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Extruder Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Hickman's Family Farms

PM EXTRUDER OPERATOR

Avondale, AZ · On-site

$18.39/hr

The Extruder Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining extruder equipment to produce plastic materials used in packaging. This role includes performing startups, monitoring product ...

Hickman's Family Farms

PM EXTRUDER OPERATOR

Avondale, AZ · On-site

$18.39/hr

The Extruder Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining extruder equipment to produce plastic materials used in packaging. This role includes performing startups, monitoring product ...

Apel Extrusions Ltd

Vice President of Finance

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$170 - $250/hr

APEL Extrusions is an independent extruder, finisher and fabricator of aluminum extrusions serving the commercial, residential, and industrial markets of Western United States and Western Canada.

New

APEL Extrusions Inc.

Quality Manager

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

The Company APEL Extrusions, Inc. is an independent extruder, finisher and fabricator of aluminum extrusions, with six extrusion presses and a full array of finishing capabilities occupying over 600 ...

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Extruder information

See Arizona salary details

$16

$17

$18

How much do extruder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for extruder in Arizona is $17.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.02 and $18.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Extruder vs Molder?

AspectExtruderMolder
Primary FunctionShapes materials by forcing them through a dieForms objects by pouring or pressing material into molds
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plantsFactories, manufacturing plants
CertificationsMachine operation, safety trainingMachine operation, safety training
Industry UsagePlastic, metal, food processingPlastic, metal, rubber industries

Both extruders and molders work in manufacturing environments and often require similar certifications. While extruders shape materials by forcing them through dies, molders form objects by pouring or pressing materials into molds. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job role within manufacturing industries.

What is an extruder?

As an extruder, you operate specialized machinery used in the manufacture of thermoplastic materials, used in turn for purposes like car and plane manufacture. Your duties include mixing materials, inputting settings, and ensuring a safe and successful extrusion process. You also perform routine maintenance on equipment, and report any mechanical degradation or breakage, especially where it may affect safe operation. A career as an extruder does not require you have formal qualifications or a college degree, but you should have a high school diploma or GED certificate, mechanical aptitude, and a strong eye for detail. Skills and experience gained at a trade school or vocational program will set you ahead of other candidates and help you gather professional contacts.

What does an extruder do?

An extruder operates machines that shape materials such as plastic, metal, or food by forcing them through a shaped die to create products of a specific size and shape. Their responsibilities include setting up, monitoring, and adjusting the extruding machines to ensure quality and efficiency. Extruders also inspect finished products, perform routine maintenance, and troubleshoot any issues that arise during the process. This role is commonly found in manufacturing industries, especially in plastics and food production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an extruder, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Extruder, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often with experience in manufacturing or plastics processing. Familiarity with extrusion machinery, quality control systems, and safety protocols is typically required, and some employers may prefer certifications in industrial operations. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help you adapt to production changes and maintain high standards. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring efficient, safe, and high-quality output in extrusion manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by extruders in a manufacturing setting, and how can they be addressed?

Extruders often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality, troubleshooting machine malfunctions, and managing raw material variations. To address these issues, it's important to closely monitor process parameters, perform regular equipment maintenance, and communicate frequently with quality control and maintenance teams. Developing strong problem-solving skills and staying up-to-date with standard operating procedures can also help extruders overcome these challenges efficiently.
More about Extruder jobs
Extruder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Extruder job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $36,809 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

PM EXTRUDER OPERATOR

Hickman's Family Farms

Avondale, AZ • On-site

$18.39/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Hickman's Family Farms rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 65 rated farming

Job description

Job Summary:
The Extruder Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining extruder equipment to produce plastic materials used in packaging. This role includes performing startups, monitoring product quality, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance on high-speed extrusion equipment. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, safety-conscious, and capable of working independently in a fast-paced production environment, supporting Hickman's commitment to efficient and quality packaging production.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Operate and monitor extruder equipment, ensuring consistent flow and quality of extruded plastic material.
  • Perform equipment startups, calibrations, and shutdowns according to standard operating procedures.
  • Build pallets of finished products and ensure proper labeling and storage.
  • Utilize the HMI (Human-Machine Interface) for machine controls, making minor adjustments to optimize production.
  • Regularly inspect product quality, check for defects or overfilling, and take corrective action as needed.
  • Monitor coil levels and refill as necessary to prevent machine stoppages or collisions.
  • Obtain forklift and pallet jack OSHA certification; assist with moving raw materials and finished products as required.
  • Maintain a clean and organized work area, following all safety and GMP protocols.
  • Assist maintenance team in troubleshooting and repairing machinery when technical issues arise.

