Extrusion Operator

Noel Group, LLC; Zebulon (NC); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

No ë l Group is seeking a Foam Extrusion Operator to set up, operate, and optimize foam extrusion lines to meet dimensional, density, and surface quality specifications. This hands-on role fits someone with strong process awareness and a detail-oriented mindset.

You will troubleshoot variations related to gas, temperature, and material blends, record production data, and collaborate with maintenance and quality teams to resolve line issues.

Qualifications

• Manufacturing experience required; foam or plastics extrusion experience strongly preferred.
• Mechanical aptitude and understanding of extrusion equipment.
• Understanding of how temperature, speed, and gas affect foam structure.
• Ability to read measuring devices (tape measure, calipers, scales).
• Basic math skills (fractions, decimals, conversions).
• Strong attention to detail and quality.
• Good troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Set up foam extrusion lines, including dies, calibrators, cooling systems, pullers, and cutters.
• Start up and shut down extrusion equipment following established procedures.
• Monitor and control critical foam processing parameters such as screw speed, gas injection and pressure, cooling and vacuum settings.
• Check and maintain product thickness, dimensions, cell structure, and surface finish.
• Make process adjustments to correct issues such as density variation, poor cell structure, and thickness inconsistency.
• Perform product quality checks using scales, calipers, and other measuring tools.
• Record production data, scrap, and process changes accurately.
• Assist with material changes, color changes, and cleanouts.
• Keep hoppers, feed systems, and blending equipment operating correctly.
• Work closely with maintenance and quality teams to resolve line issues.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Mechanical aptitude

Measuring devices

Basic math

Attention to detail

Troubleshooting

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

About this position

At No ë l Group , you’ll find a close-knit, small company feel. The word we generally use to describe No ë l Group is family. We are afamily-ownedand family-guided group of companies. That family connection comes through in how we work together.

When you work for a No ë l Group company, you are part of a team working to deliver the best solutions to our customers. We work collaboratively, both within the organization and with our customers. We like to think big and challenge ourselves to think out of the box – that’s how we bring creative solutions to our customers and how we work to continually improve our operations.

Our associatestend to stay with the company long-term. We have a very low turnover rate, and we think our culture has a lot to do with it. If you are looking for an opportunity to grow and projects to challenge you, a No ë l Group company might be the perfect fit.

The Foam Extrusion Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and optimizing foam extrusion lines to produce products that meet dimensional, density, and surface quality specifications. This role requires strong process awareness, attention to detail, and the ability to troubleshoot variations related to gas, temperature, and material blends.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up foam extrusion lines, including dies, calibrators, cooling systems, pullers, and cutters
• Start up and shut down extrusion equipment following established procedures
• Monitor and control critical foam processing parameters such as:
• Screw speed and motor load
• Gas injection and pressure
• Cooling and vacuum settings
• Check and maintain product:
• Thickness and dimensions
• Cell structure and surface finish
• Make process adjustments to correct issues such as:
• Density variation
• Poor cell structure
• Thickness inconsistency
• Perform product quality checks using scales, calipers, and other measuring tools
• Record production data, scrap, and process changes accurately
• Assist with material changes, color changes, and cleanouts
• Keep hoppers, feed systems, and blending equipment operating correctly
• Work closely with maintenance and quality teams to resolve line issues
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area

Required Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred
• Manufacturing experience required; foam or plastics extrusion experience strongly preferred
• Mechanical aptitude and understanding of extrusion equipment
• Understanding of how temperature, speed, and gas affect foam structure
• Ability to read measuring devices (tape measure, calipers, scales)
• Basic math skills (fractions, decimals, conversions)
• Strong attention to detail and quality
• Good troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for long periods
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Frequent bending, reaching, and movement around equipment
• Comfortable working near hot equipment and in a warm production environment
• Exposure to heat, moving machinery, dust, and production noise
• Shift work may include nights, weekends, and overtime

Safety Requirements

• Follow all lockout/tagout procedures
• Wear required PPE (safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, etc.)
• Awareness of hot surfaces, rotating equipment, and pressurized systems (gas injection)
• Safe handling of raw materials and additives

Preferred (Not Required)

• Experience with physical or chemical blowing agents
• Knowledge of density control and cell structure optimization
• Basic computer and data entry skills