Polymer Compounding Process Operator

Teknor Apex Company; Fountain Inn (SC); On-site; USD 17,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

On-site clinic

401(k)

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Wellness programs

Attendance rewards

Referral bonuses

Job summary

Teknor Apex Fountain Inn is seeking a reliable production operator for the 2nd shift. You will participate in a multi-station workflow converting raw ingredients into PVC pellets, while ensuring safety and quality on the floor.

You will read and execute detailed work instructions, monitor melt-mixing equipment, and follow the manufacturing schedule. The role requires lifting up to 50 lbs, teamwork, and overtime availability.

Qualifications

• Excellent attendance and reliable work history.
• Ability to read and follow detailed work instructions.
• Solid math skills including fractions and percentages.
• Lift up to 50 lbs repeatedly and work in a warm environment.
• Forklift operation with a valid license; PPE provided.
• Willingness to train on 1st shift and move to later shifts; overtime may include weekends.

Responsibilities

• Verify melt-mixing equipment safety before and during operation.
• Follow processing instructions to produce pellets per schedule.
• Communicate quality or process concerns to Lead or Supervisor.
• Provide break relief and flex across jobs or lines.
• Maintain a neat, organized work area and attend department meetings.
• Commit to overtime and complete a 90-day probation.

Skills

Attendance

Safety

Instructions reading

Math skills

Forklift license

Overtime availability

Job description

Build better products with us—one batch at a time

Since 1924, Teknor Apex has grown from a single Rhode Island tire store into a global leader in custom polymer compounding with operations across the U.S., Belgium, Singapore, Germany, and China. Still privately held and family-led, we prize the close-knit teamwork and customer partnerships that power our success.

A day on the compounding floor

You Arrive Ready To Run a Safe, Efficient 8-hour Production Shift. Working Alongside a Tight Crew, You May Rotate Through Several Stations That Turn Raw Ingredients Into High‑quality PVC Pellets

• Blending: Convert measured additives into a uniform Dry Blend powder.
• Compounding: Weigh ingredients for production runs; organize and store raw materials per our material control program.
• Console operations: Transfer bulk materials from silos and tanks into mixing vessels following computer-generated load sheets.
• Packaging: Bag and box finished PVC pellets according to the schedule, silo selection, and labeling instructions.

Core responsibilities

• Verify all melt‑mixing equipment is safe and in proper working order before and during operation.
• Retrieve and follow processing instructions to produce pellets per the manufacturing schedule and setup conditions.
• Communicate quality or process concerns promptly to the Lead or Supervisor and share key details with operators and support staff at shift handoff.
• Provide break relief and flex across jobs or lines as coverage needs arise.
• Maintain a neat, organized work area and attend department meetings.
• Demonstrate teamwork, reliability, and availability for overtime coverage; successfully complete a 90‑day probationary period.

Physical demands

• Cut, handle, and dump bags up to 60 lbs into blenders repeatedly each shift.
• Scoop from boxes/drums and load a total of roughly 20,000–40,000 lbs per shift.
• Operate forklifts and hand trucks; handle drums and associated equipment.
• Scrape and clean blender interiors; climb ladders and stairs as needed.
• Bend, stoop, and lean for sustained periods; wear required PPE at all times.

Skills and qualifications

• Comfort reading work instructions and applying sound judgment to solve problems.
• Solid math: add/subtract/multiply/divide; work with fractions/decimals; calculate rate, ratio, and percent; interpret bar graphs.
• Consistent attendance and strong work ethic suited to continuous production.
• Lift up to 50 lbs repeatedly; climb stairs; work in a warm-to-hot environment.
• Train on 1st shift for up to 4 weeks, then move to 2nd or 3rd; overtime may include Saturdays and Sundays.
• Operate a forklift safely with a valid license. PPE provided: certified safety shoes, safety glasses, hearing protection, and respirator as needed.

Compensation, schedule, and perks

• Shift: 2nd Shift (2:40pm – 11:00pm) with an added differential of $1.25/hr for 2nd and $1.50/hr for 3rd.
• Pay cadence: Weekly for 8‑hour production shifts.
• Overtime planning: Production OT schedule posted one year in advance; most holiday weekends are not scheduled.
• Sign‑on bonus: $1,000 total—$250 at 30 days, $250 at 90 days, $500 at 180 days.
• Medical, Dental, Vision: Attractive coverage with very low deductibles; 85% of premiums paid by the company; eligibility within 30 days.
• On‑site medical clinic: No‑charge access for employees and spouses, including prescriptions, wellness visits, and immunizations.
• Retirement: Up to 7% employer 401(k) contribution plus free financial planning support.
• Time off: Two weeks paid vacation and 13 paid holidays.
• Well‑being: Company‑paid programs for smoking cessation, mental health, and weight loss; Employee Assistance Program.
• Recognition and rewards: Monthly attendance and performance bonuses; pay increases for new skills; recognition points redeemable for great products (for perfect attendance, milestones, and other achievements).
• Extras: Employee referral bonuses; weekly food trucks; discounts for gyms, restaurants, theme parks, travel, automotive, and more; frequent appreciation events; free income tax filing assistance for eligible associates; community volunteer options; Family Day; years‑of‑service recognition.

What great candidates share

• Excellent attendance
• Commitment to safe work practices
• Ability to follow detailed work instructions
• Solid, reliable work history

Teknor Apex Fountain Inn is a smoke free facility. The use of tobacco products is not allowed on company premises.

Shift Available: 2nd Shift (2:40pm - 11:00pm)

“Manufacturing is a team sport and we work together to achieve our goals.” — Jon Fain

Your next step: Bring your focus, stamina, and pride in craftsmanship to a team that backs you with training, safety, and benefits from day one.

Teknor Apex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any protected status under state or federal laws. Must be 18 years of age to work at Teknor Apex.