Thermoplastic Bubble Film Extrusion Technician

A day in this role

Your shift begins at the extrusion line, where you ready equipment to transform resin into high‑quality bubble‑wrap film. You load hoppers with the right resin, blends, and additives, double‑checking types and ratios before startup. As the line comes up to speed, you watch the bubble closely, fine‑tuning parameters to keep clarity, gauge, and bubble integrity on target.

When something goes off spec—bubble breaks, wrinkles, die lines, a jam—you act fast. You correct what you can and, for higher‑level mechanical concerns, you escalate to the Production Supervisor, Production Manager, or Plant Maintenance Tech/Manager using Maintenance work orders. Between runs, you complete roll changes and keep the die, screens, and filters clean so the line stays efficient and stable. Throughout the shift, you keep the work area free of tripping hazards and end with a thorough cleanup.

Quality never takes a back seat. You follow Pratt Industries Safety rules and GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices) and stop any nonconforming product from leaving the facility. You understand the capability and capacity of the line, driving high efficiency and minimal downtime—without ever sacrificing quality for speed. You help train fellow extrusion Machine Operators, complete accurate Production, Machine Status, Safety, and Quality reports, and keep leadership informed of schedule opportunities and unusual issues. When customer demand calls, you pitch in for overtime, including occasional holidays in our 24x7 operation.

Core responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and clean plastics extrusion equipment producing bubble‑wrap film.
• Load and verify resin, additives, and blends; confirm correct materials and ratios.
• Perform and assist with roll changes during the shift.
• Continuously monitor output; adjust parameters to maintain quality and throughput.
• Troubleshoot bubble breaks, wrinkles, jams, poor clarity, and die lines; escalate larger mechanical issues via Maintenance work orders to the Production Supervisor, Production Manager, or Plant Maintenance Tech/Manager.
• Execute routine upkeep: die cleaning, screen and filter changes.
• Maintain housekeeping during the shift; complete end‑of‑shift cleaning.
• Apply Pratt Industries quality procedures; prevent shipment of nonconforming product.
• Optimize efficiency and limit waste/downtime while protecting product quality.
• Train and assist other extrusion Machine Operators on setup, changeovers, downtime reduction, and quality.
• Complete accurate Production Data, Machine Operational Status, Safety Data, and Quality Data reports.
• Follow all company policies and procedures, including safety and good housekeeping.
• Adhere to the production schedule; suggest optimizations for cost, quality, and service; report unusual scheduling issues to the Supervisor.
• Work overtime as needed, sometimes with short notice, including occasional holidays in a 24x7 operation.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Preferred: experience in packaging (paper, plastics, converting); 1+ year on cast‑film extrusion machines; familiarity with production software (e.g., Vorne).
• Comfort working in a fast‑paced environment with frequent product/job changes; adapt quickly and work efficiently through changeovers.
• Language: able to read and follow quality, safety, and job packet instructions.
• Math: read a tape measure quickly and accurately; calculate percentages, measurements, volume, and rates; use the metric system.
• Reasoning: apply practical judgment to follow written, oral, and graphic instructions; develop real‑time solutions to problems.
• Certification: ability to obtain and maintain a Pratt Lift Truck Operator License.

Physical demands

Regularly stand, walk, and talk/hear. Frequently use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands/arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Regularly lift/move up to 50 lbs and occasionally push/pull product up to 130 lbs with tools/machinery. Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and focus adjustment.

Work environment

Regular exposure to moving mechanical parts, some extremely hot; frequent wet/humid conditions; occasional high, precarious places; fumes/airborne particles; and vibration. Noise level is usually loud.

Proficiency and tools

• You should be proficient in: Plastic Extrusion Experience; Blow Molding Experience.
• Machines & technologies you'll use: Extrusion Machine.