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Extruder Operator Helper Jobs in Cary, IL (NOW HIRING)

Operates two types of extruder lines including proper start-up/shut-down * Operates two types of ... Employee Assistance Program (EAP) -counseling, financial tools, legal help & more * Wellness ...

Extrusion Operator

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$16.91 - $25.36/hr

Operates two types of extruder lines including proper start-up/shut-down * Operates two types of ... Employee Assistance Program (EAP) -counseling, financial tools, legal help & more * Wellness ...

... extruder, and related forming/winding controls, such as pressure, speed, tension, and heat * Move ... We champion our customers and help them succeed. We play to win - adapting quickly in an ...

... extruder, and related forming/winding controls, such as pressure, speed, tension, and heat * Move ... We champion our customers and help them succeed. We play to win - adapting quickly in an ...

Inline Operator

Franklin Park, IL · On-site

$28 - $36/hr

These pillars form the foundation of our company-wide commitment to sustainability, helping us ... Safely operate extrusion equipment including extruder, melt pump, die, roll stack, former, and trim ...

Inline Operator

Franklin Park, IL · On-site

$28 - $36/hr

These pillars form the foundation of our company-wide commitment to sustainability, helping us ... Safely operate extrusion equipment including extruder, melt pump, die, roll stack, former, and trim ...

Inline Operator

Franklin Park, IL · On-site

$28 - $36/hr

These pillars form the foundation of our company-wide commitment to sustainability, helping us ... Safely operate extrusion equipment including extruder, melt pump, die, roll stack, former, and trim ...

These pillars form the foundation of our company-wide commitment to sustainability, helping us ... Safely operate extrusion equipment including extruder, melt pump, die, roll stack, former, and trim ...

Extruder Operator Helper information

See Cary, IL salary details

$11

$18

$22

How much do extruder operator helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for extruder operator helper in Cary, IL is $18.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $19.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is extrusion operator helper a good job?

An extrusion operator helper assists with the setup, operation, and maintenance of extrusion machinery, often working in manufacturing environments. The job can offer steady employment and opportunities to learn technical skills, but it may involve physical labor, shift work, and safety precautions. Overall, it can be a good entry-level position for those interested in manufacturing and industrial work.

What are some common challenges faced by extruder operator helpers, and how can they be managed effectively?

Extruder Operator Helpers often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent material feed, quickly resolving minor equipment jams, and ensuring product quality during fast-paced production runs. Adapting to varying shift schedules and working in noisy, temperature-controlled environments can also require adjustment. Effective communication with the lead operator and other team members, along with attention to detail and proactive monitoring of machinery, are key strategies for managing these challenges and ensuring smooth operations.

What is the difference between Extruder Operator Helper vs Extruder Operator?

AspectExtruder Operator HelperExtruder Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training on machineryHigh school diploma; experience or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentAssists in manufacturing settings, close to extruder machinesOperates and monitors extruder machinery in production lines
Job ResponsibilitiesSupports setup, cleaning, and material handlingControls machine operation, quality checks, and adjustments

The main difference is that the Extruder Operator Helper assists with supporting tasks around the extruder machine, while the Extruder Operator actively controls and manages the extrusion process. Helpers typically require less experience and focus on assisting, whereas operators handle the core production functions.

What is an extruder operator helper?

Extruder Operator Helpers assist with the operation of extrusion machines, which are used to shape materials like plastic or metal into specific forms. They support the main extruder operator by preparing materials, monitoring equipment, and ensuring the production process runs smoothly. Their tasks may include loading raw materials, inspecting finished products for quality, and performing basic machine maintenance. This role is important for maintaining efficiency and safety in manufacturing environments that use extrusion processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an extruder operator helper?

To thrive as an Extruder Operator Helper, you need a solid understanding of basic manufacturing processes, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with extrusion machinery, quality control tools, and safety protocols is typically required, and on-the-job training or certifications in machine operation are beneficial. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication skills help you support the primary operator and maintain a safe, efficient workflow. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing high-quality products, minimizing downtime, and ensuring workplace safety.
What job categories do people searching Extruder Operator Helper jobs in Cary, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Extruder Operator Helper jobs in Cary, IL are:
What cities near Cary, IL are hiring for Extruder Operator Helper jobs? Cities near Cary, IL with the most Extruder Operator Helper job openings:

Extrusion Operator

D&W Fine Pack

Elk Grove Village, IL

$35K - $52K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago


D&W Fine Pack rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 119 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

In this function you will operate machinery used in manufacturing high-quality food packaging products.

