Extruder Operator

Ridge Corporation; Ohio; On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Quarterly performance bonus

Medical, dental, vision, prescription

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation and 9 paid holidays

Job summary

Ridge Corporation in Frazeysburg, OH is hiring an Extruder Operator to run the extrusion line and convert regrind flake into quality pellets aligned with production goals.

You will work closely with production, safety, quality, and engineering teams in a fast-paced, team-driven environment, with a 6:00 AM–4:30 PM schedule and overtime on Fridays as scheduled.

Qualifications

• Must have manufacturing experience and be familiar with extrusion equipment or line operations.
• Knowledge of OSHA safety rules and Lockout/Tagout procedures is required.
• Ability to read and understand basic English and perform basic math.
• Clear verbal and written communication and good time management.
• Self-motivated, able to work independently or in a team.
• Commitment to quality, safety, and productivity.

Responsibilities

• Set up the extruder safely and bring it to the correct temperature; clean the die head.
• Follow work instructions from start-up to shutdown.
• Operate crane to load regrind into hopper and drive a stand-up forklift to move material.
• Perform quality inspections and record data; troubleshoot equipment issues.
• Maintain clean, organized work area and follow 5S principles.
• Meet or exceed production standards and suggest process improvements.

Skills

OSHA safety rules

Lockout/Tagout procedures

Basic English literacy

Basic math

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Crane operation

Stand-up forklift

Job description

Position Title: Extruder Operator

Location: Frazeysburg, OH
Pay: Up to $19.25/hour to start, plus quarterly performance bonus opportunities
Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 6:00 AM–4:30 PM; Friday overtime, 6:00 AM–2:30 PM, mandatory when scheduled

Two paid 15-minute breaks and one unpaid 30-minute lunch per shift
Type: Full-time, hourly (non-exempt)

Position Summary:

We're hiring an Extruder Operator to run our extrusion line, turning regrind flake into quality pellets that meet our production goals. If you have hands-on machine operation or maintenance experience and like solving problems on the floor, this role is for you.

You’ll work closely with production, safety, quality, and engineering teammates in a fast-paced, team-driven environment.

Primary Duties and Responsibilitiesinclude the following:

• Set up the extruder safely and correctly, including bringing it to the right temperature and cleaning the die head
• Follow work instructions from start-up through shutdown
• Operate a crane to load regrind flake into the hopper
• Drive a stand-up forklift to move finished material from bagging to the scale for weighing and labeling
• Perform quality inspections, including pellet size, melt flow, surface moisture, and pellet voids
• Troubleshoot equipment issues independently while managing multiple tasks
• Read and record machine settings to support continuous improvement
• Enter production data into our ERP system
• Follow Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), OSHA, and company safety procedures at all times
• Keep your work area clean and organized using 5S methods
• Meet or exceed production standards and suggest ways to improve our processes
• Take on other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior manufacturing experience, especially with extrusion equipment, cranes, or stand-up forklifts
• Working knowledge of OSHA safety rules and Lockout/Tagout procedures
• Ability to read and understand basic English and do basic math
• Clear verbal and written communication and strong time management
• A self-motivated approach, working well both independently and as part of a team
• A proven commitment to quality, compliance, and productivity

• High school diploma or GED

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

This is a 100% indoor manufacturing role on your feet for most of the shift.

• Push, pull, lift, and carry up to 75 lbs.
• Stand and walk for long periods; climb, kneel, and work in confined areas
• Perform repetitive motions and single-hand grasping
• Work at heights of 15 to 35 ft.
• Use power tools, calipers, and tape measures safely
• Operate material handling equipment, including a crane and stand-up forklift
• Full range of vision (near, far, color, and peripheral)
• Work around high heat and loud noise; heat-resistant gloves and hearing protection are required
• Wear required PPE: steel-toe shoes, gloves, and safety glasses

Benefits:

• Quarterly performance bonus and wage rate increase opportunities
• Medical, dental, vision, prescription, short-term and long-term disability, and more, starting after 30 days
• 401(k) with 100% Company Match at 4% with immediate vesting
• Paid Vacation plus 9 paid holidays
• Annual field day, monthly employee meetings, food trucks, and more

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.