Extruder Operator Trainee

Westlake Chemical Corporation; Columbus (OH); Hybrid; USD 31,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Night shift premium

Paid training

Job summary

Westlake Royal Building Products is seeking mechanically inclined individuals to join our manufacturing team as Extruder Operator Trainees in Columbus, OH. No prior extrusion experience is required as comprehensive training is provided; progression to Extrusion Operator is expected with demonstrated skill.

Starting pay for trainees is $22.50 per hour with a night shift premium of $2.00 per hour and continued paid training up to 12 months.

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.

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.

Job description

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

With guidance from experienced operators, you will learn to safely operate and maintain extrusion equipment and progress into a full Extrusion Operator role.

You will learn how to:

• 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

Pay, Growth & Stability

• 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 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.