Extruder Operator

Westlake Chemical Corporation; Bristol (TN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake Chemical Corporation in Bristol, TN, seeks an Extruder Operator to set up and run a minimum of six extruders for PVC moulding. You will perform tooling changes, die cleaning, and grade rejects, ensuring production efficiency and quality.

The role requires 1–3 years of manufacturing experience, strong mechanical and math skills, plus the ability to read and follow instructions. You will be part of a team that prioritizes safety and reliable output in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1–3 years industrial experience in manufacturing preferred.
• Must be mechanically inclined with proficient math skills.
• Able to read and understand simple instructions and memos.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate a minimum of six extruders producing PVC moulding.
• Perform tooling change outs and die cleaning; grade own rejects.
• Monitor extrusion parameters: color, rate, profile, and counts.
• Maintain supplies and condition of extrusion equipment.
• Input process data into the acquisition system and ensure safety rules.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Math skills

Reading comprehension

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

JOB TITLE: Extruder Operator-Bristol

REPORTS TO: Tim Lamie

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

APPROVED BY: HR Business Partner

SUMMARY

Set-up and operate a minimum of six extruders producing PVC plastic moulding. Perform own tooling change outs and die cleaning as well as grading own rejects.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Run a minimum of six extruders maintaining correct settings.
• Bundle and stack moulding as it is extruded.
• Monitor color, extrusion rate, profile configuration and piece/bundle count.
• Maintain supply of compound staged at machine.
• Maintain extrusion equipment in proper condition.
• Perform own tooling change outs and die cleaning and grading own rejects.
• Assist in moving units of extruded materials when necessary.
• Clean any burrs or fuzz off profiles and keep work area clean.
• Ensure profiles are all turned the same direction and bundled correctly.
• Maintain level of quality consistent with established standards.
• Input process data into acquisition system.
• Comply with established safety rules.
• Comply with company policy and procedures.
• Maintain constructive working relationships with co-workers, lead and supervisors/managers.
• Maintain regular attendance in accordance with company policy.
• Perform other duties as assigned to the satisfaction of supervisor and/or lead.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Education/Knowledge

High school diploma or general education degree (GED).

• Experience

One to three years industrial experience and/or training in a manufacturing environment.

• Skills

Must be mechanically inclined and have proficient math skills. Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentages. Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence and memos.

• Communication

Ability to write simple correspondence and to effectively present information in one-on-one and small situations to customers, clients and other employees of the organization. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk and hear, walk, stand, use hands to finger, handle, feel objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Employee must push a 900 pound buggy approximately 200 feet six to eight times a day. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, peripheral vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts, and is occasionally exposed to airborne particles.

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance peoples lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate.

Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.