Extrusion Operating Technician

ADLIB; Greater London; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary & benefits

Job summary

ADLIB in the United Kingdom seeks an Extrusion Operating Technician to join a hands-on R&D facility. You will operate twin-screw extrusion lines, prepare formulations, and support development trials and process optimisation.

You will monitor processing parameters, maintain equipment, and ensure traceability and safety while collaborating with scientists to advance material development and scale-up efforts.

Qualifications

• Twin-screw extrusion experience required.
• Understanding how extrusion variables affect quality.
• Experience weighing materials to specification.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with technical equipment.
• Good organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and follow procedures.
• Awareness of health, safety and housekeeping standards.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced R&D environment.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate and shut down twin-screw compounding extrusion lines for development trials.
• Prepare, weigh and blend raw materials to specification.
• Monitor and adjust processing parameters such as temperature, screw speed and feed rates.
• Operate pelletising, drying, mixing and pulverising equipment for development samples.
• Conduct equipment changeovers, cleaning and contamination control.
• Support routine maintenance, inspections and first-line troubleshooting.
• Receive, store and handle materials with traceability records.
• Maintain process documentation and production records.
• Follow SOPs, quality standards and safety procedures.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers on development programmes.

Skills

Twin-screw extrusion

Process variables understanding

Formulations weighing

Mechanical aptitude

Record-keeping

Health and safety

Independent in fast-paced R&D

Education

Polymer Processing / Engineering / Applied Science qualification

Tools

Forklift certification

Job description

Extrusion Operating Technician
Join an innovative materials technology company developing advanced polymer and additive solutions for industrial applications. This is a hands-on technical role supporting material development and scale-up activities through polymer compounding, extrusion processing and material preparation. Working within a small-batch R&D facility, you’ll support the delivery of development trials, process optimisation projects and new material innovations.

What you’ll be doing:

• Setting up, operating and shutting down twin-screw compounding extrusion lines for development trials.


• Preparing, weighing and blending raw materials, additives and pigments to formulation specifications.


• Monitoring and adjusting processing parameters including temperature, screw speed, feed rates and vacuum.


• Operating pelletising, drying, mixing and pulverising equipment to produce development samples.


• Carrying out equipment changeovers, cleaning activities and contamination control procedures.


• Supporting routine maintenance, equipment inspections and first-line troubleshooting.


• Receiving, storing and handling materials whilst maintaining traceability records.


• Maintaining accurate process documentation and production records.


• Following SOPs, quality standards and health & safety procedures at all times.


• Collaborating with scientists and engineers to support material development programmes.

What you’ll need:

• Industry experience operating twin-screw compounding extrusion equipment.


• Understanding of extrusion and compounding process variables and their impact on product quality.


• Experience preparing formulations and weighing materials to specification.


• Strong mechanical aptitude and confidence working with technical equipment.


• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.


• Ability to maintain accurate records and follow technical procedures.


• Strong awareness of health, safety and housekeeping standards.


• Ability to work independently within a fast-paced R&D environment.

Nice to have:

• Experience within masterbatch, additive or speciality polymer compounding.


• Experience working with pigments, fillers or additive dispersion processes.


• Experience operating pulverising, milling or drying equipment.


• Familiarity with ISO 9001 or similar quality management systems.


• Relevant qualification in Polymer Processing, Engineering or Applied Science.


• Forklift, pallet truck or other material handling equipment certification.

What’s in it for you?

• Full-time permanent position.


• Opportunity to contribute to innovative materials technology research and development programmes.


• Exposure to cutting-edge polymer and additive development projects.


• Collaborative and fast-paced technical environment.


• Competitive salary and benefits package.