Shift Times:  5:45pm-6:15am. Rotating 12-hour shifts with every other weekend off.  Pay Rate:  $20-24 based on experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES & QUALIFICATIONS

Qualifications

  • Prior Experience with Extrusion Machine Operation
  • Manufacturing Experience
  • Willingness to work and follow verbal/written instructions 
  • May be required to use floor loading trucks
  • Ability to work safely, willingness to train in cross-functional areas, and work overtime as needed.

Tasks

  • Reads job specifications to determine machine adjustments, and material requirements
  • Adjusts settings and controls to ensure sheet is within defined processing standards
  • Ensures sheet quality by performing required quality assurance tests and inspections
  • Operates at or below Company scrap targets
  • Understands and completes daily MCL tasks
  • Works to reduce rejected rolls per-month measurement
  • Makes high-quality food packaging through the thermoforming process
  • Ensures that all product manufactured on assigned machine is within Company quality limits; immediately recognizes quality issues and takes action
  • Monitors in-line inspection; completes any re-inspection that is ordered due to quality issues from assigned line
  • Follows plant quality practices including Good Manufacturing Practices, or GMP’s

Productivity

  • Works to achieve 100% on-time completion of scheduled production
  • Operates two types of extruder lines including proper start-up/shut-down
  • Operates two types of forming machines
  • Adjusts machine components to regulate speeds, pressures, and temperatures, and amounts, dimensions, and flow of materials
  • Monitors machine operations and observes lights and gauges to detect malfunctions; presses control buttons to activate machinery and equipment
  • Operates relevant material handling systems
  • Understands basic functions of the extruder auxiliary systems
  • Handles rolls and moves finished product to the curing area

General & Administrative

  • Completes and fills out daily logs/reports as required
  • Completes all assigned cleaning/preventive maintenance tasks
  • Delivers scrap to reprocessing area in the appropriate manner
  • Executes basic Troubleshooting and adjusts basic processing problems.
  • Immediately notifies supervisor of any/all processing or maintenance problems on assigned line
  • Assists other employees to set up machines and transport finished work pieces
  • Reports to work on-time and follows D&W attendance policy and guidelines
  • No direct supervision responsibilities

Safety

  • Ensures equipment used in extrusion process is operated properly and all safety mechanisms and guards are in place
  • Understands how to handle machine properly during an emergency, which includes power outages, machine failure, workplace injuries, etc. 
  • Follows plant safety procedures and guidelines; wears and utilizes personal protective equipment (PPE) as required
  • Understands and performs Lock-out/Tag-out procedures
  • Informs supervisor of safety issues; reports any workplace injury or incident immediately

 Hourly rate varies based on shift with opportunity for added incentives such as:

  • Night shift differential
More than a job.  Grow, belong, and make a difference.
At D&W Fine Pack, we don’t just make packaging, we build purpose, pride, and strong teams. Whether you’re launching your career or bringing years of experience, this is a place where you can grow, be supported, and make a real impact. Our culture is built on four core values that guide everything we do:
  • Dedicated to Excellence– We hold ourselves to high standards in safety, sustainability, quality, and service.
  • Winning with Success– We keep improving to deliver more for our customers and community.
  • Focused on Service– We listen, act fast, and support both our customers and each other.
  • People with Purpose– We work as one team, showing respect, integrity, and care for all.

Benefits That Matter

Taking care of our team is a priority. Our benefits include:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
  • 401k with company match
  • Short and Long-Term Disability (STD/LTD)
  • Company-paid Life Insurance
  • FSA’s for Medical & Dependent Care
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) –counseling, financial tools, legal help & more
  • Wellness program
  • Cancer Expert Now – access to expert consultations for cancer diagnosis and treatment guidance
  • And more!

If this sounds like the kind of company and team you want to grow with, we’d love to hear from you.


What D&W Fine Pack employees say

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