Job Description
Job Description
The Extrusion Technician I is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining polymer extrusion lines used in the production of complex and custom medical-grade tubing for both production and R&D purposes. This role is critical to ensuring products meet exact specifications, regulatory requirements, and delivery timelines. The position involves technical learning, hands-on operation, and collaboration across teams to support high-quality, consistent manufacturing outcomes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Set up, operate, troubleshoot, and tear down extrusion equipment, including extruders, dryers, water tanks, pullers, puller/cutters, conveyors, winders, crossheads, and air injectors.
- Work closely with production and R&D personnel to ensure extruded tubing meets specifications, making process adjustments as needed.
- Monitor and maintain extrusion line parameters, adjusting in real time to ensure product quality and compliance.
- Perform preventative maintenance on equipment and ensure proper workflow.
- Manage and handle raw materials to ensure traceability, prevent contamination, and maintain inventory accuracy.
- Use precision measuring tools (micrometers, calipers, laser gauges) to verify dimensional compliance.
- Generate and maintain accurate production documentation for lot traceability and reproducibility.
- Follow established GMP, safety, and cleanliness standards to maintain an organized work environment.
- Complete extrusion runs on schedule to meet production and R&D deadlines.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Technical Knowledge to Acquire:
- Mastering less complex extrusion processes (e.g., single lumen tubing, annealing, and secondary processing).
- Understanding and applying calculations for Area Draw Ratio (ADR), Direct Draw Ratio (DDR), and Draw Ratio Balance (DRB/DDB).
- Learning principles of open tank sizing, vacuum sizing (contact/non-contact), tube-on coatings, and pressure coatings of substrates.
- Understanding the relationship between process instrumentation and its effects on the extrusion process.
Qualifications:
Required:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- 0-3 years' hands-on experience in extrusion, preferably medical-grade tubing.
- 0-3 years' experience in a medical device or other regulated manufacturing environment.
- Ability to lift 50 pounds consistently during the shift.
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
- Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Proactive approach with initiative to complete projects.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Basic math skills, including weight calculations (gross, tare, net).
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and blueprints.
Preferred:
- Prior experience operating extrusion equipment in a medical manufacturing environment.
- Knowledge of extrusion process controls, troubleshooting, and process documentation.
Work Environment: This position requires standing, walking, and repetitive tasks for extended periods in a manufacturing environment. Safety glasses, gloves, and other PPE are required.