting, perforation, and conversion for some very well-known branded clients.

They're now looking for several more team members to join their team in Northern Ireland!

They also offer a working sponsorship within the business, so will consider anyone looking to relocate to N.Ireland, UK.

Overview

The Blown Film Extrusion Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and monitoring blown film extrusion lines to produce polyethylene (PE) film that meets quality, safety, and production standards. The operator ensures stable production, correct process parameters, and timely troubleshooting of extrusion issues.

The Role & Responsibilities

• Set up, start, and shut down blown film extrusion lines
• Ensure production specification is followed correctly
• Operate extruders and department equipment
• Adjust process parameters (temperature, pressure, screw speed, haul-off speed)
• Monitor bubble stability, gauge control, and film appearance.
• Inspect film for thickness, width, clarity, haze, gels, pinholes, and defects
• Measure film gauge and ensure compliance with specifications
• Complete quality and production documentation
• Identify and correct common extrusion problems (bubble breaks, gauge variation, wrinkles, melt fracture)
• Perform minor machine adjustments and routine maintenance
• Report mechanical or electrical issues to the maintenance team
• Loading of polymers and additives into hoppers to ensure consistent material feed.
• Monitor the extrusion line for jams, blockages, or inconsistencies in plastic flow.
• Perform basic quality inspections on extruded plastic products (e.g., dimensions, surface finish).
• Collect, stack, and label finished products for packaging and shipping.
• Keep the work area clean and free of obstructions.
• Follow all company safety protocols, including proper use of PPE.

Skills & Requirements

The candidate must have previous experience of Blown Film Extrusion

• Ideally run one of the following machine (or similar) - K45 (Kuhne), K9 (Kuhne), Optimex 1 (W&H), KCO-EX or Opitmex 2 (W&H) (5-layer machine)

If you are interested and have the relevant experience, please apply today! Or contact Amanda @ Kairos recruitment