Extrusion Operator-Lead (A Shift)

Westlake Chemical; Kansas; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake Pipe & Fittings is seeking a Lead Operator in Kansas to oversee output, specifications, and overall quality. This role supports packaging, housekeeping, and shifts in absence of the Supervisor.

The position requires reading English instructions, gatekeeping safety, and training junior operators. You will manage line readiness, adjust extrusion settings, and ensure accurate ink jet printing while coordinating with maintenance as needed.

Qualifications

• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions in English.
• Strong communication skills with operators, shift leaders and office personnel.
• Ability to read a tape measure and perform basic arithmetic.
• Ability to apply common sense to instructions and problems.
• Requires forklift license and Kansas Class C driver’s license.
• Ability to close production in SAP at end of shift.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to safety policies and procedures; work safely.
• Perform duties of Production C, B, and A operators.
• Assist in training Production C, B, and A operators.
• Gauge line readiness and heat adjustments for quality pipe.
• Maintain ink jet printers and select correct print.
• Provide breaks to line operators in area of responsibility.
• Complete pre-start production checklist and start a line to produce quality product.
• Keep tooling in correct place and set a safe example.
• Assist in selecting proper silo and material for product.
• May perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor.
• Support company policies and objectives.
• Assist operators in adjusting equipment to meet specifications.
• Notify Shift Supervisor of accidents or injuries.

Skills

Reading & comprehension

English communication

Measurement with tape

Math aptitude

Forklift license

Driver's license Kansas C

SAP operation

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

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 Pipe & Fittings, a Westlake division (NYSE:WLK), is one of the largest polyvinyl chloride pipe and fittings manufacturer in North America. With 23 manufacturing and distribution locations, the company supplies gasketed, solvent weld and restrained joint pipes and a wide range of fittings for a diverse list of markets including municipal water and sewer, plumbing, water well, pool and spa, and agricultural and turf irrigation. Westlake Pipe & Fittings is an industry leader in product development with Certa-Lok spline-lock technology and product systems that are focused on building A Better Foundation. To learn more, visit the website at WestlakePipe.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.

SUMMARY

A lead operator oversees output, specifications, and overall quality, works with operators and renders aid in packaging and housekeeping. The Lead Operator assumes the Supervisor role for the shift in the absence of the regular Supervisor.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Adhere to all safety policies and procedures; perform tasks in a safe manner.
• Perform all duties required of Production "C", "B" and "A" operators.
• Assist in the training of Production "C", "B" and "A" operators.
• Gauge when the line is hot and ready to start
• Make heat adjustments on extruder for quality pipe
• Maintain INK JET printers and select correct print
• Give breaks to line operators in his area of responsibility
• Responsible for Production Pre-Start Checklist and start up a line from start to finish in a timely manner with end results of quality product
• Keep all tooling put up in correct place
• Sets a premier example to others as to safe work habits, attitude, and company goals
• Select proper silo and material for product
• Duties are not limited to this job description; you may perform other duties as instructed by the Supervisor
• Support all company policies, goals, and objectives.
• Assist operators in adjusting equipment to produce products within specification.
• In the event of an accident or injury immediately notify the Shift supervisor on duty.
• Contact Maintenance Department and/or write work orders to get equipment repaired when necessary.
• Ability and willingness to take on additional assignments as requested by management.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions in English. Communication skills (written and verbal) and be able to work well with operators, shift leaders and office personnel. Shares information with co-workers as needed.
• Ability to read a tape measure, add and subtract two digit numbers, plus use calculator. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume, and distance.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Position requires license to operate fork truck and scissor lift. Position also requires a valid Kansas Class C driver's license.
• Intermediate knowledge of computers and Microsoft Office. Must be able to close production in SAP at the end of each shift.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 40-50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid, hot and cold conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, outside weather conditions, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.