Extrusion Machine Operator

TeMa North America LLC; Kearneysville (WV); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) eligibility after 90 days

Vacation and Holiday pay

Training opportunities

Job summary

TeMa North America LLC is looking for an Extrusion Machine Operator to run and monitor plastic extrusion equipment, ensuring consistent production and quality in a fast-paced shop. You will set up, adjust, load materials, inspect outputs, and document performance to support continuous improvement.

The role requires a High School Diploma or equivalent and at least 1 year of manufacturing experience, with a focus on safe, accurate, and efficient operation.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 1 year of experience as a machine operator.
• Ability to read production schedules and quality specifications.
• Proficient with hand tools and basic measurements.
• Capable of reading a tape measure and converting imperial/metric units.
• Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and detail orientation.

Responsibilities

• Set up, start, operate, and shut down extrusion machines per production needs.
• Adjust temperature, speed, pressure, and die positions for product quality.
• Monitor lines and detect equipment or material issues.
• Load resin, colorants, additives, and regrind as required.
• Inspect extruded products for defects and record results.
• Record production data, downtime, scrap levels, and machine performance.
• Complete logs and report status to supervisors; assist in shift changeovers.

Skills

Problem solving

Math ability

Communication

Attention to detail

Hand tools

Read tape measure

Unit conversion (imperial/metric)

Repetitive tasks

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Tap measure

Calipers

Gauges

Scales

Job description

Job Overview

The Extrusion Machine Operator is responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining plastic extrusion equipment to produce high‑quality plastic products. This role ensures consistent production output, adherence to safety and quality standards, accurate documentation, and efficient machine performance in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Machine Operation & Production
  • Set up, start, operate, and shut down plastic extrusion machines according to production requirements.
  • Adjust machine settings (temperature, speed, pressure, die positions) to maintain product quality.
  • Monitor production lines to ensure continuous operation and detect equipment or material issues.
  • Perform material loading, including resin, colorants, additives, and regrind.
  • Conduct regular visual and physical inspections of extruded products for defects.
• Quality Control
  • Follow quality standards per specifications, work orders, and customer requirements.
  • Use measurement tools such as tap measure, calipers, gauges, and scales to verify product dimensions.
  • Record production data, test results, scrap levels, and machine performance.
• Maintenance & Troubleshooting
  • Perform basic machine maintenance such as cleaning and replacing dies.
  • Identify and troubleshoot mechanical or quality issues.
  • Coordinate with maintenance technicians for equipment breakdowns.
• Documentation & Reporting
  • Complete production logs, downtime reports, and material usage records.
  • Communicate machine performance and production status to supervisors.
  • Participate in shift changeovers and team briefings.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position does not have any direct reports.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience as a machine operator, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read production schedules and quality specifications.
• Other skills required:
  • Excellent problem‑solving abilities.
  • Aptitude for math and general mechanical ability.
  • Ability to work and communicate well with others.
  • Attention to detail; must be able to follow instructions.
  • Proficiency with hand tools.
  • Ability to read a tape measure.
  • Strong understanding of both imperial and metric measurements with the ability to convert between both.
  • Willingness and ability to perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.

Preferred Qualifications

• Additional education and experience preferred.
• Experience with plastic extrusion machines.
• Knowledge of thermoplastics.
• Basic computer skills.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the duties and responsibilities. This position will be located in a production shop floor environment and may be required to work a 12‑hour rotating shift; 1st, 2nd, or 3rd shift; or other designated shift hours. Overtime may also be required based on business conditions. While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is moderate with occasional loud noise. Frequently required to talk, hear, walk, sit, and stand. Occasionally required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl. Continually works near moving mechanical parts and may occasionally be exposed to fumes, airborne particles or toxic chemicals. Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Health & Safety Requirements

• Perform job functions in a safe manner.
• Wear all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required by Company policy for the job being performed.
• Know and follow established job‑specific and facility wide safety and health procedures and rules.
• Actively participate in safety and health training and demonstrate competency based on training received.
• Brings safety and health issues, unsafe acts, and safety suggestions to management’s attention or correct those you can upon observation.

Other Duties

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. They may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Benefits

• Multiple benefit plans to choose from based on you and/or your family’s needs, beginning the 1st of the month following date of hire.
• 401(k) eligibility after 90 days.
• Vacation and Holiday pay
• Training opportunities
• And much more!

Equal Opportunity

TeMa North America is an Equal Opportunity Employer.