Operator Extruder

Purpose

Operate the extrusion process and related equipment to produce manual electrodes that meet safety, quality, and productivity standards. This role works collaboratively with the production team to ensure efficient operations and compliance with established procedures.

Job Description (Duties and Responsibilities)

1. Operates the extruder and associated equipment to manufacture manual electrodes in accordance with specifications, work instructions, and safety requirements.
2. Verifies chemical slugs, core wire color codes, and identification tags prior to and during production; loads materials into the extruder and hopper as required.
3. Inspects electrodes for defects and monitors coating eccentricity at least once per minute, increasing frequency as needed during changes or adjustments.
4. Makes mechanical adjustments and replaces worn parts, including feed rolls, extruder dies, belts, guide tubes, brush skinner components, and printer supplies.
5. Performs changeovers on extruding and skinning equipment and clears drier jams as required to maintain production flow.
6. Identifies, isolates, and processes rejected or nonconforming material in accordance with established procedures, including salvaging bare core wire when applicable.
7. Use appropriate markers to identify operator changes, die changes, re-dried material, and other special production conditions.
8. Reviews, understands, and follows all departmental procedures, work instructions, specifications, plant rules, Job Hazard Analyses, and environmental, health, and safety requirements.
9. Maintains a clean and safe work environment and reports safety hazards, equipment issues, or concerns to the Production Team Lead or Shift Foreman.
10. Assumes additional responsibilities as needed or directed by supervision.

Basic Requirements

1. High school diploma or equivalent experience.
2. Prior manufacturing experience required
3. Must meet the prerequisite of training as an Electrode Boxer.
4. Ability to read, write, and perform basic math to maintain production records.
5. Mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve production issues.
6. Safety- and quality-focused, with the ability to work with minimal supervision.
7. Ability to lift up-to 80 pounds on a regular basis.
8. Proficient in the use of extrusion-related equipment, including eccentricity gauges, printers, extruding work centers, and skinning equipment.