Extrusion Operator

SeaCa Plastic Packaging LLC; Surprise (AZ); On-site; USD 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Seattle-Tacoma Box Company is hiring an Extrusion Machine Operator to run and monitor our extrusion lines producing corrugated plastic sheets. You will set up equipment, adjust temperatures and speeds, and ensure product specifications are met.

This role requires a high school diploma, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to work nights or weekends in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Safety, teamwork, and attention to detail are essential.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED.
• Experience: Prior experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Mechanical aptitude for machine operation; ability to read work orders and product specifications.
• Ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and multitask.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities; able to work in a team.
• Basic math skills for measurements and calculations.
• Physical stamina for standing and lifting up to 50 lbs.; warmth in production setting.
• Willingness to work night or weekend shifts.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate extrusion equipment to produce corrugated plastic sheets.
• Monitor extrusion process and adjust settings to maintain quality and efficiency.
• Inspect finished sheets for defects and verify dimensions.
• Perform basic maintenance, cleaning, and troubleshooting on equipment.
• Support finishing tasks like cutting, stacking, and packaging materials.
• Follow safety procedures and maintain a clean work area.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Read work orders

Multitasking

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Basic math

Safety-first mindset

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Description

About the Company:

SeaCa Plastics Packaging is a leading packaging manufacturer specializing in custom corrugated plastic packaging solutions. Serving industries such as agriculture, seafood, and industrial manufacturing, the company combines innovative design, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and exceptional customer service to deliver high-quality packaging that protects products and supports customer success.

What you will do:

• Set up and operate extrusion machines to produce corrugated plastic sheets.
• Monitor production and make adjustments to maintain quality and efficiency.
• Inspect products and identify quality issues.
• Perform basic machine maintenance, cleaning, and troubleshooting.
• Support finishing tasks like cutting, stacking, and packaging materials.
• Follow safety procedures and maintain a clean work area.
• Work with the team to meet production goals and complete other assigned tasks.

What you bring to the table:

• A high school diploma or GED and experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• The ability to safely operate machines, follow instructions, and learn new processes quickly.
• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and a team-first attitude.
• The ability to multitask, stay focused in a fast-paced environment, and meet production goals.
• Basic math skills for measuring, counting, and making simple calculations.
• Physical stamina to stand for long periods, lift up to 50 lbs., and work in a warm, active production setting.
• Flexibility to work a rotating night shift schedule, including weekends.

Nice to Have:

• Technical training in manufacturing or plastics processing.
• 1 to 3 years of experience in plastic extrusion or similar manufacturing operations.
• Experience with sheet, film, corrugated, or hollow profile extrusion processes.
• Familiarity with extrusion equipment, controls, or production software.

What you receive:

• On the job training - 4-6 weeks
• Competitive compensation $23 - $28 / hour depending on experience
• Additional compensation Significant ability for overtime
• Annual increases for cost of living
• Next level benefits - including medical, dental, vision and various other options. 5% match for 401k.

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Full Job Description:

Essential Functions:

• Machine Setup and Operation: Prepare extrusion equipment by loading raw materials (such as polypropylene pellets and additives), installing specialized dies for corrugated profiles, and adjusting settings like temperature, pressure, speed, and vacuum to meet product specifications for sheet thickness, width, and corrugation structure.
• Process Monitoring: Oversee the extrusion process, including melting the plastic, forming the hollow corrugated structure, and cooling the sheets. Make real-time adjustments to optimize efficiency, product quality and minimize waste.
• Quality Control: Inspect finished sheets for defects such as inconsistencies in corrugation, bubbles, or dimensional inaccuracies. Use measuring tools to verify compliance with standards and perform tests on material properties.
• Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Identify and record defects on equipment including broken or worn parts. Assist in basic operator preventative maintenance and cleaning tasks. Troubleshoot using adjustments to temperature, air, and vacuum to solve basic operating defects.
• Production Support: Handle downstream tasks such as cutting, stacking, or rolling sheets, maintaining production logs, and coordinating with team members to meet output goals.
• Safety and Compliance: Follow safety protocols, wear personal protective equipment (PPE), and ensure the work area complies with environmental and regulatory standards, including proper handling of materials to avoid hazards.
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Education: High school diploma or GED
• Experience: Prior experience in a manufacturing environment
• Technical Skills: Mechanical aptitude for machine operation; ability to read work orders, and product specifications; Ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, asking questions and escalating issues. Ability to multitask. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities. Ability to work in teams to accomplish tasks. Ability to work towards assigned targets.
• Physical Environment Requirements: Physical stamina for standing, lifting (up to 50 lbs.), and working in a noisy, warm environment.
• Other: Basic math skills for measurements and calculations.
• Schedule Requirements: willing and able to work shifts, including nights or weekends, in a manufacturing setting.

Night Shift Schedule (7:00 PM – 7:00 AM)

B Shift: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and every other Wednesday

D Shift: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and every other Wednesday; Rotation Example

• Week 1
• B Shift: Sun–Wed
• D Shift: Thu–Sat
• Week 2
• B Shift: Sun–Tue
• D Shift: Wed–Sat

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education: technical training in manufacturing or plastics processing is preferred.
• Experience: 1-3 years in plastic extrusion operations, ideally with sheet or film production; experience with corrugated or hollow profile extrusion is a plus.
• Technical Skills: familiarity with extrusion software or controls

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Seattle-Tacoma Box Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, business needs, and compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees are treated with dignity and respect.

Disclaimer:

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and qualifications required. Management reserves the right to modify duties and responsibilities as business needs change.

Requirements

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:

• The Extrusion Machine Operator works in a manufacturing environment that operates 24 hours a day and may be exposed to varying temperatures, machinery noise, moving equipment, and airborne plastic dust or particles. Employees are required to follow all safety procedures and wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, safety shoes, gloves, and other protective equipment as required.
• Standing and walking for extended periods of time, up to 12-hour shifts.
• Frequent bending, reaching, twisting, pushing, pulling, and climbing stairs or ladders.
• Lifting, carrying, and moving materials, tools, or supplies weighing up to 50 pounds independently and heavier items with assistance or mechanical lifting equipment.
• Working in close proximity to operating extrusion lines, conveyors, forklifts, and other manufacturing equipment.
• Exposure to warm temperatures generated by extrusion equipment and occasional contact with heated surfaces, requiring strict adherence to safety procedures.
• Visual attention to detail for monitoring product quality, machine settings, gauges, and control screens.
• Ability to safely perform work in a fast-paced production environment while managing multiple priorities and responding quickly to process changes or equipment issues.