Extruder Operator Trainee

Westlake Chemical; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 31,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training

Night shift premium

Competitive hourly pay

Job summary

Westlake is seeking mechanically inclined individuals to join our manufacturing team as Extruder Operator Trainees in Columbus, OH. No prior extrusion experience is required; we provide comprehensive paid training up to 12 months and structured progression through qualification milestones.

Starting pay for trainees is $22.50 per hour, with experienced operators earning up to $29.14 per hour plus a night shift premium.

Qualifications

• Mechanical aptitude and hands-on experience with tools or vehicles.
• Willingness to learn and grow into a skilled operator role.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Basic computer skills.
• Prior manufacturing or extrusion experience preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Set up and tear down extrusion lines, including die installation and changeovers.
• Start-up equipment and produce quality finished products.
• Monitor machines, troubleshoot issues, and make adjustments.
• Use hand tools and measuring equipment (micrometers, fixtures, gauges).
• Accurately track production, quality, and downtime.
• Maintain safety, housekeeping, and quality standards (VSI certification).
• Work as part of a team and eventually help guide others.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Willingness to learn

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Basic computer skills

Tools

Micrometers

Fixtures

Gauges

Job description

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.

Pay Structure:

• Trainee: $22.50 per hour
• For Experienced Extruder Operators: $22.46 – $29.14 per hour, based on experience and demonstrated skill
• Increases as you progress through training and qualification milestones
• Night Shift Premium: +$2.00 per hour
• Training: Paid, structured, hands‑on (up to 12 months)

Do you enjoy working with machines? Fixing things? Working on vehicles, rebuilding engines, or figuring out how equipment works? We are seeking mechanically inclined individuals to join our manufacturing team as Extruder Operator Trainees. No prior extrusion experience is required — we provide comprehensive training. What matters most is mechanical aptitude, a willingness to learn, and pride in producing quality work.

What You’ll Learn & Do

• Set up and tear down extrusion lines, including die installation and changeovers
• Start-up equipment and produce quality finished products
• Monitor machines, troubleshoot issues, and make adjustments
• Use hand tools and measuring equipment (micrometers, fixtures, gauges)
• Accurately track production, quality, and downtime
• Maintain safety, housekeeping, and quality standards (VSI certification)
• Work as part of a team and eventually help guide others

Qualifications

• Mechanical aptitude and hands‑on experience (work, shop, vehicles, or home projects)
• Willingness to learn and grow into a skilled operator role
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Basic computer skills
• Prior manufacturing or extrusion experience preferred, but not required

Competitive hourly pay based on experience Paid training with experienced operators Clear career progression: Trainee Extrusion Operator Stable manufacturing environment with long‑term career opportunities.

Our compensation reflects market conditions across multiple U.S. locations and is based on experience, skill set, and job‑related knowledge.

Westlake Royal Building Products is a total compensation company offering competitive pay and a full benefits package.

Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.

If you are an active Westlake employee (or an employee of any Westlake affiliates), please do not apply here.

Westlake is a global manufacturer and supplier of materials and innovative products that enhance life every day.

Headquartered in Houston, with operations in Asia, Europe and North America, we provide the building blocks for vital solutions — from housing and construction, to packaging and healthcare, to automotive and consumer.

For more information, visit the company's web site at www.westlake.com.

Westlake (NYSE: WLK) is a global diversified industrial company that manufactures and supplies essential products that enhance the daily lives of people around the globe.

Our products, now under a One Westlake brand, supply the necessary building blocks for everyday products across housing and infrastructure, packaging and healthcare, and automotive and consumer goods.

Consumers gain the benefits of materials Westlake produces in products such as food packaging, medical devices, soaps and detergents, car interiors, fashion, toys, shoes, furniture, electronics, siding, stone veneer, windows, outdoor living, roofing, and pipe & fittings.

Westlake is proud to contribute to driving a sustainable future through the creation of essential products that are Enhancing Your Life Every Day®.

To view other career opportunities at Westlake and our family of companies, visit https://westlaketalent.com