Twin Screw Compounding Technician / Operator

TPE Solutions, Inc.; Shirley (MA); On-site; USD 24,796 - 34,440; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Free uniforms

Health insurance

Opportunity for advancement

Paid time off

Profit sharing

Signing bonus

Training & development

Job summary

XPM Plastics Compounding, a subsidiary of TPE Solutions, seeks a Twin Screw Compounding Technician/Operator to set up and run twin screw extrusion lines, manage materials, and ensure product quality on site.

You will read formulations, perform changeovers, document results, and collaborate with Quality, Engineering, and R&D to support trials and process improvements. Pay ranges $18.00–$25.00 per hour with benefits.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with twin screw compounding equipment.
• Ability to read and execute formulations, batch sheets, and process instructions.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem solving skills.
• Able to lift up to 70 lbs in an industrial setting.
• Willingness to work shift schedules and overtime as needed.

Responsibilities

• Set up, start up, operate, and shut down twin screw compounding extruders.
• Handle raw materials including loading feeders and documenting lot numbers.
• Configure screw elements, barrels, and downstream equipment per formulation.
• Monitor feeders and control process parameters (temperature, torque, speed).
• Perform material changeovers and cleanouts to prevent cross-contamination.
• Conduct in-process quality checks (MFI, density, moisture).

Skills

Twin screw equipment

Formulations reading

Mechanical aptitude

Shift flexibility

Quality awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Plastics training preferred

Tools

Brabender feeders

Leistritz TS extruders

Gravimetric feeding systems

Job description

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Free uniforms
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Profit sharing
• Signing bonus
• Training & development

XPM Plastics Compounding, a compounding facility focused on highly engineered industrial and medical applications, boasting a very wide range of first class TSE capabilities, is seeking an experienced Line Operator to run and support daily production on our plastics extrusion lines, including 20 mm, 32 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 60 mm and 75 mm equipment. The ideal candidate understands extrusion processes, machine setup, cleaning, material handling and basic troubleshooting.

XPM is a subsidiary of TPE Solutions, a world-renowned thermoplastic elastomer supplier and formulator since 2004 (www.tpesinc.com).

Primary Function

Contribute effectively within a team-based manufacturing operation to produce specialty plastic compounds, ensuring safe, efficient, clean processes and adherence to high quality standards.

Position Summary

The Twin Screw Compounding Technician / Operator is responsible for the setup, operation, and optimization of twin screw compounding lines to produce custom and standard polymer compounds in accordance with formulation, quality, and safety requirements. This role focuses on material handling, process control, and product consistency in a compounding environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up, start up, operate, and shut down co-rotating twin screw compounding extruders
• Handle raw materials including loading feeders, documenting lot numbers and ensuring correct blends
• Configure screw elements, barrels, and downstream equipment per formulation and process requirements
• Operate and monitor gravimetric and volumetric feeders for resins, fillers, additives, and colorants
• Monitor and control process parameters including temperature zones, melt pressure, torque, screw speed, and throughput
• Make real-time process adjustments to maintain compound homogeneity, dispersion, and physical properties
• Execute material changeovers, purge procedures, and cleanouts to prevent cross-contamination
• Perform strand, die-face, or underwater pelletizing operations as applicable
• Conduct in-process quality checks (MFI, bulk density, moisture, visual inspection) per work instructions
• Accurately document formulations, lot traceability, process conditions, and production results
• Troubleshoot process deviations, feeder issues, and material flow problems
• Work closely with Quality, Engineering, and R&D on new formulations, trials, and continuous improvement
• Follow all safety, environmental, and housekeeping (5S) requirements
• Inspect product for consistency, color, moisture and other quality requirements
• Record production data accurately in logs or digital systems
• Identify and resolve basic mechanical issues or escalated to maintenance when needed

Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience with twin screw compounding equipment required
• Working knowledge of polymer resins (TPEs (mainly TPUs), PE, PP, Nylon (PA), typically engineered resins, etc.), fillers, and additives
• Ability to read and execute formulations, batch sheets, and process instructions
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to lift up to 70 lbs and work in an industrial environment
• Willingness to work [shift schedule, overtime as needed]

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience with Brabender feeders, Leistritz TS extruders, or similar twin screw compounders
• Experience with gravimetric feeding systems and loss‑in‑weight controls
• Familiarity with dispersion, shear, and residence time concepts
• Experience supporting development trials and scale‑up from lab to production
• Forklift certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Knowledge of basic mechanical troubleshooting and ability to identify abnormal machine behavior
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality
• Reliable, safety focused and able to work in a fast paced manufacturing environment

Education

• High school diploma or GED required
• Technical, vocational, or plastics training preferred

Pay Range

$18.00 - $25.00 per hour