Twin Screw Extrusion Operator / Technician

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 | Shirley, MA XPM Plastics Compounding is an advanced twin-screw thermoplastic compounding facility specializing in highly engineered polymer formulations for demanding industrial and medical applications. As an affiliate of TPE Solutions , a trusted thermoplastic elastomer supplier and formulator since 2004, XPM combines decades of polymer expertise with state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities.

We are seeking an experienced Twin Screw Extrusion Operator / Technician to join our growing manufacturing team. This is a hands-on position for someone who understands twin-screw extrusion, enjoys working with sophisticated equipment, and takes pride in producing consistent, high-quality materials.

Why Join XPM?

• Competitive pay
• Profit-sharing opportunities
• 401(k) with company contribution
• Medical and dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Annual performance and salary reviews
• Bonus opportunities
• Small, close-knit team
• Opportunity to work with state-of-the-art twin-screw extrusion equipment
• Opportunity to support both commercial production and new product development
• Growing company with significant investment in advanced American manufacturing

The Role

The Twin Screw Extrusion Operator / Technician is responsible for the setup, operation, monitoring, and basic troubleshooting of co-rotating twin-screw compounding lines . The position works closely with Engineering, Quality, and Management to produce specialty polymer compounds safely, efficiently, and consistently.

XPM operates a broad range of twin-screw equipment, including 20 mm, 32 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 60 mm, and 75 mm lines .

Key Responsibilities

• Set up, start, operate, monitor, and shut down twin-screw extrusion lines
• Prepare and load raw materials, including resins, fillers, additives, and colorants
• Verify material identity, lot numbers, formulations, and batch documentation
• Set up feeders, screw configurations, barrels, dies, and downstream equipment
• Monitor and adjust temperature, screw speed, torque, pressure, feed rates, and throughput
• Operate gravimetric and volumetric feeding systems
• Make process adjustments to maintain consistent production and product quality
• Perform material changeovers, purges, cleanouts, and line preparation
• Operate pelletizing and downstream material-handling equipment
• Perform in-process quality checks such as moisture, bulk density, MFI, appearance, and color
• Accurately document production data, process conditions, material lots, and quality results
• Identify and troubleshoot basic process, feeder, and material-flow issues
• Recognize abnormal equipment conditions and work with Maintenance or Engineering when additional support is required
• Assist with new material trials, process development, and production scale-up
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment
• Follow all safety, quality, environmental, and housekeeping requirements

Qualifications

Required:

• Hands-on experience operating twin-screw compounding equipment
• Understanding of polymer processing and extrusion fundamentals
• Mechanical aptitude and strong troubleshooting skills
• Ability to read and follow formulations, batch sheets, and process instructions
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Ability to work effectively as part of a small manufacturing team
• Ability to lift up to 70 lbs. and work in an industrial manufacturing environment
• High school diploma or GED

Preferred:

• Experience with Brabender feeders, Leistritz extruders, or similar equipment
• Experience with gravimetric or loss-in-weight feeding systems
• Experience processing TPU/TPEs, PE, PP, nylon/PA, or other engineered resins
• Knowledge of fillers, additives, pigments, and color dispersion
• Understanding of screw design, shear, residence time, and material dispersion
• Experience with production trials, new formulations, or scale-up
• Basic mechanical troubleshooting experience
• Forklift certification or willingness to obtain certification
• Technical, vocational, plastics, or manufacturing training

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who is hands-on, dependable, mechanically inclined, and detail-oriented . The right candidate takes ownership of their equipment and production line, understands that small process changes can have a significant impact on compound quality, and is comfortable working in a growing operation where every team member plays an important role.

This is an opportunity to work directly with advanced twin-screw compounding technology and contribute to both commercial manufacturing and the development of new, highly engineered polymer compounds .

Compensation $22.00 – $32.00 per hour , depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits

• 401(k) with company contribution
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Profit sharing
• Performance/bonus opportunities
• Annual performance and salary reviews

Location: Shirley, Massachusetts