Senior Plastic Extrusion Technician - Night Shift

IPS Corporation; Fontana (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

IPS Corporation in Fontana, CA is seeking a Sr. Plastic Extrusion Technician to operate, monitor, and maintain extrusion lines, producing high-quality profiles, tubing, and sheet while ensuring safety and compliance.

You will tune melt temperatures, screw speeds, and haul-off, perform in-process QC, troubleshoot defects, conduct preventive maintenance, and participate in continuous improvement initiatives; willingness to work the 12:00 AM shift and overtime is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical training or associate degree preferred.
• 2-4+ years of hands-on experience operating plastic extrusion equipment (profile, pipe, tubing, sheet, or film).
• Knowledge of extrusion process principles, temperature control, and material behavior of common resins (PVC, PE, PP, ABS).
• Ability to read and interpret process sheets, work instructions, and basic technical drawings.
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort using hand tools, measurement instruments, and basic troubleshooting techniques.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently or as part of a production team.
• Willingness to work rotating shifts, overtime, and weekends as production demands require.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and basic ERP/MRP systems.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and work instructions.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and optimize extrusion processes including melt temperature, screw speed, haul-off speed, cooling, and dimensional control.
• Troubleshoot extrusion issues and operate downstream equipment (pullers, cutters, coolers, winders).
• Perform material handling: load raw materials, blend formulations, and manage material changes or purges.
• Conduct in-process quality checks (dimensions, appearance, weight, wall thickness) using calipers, micrometers, laser gauges, or similar tools.
• Troubleshoot common extrusion issues and take corrective actions or escalate as needed.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance, die and tooling changes, screen pack changes, and basic equipment cleaning.
• Follow all safety procedures, lockout/tagout, PPE requirements, and proper handling of hot equipment/materials.
• Accurately complete production logs, quality records, and shift reports.
• Assist with process optimization, scrap reduction, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area in accordance with 5S or similar standards.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Reading technical drawings

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical training or associate degree in plastics/manufacturing

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Laser gauges

ERP/MRP systems

Hand tools

Job description

IPS Corporation in Fontana, CA is seeking a Sr. Plastic Extrusion Technician to operate, monitor, and maintain extrusion lines, producing high-quality profiles, tubing, and sheet while ensuring safety and compliance.

You will tune melt temperatures, screw speeds, and haul-off, perform in-process QC, troubleshoot defects, conduct preventive maintenance, and participate in continuous improvement initiatives; willingness to work the 12:00 AM shift and overtime is required.