Extruder Operator

Job Title:               Extruder Operator
Department:          Manufacturing
FLSA Status:         Hourly Non-exempt

Summary
Sets up and operates machine to extrude silicone material for the manufacture of OEM, and Medical products by performing the following duties:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Duties include, but not limited to the following, as other duties may be assigned.

• Installs machine screws, and sizing rings, using hand tools.
• Couples hose to silicone holder to circulate steam, water, air, or oil to silicone.
• Starts machine and sets controls to regulate vacuum, air pressure, sizing rings, and temperature; and synchronizes speed of extrusion with pulling rolls.
• Weighs and mixes raw materials according to formula.
• Measures extruded articles for conformance to specifications, using micrometers, calipers, and gauges; and adjusts speed and weight controls or turns hot and cold water, air, oil, or steam valves to obtain product of specified dimensions.
• Examines extruded product for defects, such as wrinkles, bubbles, and splits.
• Confers with department supervisors to determine status of assigned projects.
• Tests physical properties of product.
• May reel extruded product into rolls of specified weight and length.
• Carry  raw materials to and from extruder as needed.

Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience
Must have a high school education and at least four years of experience operating silicone extruders. Must know how to adjust temperature, pressures and speed of machinery.

Language Skills
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write routing reports and correspondence.  Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees organization.

Mathematical Skills
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations.  Must be able to convert between standards, e.g., English to Metric conversion, liquid and solid measures, weight counting, etc.

Reasoning Ability
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.  Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Working knowledge of cGMP (QSR)/ISO 13485:2006, EN46001 and Medical Device Directives.  Knowledge of Microsoft Office computer programs and previous technical writing experience with clear written and verbal communication skills.  Knowledge of MRP computer programs, understanding of statistical process control methods.