Extruder Operator Trainee - 1st Shift (Fast-Paced Manufacturing)

Quanex; Winnebago Township (IL); On-site; USD 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Benefits

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

401K with match

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Education Assistance

Job summary

Quanex in Winnebago, IL is seeking a Production Operator Trainee for 1st shift. You will run and maintain extruder machines to produce quality window and door parts, with minimal waste, in a full-time role from 6:45 am to 3:15 pm, Monday to Friday, with overtime as needed.

Successful candidates will participate in safety and quality goals, perform quality checks, and help ensure packaging and labeling accuracy, all within a collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

• Good reading ability and basic math skills.
• Basic computer proficiency.
• Ability to use hand tools; calipers experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Participate in pre-shift meetings to review Safety, Quality, and Production goals.
• Review production schedule and work to targets while maintaining safety.
• Place parts into crates and label according to packaging procedures.
• Perform quality checks and document results per standard tasks.
• Cut and weigh product samples for QA testing or customer requirements.
• Identify and inform staff of product defects.
• Anticipate material needs by planning and monitoring lines.
• Record sold quantity, scrap quantity, line speed, SPC, and OEE.
• Push finished product carts to staging area and preload packaging.

Skills

Reading

Basic math

Computer basics

Hand tools

Tools

Calipers

Job description

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Production Operator - 1st Shift

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• Posted on October 9, 2026

Locations

Showing 1 location

Winnebago, IL 61088, USA

• On-site
• Production & Manufacturing
• Full-Time
• Requisition #: PRODU007959

Description

Quanex is looking for a Production Operator- 1st shift, to join our team located in Winnebago, IL.

The Production Operator Trainee works as part of a team, as well as independently to run and maintain assigned extruder machines to produce quality window and door parts to customer specifications, with minimal waste.

This is a full-time, 8-hour position, that works 6:45 am to 3:15 pm, Mon - Fri, and frequently works mandatory overtime.

Call or text [phone] to apply!

We Offer You:

• Health Benefits: medical (with FSA or HSA account options), dental & vision plans!
• Supplemental benefits: company paid life insurance & AD&D, short-term & long-term disability, Employee Assistance Programs
• Financial benefits: 401K with Employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plan eligibility
• Work-Life benefits: Paid Time Off (40 hours), Paid Sick Time (1 hour for every 40 hours worked), and Paid Holidays (up to 9 days annually)
• Education Assistance

What's attractive about the Extruder Operator Trainee position?

• Great Team Atmosphere
• Fast Paced Environment.
• The company LIVES its values

What Success Looks Like:

• Participate in pre-shift meetings to review Safety, Quality, and Production goals
• Review production schedule, and perform work in accordance with targets, while maintaining a safe work environment.
• Place parts into crates and label according to packaging procedures using safe body mechanics.
• Perform quality checks on parts and document results in accordance with standard work tasks.
• Cut and weigh product samples for quality assurance, testing, or customer requirements.
• Identify and inform appropriate staff regarding product defects.
• Anticipate the demand for needed materials by planning and monitoring assigned lines.
• Record ‘sold’ quantity, scrap quantity, line speed, SPC, and OEE
• Push finished product carts to staging area, replace empty card, and pre-load the first stage of packaging.

Your Credentials:

• Previous manufacturing or industrial experience preferred.
• Good reading ability and basic math skills
• Basic computer proficiency
• Ability to use hand tools, previous experience with calipers a plus!
• Able to stand for long periods of time.
• Interest in learning new skills and career growth
• Safety focus with a willingness to adhere to safety guidelines.

Expected Salary : $17.50/hour

About Quanex,A Part of Something Bigger

Quanex (NYSE: NX) is a global, publicly traded manufacturing company primarily serving OEMs in the fenestration, cabinetry, solar, refrigeration and outdoor products markets. We areA Part of Something Biggerby improving the performance and aesthetics of end products through continuous innovation, helping customers achieve greater production efficiencies, dedication to giving back to communities where we operate, producing shareholder value and helping our employees learn, grow, and thrive. Learn more at Quanex.com.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.