Pelletizer Operator

Gabriel Group; Martinsburg (WV); On-site; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Gabriel Group in Martinsburg, WV is seeking a Pelletizer Operator to transform recycled PET fluff into high-quality, uniform resin pellets. You will operate extrusion and pelletizing lines, monitor process parameters, and maintain safety and logs.

You will perform routine maintenance, troubleshoot issues, and ensure product specs in a noisy industrial environment. English communication and meticulous attention to detail are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1–3 years in plastics extrusion or pelletizing.
• Basic hand tools and PLC touchscreen operation.
• Knowledge of PET properties & moisture sensitivity.
• English communication.

Responsibilities

• Machine setup, start/stop of extrusion and pelletizing lines per SOPs.
• Monitor melt temperatures, screw speeds, and pressure settings.
• Oversee feeding of PET fluff to hopper ensuring consistent flow; avoid blockage.
• Maintain production logs: throughput, downtime, material usage.
• Perform routine maintenance: clean blades, inspect die plates, lubricate components.

Skills

Attention to detail

Structured work style

English communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

PLC touchscreens

Hand tools

Job description

• Location 5115 Winchester Ave,Martinsburg, WV, 25405,United States
• Base Pay $23.00 / Hour
• Employee Type Full-Time Non-Exempt

Description

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Machine Operation & Setup

Startup & Shutdown: Safely initiate and power down extrusion and pelletizing lines according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Parameter Management: Actively monitor and adjust melt temperatures, screw speeds, and pressure settings to optimize processing.

Feed Management: Oversee the consistent feeding of PET fluff into the hopper, ensuring no bridging or starving of the extruder.

2. Process Control & Quality Assurance

Product Consistency: Monitor pelletizing systems (water-ring, underwater, or strand cutting) to ensure pellets meet strict size, shape, and density specifications.

Contamination Control: Vigilantly monitor melt filters and screen changers; replace them promptly to remove impurities from the recycled stream.

Sampling: Conduct periodic quality checks and collect samples for lab analysis to verify moisture levels and Intrinsic Viscosity (IV) standards.

3. Maintenance & Troubleshooting

Mechanical Integrity: Perform "first-line" routine maintenance, including cleaning blades, inspecting die plates, and lubricating components.

Problem Solving: Identify and resolve technical issues such as surging, "black specks," or pellet clumping (agglomeration).

Changeovers: Assist in the assembly/disassembly of die heads and cutter hubs during material changeovers or deep cleaning cycles.

4. Safety & Documentation

Logs & Tracking: Maintain precise production logs, including throughput weights, downtime tracking, and material usage.

Safety Compliance: Adhere strictly to Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures and wear all required PPE (high-heat gloves, face shields, and hearing protection).

Housekeeping: Maintain a "5S" standard work area to prevent slip hazards from stray pellets and dust accumulation.

Requirements

Qualifications & Skills

Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience: 1–3 years in plastics extrusion or pelletizing (highly preferred).

Technical: Ability to use basic hand tools and navigate PLC touchscreens.

Knowledge: Understanding of PET thermal properties and moisture sensitivity.

Soft Skills: Strong attention to detail, ability to work in a structured environment, and clear communication in English.

Physical Requirements & Environment

Physicality: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for the duration of a long shift.

Environment: Must be comfortable working in a noisy industrial setting with fluctuating temperatures (hot/cold).

Precision: High degree of manual dexterity for handling delicate machine components.

Summary

As a Pelletizer Operator , you are a vital link in our sustainability mission. You will transform recycled PET fluff into high-quality, uniform resin pellets ready for manufacturing.

This role requires technical precision, a keen eye for quality, and a commitment to maintaining a steady, efficient production flow.