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Twin Screw Compounding Technician / Operator

TPE Solutions, Inc.

AYER, MA

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JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$18–$25 Per Hour
SKILLS
Check Processing, Continuous Improvement, Dental Insurance, Detail Oriented, Documentation, Extrusion, Forklift, Health Insurance, Healthcare Software, High School Diploma, Identify Issues, Industrial Engineering, Lift/Move 70 Pounds, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Operations, Material Process Control, Plastics Manufacturing, Polymers, Problem Solving Skills, Process Quality, Process Sheet, Production Support, Quality Engineering, Quality Metrics, Record Keeping, Research & Development (R&D), Retirement Plan, Safety Training, Startup, Traceability, Training/Teaching, Truck Driver
LOCATION
AYER, MA
POSTED
30+ days ago
Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Competitive salary
  • Dental insurance
  • Free uniforms
  • Health insurance
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Paid time off
  • Profit sharing
  • Signing bonus
  • Training & development

Why Us: 
  • Very trusted name for over 25 years 
  • Small, close-knit staff 
  • Very competitive pay 
  • Profit Sharing
  • 401k
  • Medical, Dental 
  • Paid time off
  • Yearly Salary review with usual pay increase 
  • Bonus Incentives 
XPM Plastics Compounding, a compounding facility focused on highly engineered industrial and medical applications, boasting a very wide range of first class TSE capabilities, is seeking an experienced Line Operator to run and support daily production on our plastics extrusion lines, including 20 mm, 32 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 60 mm and 75 mm equipment. The ideal candidate understands extrusion processes, machine setup, cleaning, material handling and basic troubleshooting.


XPM is a subsidiary of TPE Solutions, a world-renowned thermoplastic elastomer supplier and formulator since 2004 (www.tpesinc.com) 


Primary Function


Contribute effectively within a team-based manufacturing operation to produce specialty plastic compounds, ensuring safe, efficient, clean processes and adherence to high quality standards.


Position Summary


The Twin Screw Compounding Technician / Operator is responsible for the setup, operation, and optimization of twin screw compounding lines to produce custom and standard polymer compounds in accordance with formulation, quality, and safety requirements. This role focuses on material handling, process control, and product consistency in a compounding environment.


Key Responsibilities
 
  • Set up, start up, operate, and shut down co-rotating twin screw compounding extruders
  • Handle raw materials including loading feeders, documenting lot numbers and ensuring correct blends
  • Configure screw elements, barrels, and downstream equipment per formulation and process requirements
  • Operate and monitor gravimetric and volumetric feeders for resins, fillers, additives, and colorants
  • Monitor and control process parameters including temperature zones, melt pressure, torque, screw speed, and throughput
  • Make real-time process adjustments to maintain compound homogeneity, dispersion, and physical properties
  • Execute material changeovers, purge procedures, and cleanouts to prevent cross-contamination
  • Perform strand, die-face, or underwater pelletizing operations as applicable
  • Conduct in-process quality checks (MFI, bulk density, moisture, visual inspection) per work instructions
  • Accurately document formulations, lot traceability, process conditions, and production results
  • Troubleshoot process deviations, feeder issues, and material flow problems
  • Work closely with Quality, Engineering, and R&D on new formulations, trials, and continuous improvement
  • Follow all safety, environmental, and housekeeping (5S) requirements
  • Inspect product for consistency, color, moisture and other quality requirements
  • Record production data accurately in logs or digital systems
  • Identify and resolve basic mechanical issues or escalate to maintenance when needed
 
Qualifications


  • Hands-on experience with twin screw compounding equipment required
  • Working knowledge of polymer resins (TPEs (mainly TPUs), PE, PP, Nylon (PA), typically engineered resins, etc.), fillers, and additives
  • Ability to read and execute formulations, batch sheets, and process instructions
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to lift up to 70 lbs and work in an industrial environment
  • Willingness to work [shift schedule, overtime as needed]
 
Preferred Skills & Experience


  • Experience with Brabender feeders, Leistritz TS extruders, or similar twin screw compounders
  • Experience with gravimetric feeding systems and loss-in-weight controls
  • Familiarity with dispersion, shear, and residence time concepts
  • Experience supporting development trials and scale-up from lab to production
  • Forklift certification (or willingness to obtain)
  • Knowledge of basic mechanical troubleshooting and ability to identify abnormal machine behavior
  •  Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality
  • Reliable, safety focused and able to work in a fast paced manufacturing environment
Education


  • High school diploma or GED required
  • Technical, vocational, or plastics training preferred
Pay Range

 $18.00 - $25.00 per hour 
 
Benefits
 
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan

About the Company

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TPE Solutions, Inc.