Extruder Operator

Job Description

Join a close-knit production team as an Extruder Operator on 3rd shift, where you will operate and support plastic extrusion equipment to produce custom polyethylene film products and plastic bags of various sizes. This role involves hands-on machine operation, precise measuring, and physical work in a clean, steady manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate extrusion and related production machines to manufacture plastic bags and polyethylene film products according to specifications.
• Load machines with plastic sheets and heavy rolls of plastic, handling materials weighing up to approximately 50 pounds for a portion of the shift.
• Unload finished rolls of plastic into wheeled bins and transfer them onto skids or into boxes for further handling and shipment.
• Cut boxes to correct dimensions for packaging rolls of plastic, using a tape measure to ensure accuracy.
• Trim excess plastic and cut product to required lengths based on measurement specifications.
• Monitor plastic machines during operation to ensure they are running correctly and consistently, and report any issues promptly.
• Perform visual inspections of products to verify quality, consistency, and adherence to production standards.
• Use hand tools and basic packaging equipment to pack, secure, and label finished rolls of plastic.
• Work as a floater across different tasks and areas of the production line, stepping in where needed to support team productivity.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, following safety guidelines and housekeeping standards.
• Follow all safety procedures, including the proper use of required personal protective equipment.
• Collaborate with a small crew on the shift, communicating effectively and supporting others to keep up with production demands.
• Complete a tape measure reading test and consistently apply measurement skills throughout daily tasks.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 6 months of machine operation experience in any production or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to accurately read and use a tape measure for cutting, measuring materials, and verifying product dimensions.
• Comfort with manual labor, including regularly lifting and moving materials up to approximately 50 pounds.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and comfort working with machinery and hand tools.
• Attention to detail when measuring, cutting, inspecting, and packaging products.
• Reliability in following work instructions, safety procedures, and shift schedules.
• Ability to work effectively on 3rd shift (11:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m., Monday through Friday).
• Willingness to hustle and maintain a steady work pace to keep up with production requirements.
• Ability to work well within a small team, adapt to different tasks, and fit into the existing shift crew.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with plastic materials or in a plastics manufacturing environment is a plus.
• Previous experience with extrusion processes, packaging, or general labor in a production setting is beneficial.
• Mechanical inclination and interest in learning more about machine operation and troubleshooting.
• Comfort using hand tools for cutting, trimming, and packaging tasks.
• Strong work ethic and willingness to perform physically demanding tasks throughout the shift.

Why Work Here?

This opportunity offers a stable role within a long-established, family-owned manufacturing operation that values reliability, teamwork, and strong work ethic. You will work in a clean, dry, and organized facility with steady production and a small, supportive crew where your contribution is highly visible. The environment encourages mechanical aptitude and hands-on learning, giving you the chance to develop your skills on the production floor while being part of a company known for its custom film products and long-term presence in the industry.

Work Environment

The role is based in a manufacturing facility that produces custom polyethylene film products and plastic bags. The plant is described as very clean, dry, and not loud, offering steady, consistent work rather than highly variable production. You will work primarily on 3rd shift from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., Monday through Friday, with some operations also running on 1st shift from 7:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. The crew on each shift is small, so teamwork, flexibility, and the ability to take on different tasks are important to success. The pace can be demanding, and individuals are expected to hustle to keep up with production. Required attire includes boots, jeans, and a t-shirt or sweatshirt, with safety glasses provided and required. Jewelry is not permitted while working. The environment emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and cooperation among team members.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Caledonia, MI.

The pay range for this position is $18.50 - $18.50/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Caledonia,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.