Extruder Operator

Purpose of the Role

The Senior Extruder Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient operation of twin-screw compounding lines producing high-performance engineered resins (such as Polyamide 6,6) in accordance with quality specifications and production schedules. This position is structured on a fast-track leadership development pathway, intended to transition into a Shift Team Leader role. In addition to hands-on line execution, the incumbent will oversee shop-floor material flows, manage line-side inventory, and execute system transactions via SAP.

Key Responsibilities

• Twin-Screw Extrusion Operations: Operate, control, and troubleshoot co-rotating twin-screw compounding extruders, loss-in-weight feeders, side feeders, vacuum degas units, strand pelletizers, and underwater pelletizing systems.
• Process Control & Parameter Tuning: Set up and monitor critical operating parameters including temperature profiles, screw speed (RPM), torque limits, melt pressure, feed ratios, and vacuum levels to ensure consistent melt quality.
• SAP & ERP System Execution: Execute daily transactions in SAP (PP and MM modules)—including raw material picking, BOM verification, line-side stock transfer, Goods Issue (GI), production order confirmations, and finished goods logging.
• Stock Handling & Material Inventory: Manage shop-floor inventory staging, raw material dosing verification, scrap/rework tracking, line-side reconciliation, and cycle counting to eliminate material discrepancies.
• Shift Leadership Succession Preparation: Demonstrate shift-level coordination, lead pre-shift safety/target briefings, direct line operators/helpers, assist in shift handover logs, and lead 4M (Man, Machine, Material, Method) troubleshooting.
• Quality Assurance & Testing: Perform routine physical quality sampling, melt flow index (MFI) checks, moisture analysis, ash testing, and visual pellet checks to ensure full compliance with critical-to-quality (CTQ) specifications.
• Changeovers & Line Maintenance: Execute screw cleaning, purging protocols, die head changeovers, screen pack replacements, and preventive maintenance checks to minimize downtime during grade changes.
• EHS, 5S & Kaizen: Maintain strict compliance with environmental health and safety regulations, implement 5S standards across the compounding area, and actively participate in continuous improvement (Kaizen) projects.

Qualification

• Diploma in Plastics Technology / Polymer Technology from CIPET
• Experienced candidates should have a minimum of 6 years of experience in polymer compounding, plastics processing, or extrusion operations.

Candidate Expectations

• Minimum 70% academic score in Diploma.
• Good knowledge of polymer materials, extrusion, and compounding processes.
• Understanding of raw material handling, ingredient weighing, and blending operations.
• Basic working knowledge of SAP, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Word.
• Strong numerical accuracy and attention to detail.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work in rotating shifts.
• Self-disciplined with a strong commitment to quality, safety, and 5S.
• Willingness to learn and continuously improve technical and operational skills.

Key Competencies

• Raw Material Weighing & Blending
• Inventory Management & SAP Transactions
• Polymer Compounding Knowledge
• Process Discipline & Documentation
• Quality Awareness
• Safety & 5S Compliance
• Teamwork & Communication
• Problem Solving
• Time Management
• Continuous Improvement

At Ascend Performance Materials, we value transparency and fairness in our hiring process. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, search firms, or staffing agencies. Any resumes received from such entities will be considered the property of Ascend Performance Materials, and we will not be obligated to pay any fees for such submissions. Our Talent Acquisition Team actively engages with preferred recruitment partners who have established agreements with us. We encourage all interested candidates to apply directly through our official channels to be considered for any open positions.

About Us:

Ascend Performance Materials is the premium provider of high-quality chemicals, fibers and plastics focused on improving quality of life and inspiring a better tomorrow through innovation. We are a fully integrated material solutions provider with manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and Asia.

Our global workforce makes the materials used to make safer vehicles, cleaner energy, better medical devices, smarter appliances, and longer-lasting apparel and consumer goods. We are committed to safety, sustainability, and the success of our customers and our communities.

Why work at Ascend?

Our vision is to be the recognized leader in the nylon 6,6 value chain, creating new possibilities with PA66 for everyone, everywhere, every day. We achieve that through living our Ascend values: OARS.

Our OARS values shape how we work, lead, and grow together. We take ownership, stay accountable, operate reliably, and support one another to deliver results safely and consistently. Through clear expectations, empowered decision-making, intentional communication, and continuous feedback, we create a culture built on action, visibility, and shared success.

Together, OARS gives us a shared language and clear direction. These values guide our decisions, shape priorities and set expectations as we move forward – aligned, focused and committed to creating performance materials that improve lives today and inspire a better tomorrow.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information or other protected status under federal, state or local laws.