Resumen del Puesto:
El Operador de Extrusora es responsable de operar y mantener el equipo de extrusión para producir materiales plásticos utilizados en el empaque. Este puesto incluye realizar arranques, monitorear la calidad del producto, resolver problemas y realizar mantenimiento rutinario en equipos de extrusión de alta velocidad. El candidato ideal es detallista, consciente de la seguridad y capaz de trabajar de manera independiente en un entorno de producción de ritmo rápido, apoyando el compromiso de Hickman's con una producción de empaque eficiente y de alta calidad.
Funciones y Responsabilidades:
  • Operar y monitorear el equipo de extrusión, asegurando un flujo constante y calidad uniforme del material plástico extruido.
  • Realizar arranques, calibraciones y apagados del equipo según los procedimientos operativos estándar.
  • Armar tarimas con los productos terminados y asegurar el etiquetado y almacenamiento adecuados.
  • Utilizar la interfaz HMI (Interfaz Humano-Máquina) para controlar la máquina, haciendo ajustes menores para optimizar la producción.
  • Inspeccionar regularmente la calidad del producto, verificar defectos o sobrellenado, y tomar acciones correctivas cuando sea necesario.
  • Monitorear los niveles de bobina y rellenar según sea necesario para evitar paros o colisiones en la máquina.
  • Obtener la certificación OSHA para el uso de montacargas y patines hidráulicos; asistir en el movimiento de materiales y productos terminados cuando se requiera.
  • Mantener un área de trabajo limpio y organizada, siguiendo todos los protocolos de seguridad y Buenas Prácticas de Manufactura (GMP).
  • Apoyar al equipo de mantenimiento en la resolución de problemas y reparación del equipo cuando surjan fallas técnicas.

Required Skills and Abilities:
  • High school diploma or equivalent; technical training in manufacturing or related field preferred.
  • Previous experience in manufacturing, especially with extrusion or thermal forming equipment.
  • Basic understanding of HMI (Human-Machine Interface) systems and ability to make machine adjustments.
  • Forklift and pallet jack certification, or willingness to obtain certification.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality control and product standards.
  • Ability to follow safety protocols and maintain a safe work environment.
  • Reliable attendance and punctuality to meet production schedules.

Education and Experience:
  • No specific education requirement listed
  • Prior food production or processing experience preferred, but not required

Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to stand, walk, squat, bend, and lift for extended periods.
  • Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise and machinery.
  • Ability to frequently lift and move items up to 50 pounds.

Work Schedule:
  • This position begins with daytime hours for training. Upon successful completion of training, the employee will transition to a PM (evening/night) shift. During the training period, the employee will learn the necessary skills and responsibilities, and once fully trained, will be expected to work in the PM shift as the primary role.

Habilidades y Capacidades Requeridas:
  • Diploma de preparatoria o equivalente; se prefiere capacitación técnica en manufactura o campo relacionado.
  • Experiencia previa en manufactura, especialmente con equipos de extrusión o termoformado.
  • Conocimientos básicos de sistemas HMI (Interfaz Humano-Máquina) y habilidad para hacer ajustes al equipo.
  • Certificación en montacargas y patín hidráulico, o disposición para obtenerla.
  • Gran atención al detalle y compromiso con el control de calidad y los estándares del producto.
  • Capacidad para seguir protocolos de seguridad y mantener un entorno de trabajo seguro.
  • Asistencia y puntualidad confiables para cumplir con los horarios de producción.

Educación y Experiencia:
  • No se requiere educación específica.
  • Se prefiere experiencia previa en producción o procesamiento de alimentos, pero no es obligatoria.

Requisitos Físicos:
  • Capacidad para estar de parado, caminar, agacharse, doblarse y levantar objetos por períodos prolongados.
  • Comodidad trabajando en un entorno de manufactura con exposición a ruido y maquinaria.
  • Capacidad para levantar y mover objetos que pesen hasta 50 libras con frecuencia.

Horario de Trabajo:
Este puesto comienza con un horario diurno durante el período de capacitación. Al completar con éxito la capacitación, el empleado pasará a un turno PM (vespertino/nocturno). Durante la capacitación, el empleado aprenderá las habilidades y responsabilidades necesarias, y una vez completamente capacitado, trabajará en el turno PM como función principal.

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