Extrusion Process Technician

Position Summary

The objective of this position is to ensure the proper functioning and availability of extrusion machines by correctly executing preventive and corrective maintenance activities and configurations to ensure compliance with quality standards for the products processed by this equipment and adherence to all internally established criteria.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Ensure component specifications are met at each startup and coordinate sample inspections with Quality Assurance.

• Operate plastic extrusion machines and peripheral equipment, including tool changes, operational support, and equipment maintenance.

• Maintain extrusion tooling (cleaning and polishing after use) and use the tools appropriately for this maintenance.

• Ensure, through constant monitoring and in accordance with procedures, that the extruders meet production plans.

• Ensure, through constant monitoring, the optimal operation of the extruders (speed, temperatures, parameters, tooling, etc.).

• Work as a team with the production, quality, and engineering departments to guarantee the quality of the processed parts.

• Complete the documentation for the extrusion process (parameters, dimensions, results graphs).

• Adhere to the parameters as needed, within the validated window, whenever problems are found in the parts caused by natural and non-natural process variations, and report any situation that could compromise the final product.

• Work proactively with the production and engineering supervisor, as well as the line leader and quality inspector, to resolve problems in the extrusion process.

• Manage the spare parts inventory (stock) to maintain assigned equipment in optimal operating condition.

• Coordinate with the production supervisor to execute the activities necessary to meet daily production plans.

• Participate in scrap reduction projects.

• Make improvements to assigned equipment to ensure optimal operating conditions.

• Understand and apply the policies and procedures of the ISO 13485 Quality Management System, the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, the OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System, and any other system required by the company for its operation.

Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge of machinery and tools.

• Knowledge of handling nylon, PVC, or silicone resins, polypropylene, and polyethylene.

• Analysis and troubleshooting of defective plastic parts.

• Knowledge of vacuum systems.

• Basic knowledge of smooth and corrugated tube extrusion machines. • Basic knowledge of electrical, pneumatic, and control systems.

• Experience with online (Zumbach) or offline (Mitutoyo, Keyence, Micro-Vu) measuring devices.

• Basic knowledge of extrusion screws.

• Basic knowledge of completing extrusion process documentation (parameters, dimensions, and results graphs).

• Ability to interpret part specification drawings.

• Computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Office).

Minimum Qualifications, Education & Experience

• High school diploma and/or completed technical degree in mechanical or electromechanical engineering and/or at least one year of experience in extrusion processes.

• Experience in medical manufacturing is desirable.

• Basic English reading, comprehension, and writing skills are desirable.

• Experience with extrusion machines and peripheral equipment.

• Experience in assembling and disassembling extrusion tooling.

• Experience in basic equipment maintenance.

Work Environment

• Work is performed in a clean room environment

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to sit or stand for long periods of time; depending on the machine they are operating

• Operator is required to use computer or touch screen to enter work order data

• Must be able to occasionally move and lift objects of up to 50 pounds

• Typically requires travel less than 5% of the time