Lead Extruder Operator

Become part of a team where you are valued for your hard work! Headquartered in Sparta, New Jersey, Techflex® has been a global leader in braided sleeving manufacturing for over 60 years. For full time employees, we offer rewarding careers and great benefits that let you invest back into yourself including paid time off, paid holidays, vacation accrual, tuition and gym membership reimbursements, and profit sharing. We also regularly host special team-building events and offer other perks to our employees. Apply now — don’t miss out on becoming a part of the Techflex® team.

Job Summary

The Lead Extruder Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and optimizing plastic extrusion equipment to produce high-quality products while leading and supporting production extruder operators and production material mixers. This role ensures that all extrusion activities are performed in compliance with company policies, safety standards, and quality requirements.

Essential Functions:

• Set up, start up, operate, and shut down extrusion lines according to specifications
• Monitor and control extrusion process parameters (temperature, pressure, speed, material flow)
• Troubleshoot and resolve extrusion, tooling, material, and process issues to minimize downtime
• Lead, train, and support production extruder operators and production material mixers on assigned shift
• Ensure that production extruder operators are working within the guidelines of company policies and procedures to ensure quality products are being produced in a safe manner
• Perform die changes, screen changes, material changeovers, and color changes
• Verify product quality through inspections and adherence to specifications
• Complete production, scrap, and downtime reports accurately and on time
• Coordinate with Quality, Maintenance, and Production teams to address process or equipment issues
• Enforce safety procedures, housekeeping standards, and proper use of PPE
• Assist with continuous improvement, process optimization, and scrap reduction initiatives
• Perform routine preventive maintenance and identify equipment repair needs

  Additional Responsibilities:

•  Perform additional duties as assigned by Production Manager, General Manager, and/or Management.

     Qualifications:

•  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and /or ability required.

Knowledge, Skills, & Capabilities:

• Strong knowledge of plastic materials, extrusion processes, and tooling
• Ability to read blueprints, product specifications, and work instructions
• Mechanical aptitude with strong troubleshooting skills
• Basic computer skills for production tracking and documentation
• Leadership and team oversight
• Attention to detail and quality focus
• Safety-conscious mindset
• Problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Effective communication and teamwork

Physical Requirements:

• Standing for sustained periods of time.
• Applying constant pressure to material with fingers and palm.
• Making substantial movements/motions of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Frequently lifting and/or moving spools weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Visual acuity to examine or inspect material

  Work Environment:

• Frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and vehicles.
• Noise level is usually moderate to high.

Education:

• High school diploma or GED required; technical or vocational training preferred

Experience:

• 3–5 years of plastic extrusion operating experience
• Prior lead or supervisory experience