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Extrusion Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Lead Extrusion Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining sheet extrusion machines to produce high-quality products according to specifications. This role ensures ...

1.0 PURPOSE · Lead and develop the new extrusion department · Run the extrusion line and train the extrusion team including set-up technician and material handling personnel. · Schedule all ...

The Lead Extrusion Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining sheet extrusion machines to produce high-quality products according to specifications. This role ensures ...

Job Summary: The Aluminum Extrusion Superintendent is responsible for the overall leadership ... Lead and enforce compliance with all company policies, safety procedures, work instructions, and ...

Lead Operator (Extrusion)

Senoia, GA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

In this role, you will take the lead in overseeing extrusion operators, ensuring safety, quality, and production standards are met. You will serve as a role model for operators, provide hands-on ...

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Lead daily operations for eight plastic profile extrusion lines to ensure safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency goals are achieved. * Optimize extrusion processes to improve throughput ...

Lead, coach, and develop extrusion supervisors, leads, and operators. * Establish clear performance expectations and accountability measures. * Conduct performance evaluations and support employee ...

Lead, coach, and develop extrusion supervisors, leads, and operators. * Establish clear performance expectations and accountability measures. * Conduct performance evaluations and support employee ...

Extrusion Team Lead Position Model the Printpack Core Values of: Treating People Right, Caring About What We Do, Being Focused on How We Achieve Results, and Doing What We Say We Will Do. Safely and ...

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Extrusion Lead information

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$39.5K

$90.6K

$144K

How much do extrusion lead jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for extrusion lead in the United States is $90,624.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by an Extrusion Lead, and how can they be effectively managed?

As an Extrusion Lead, one common challenge is maintaining consistent product quality while meeting production targets, especially when dealing with equipment variability or process changes. Effective management involves closely monitoring process parameters, quickly troubleshooting issues, and leading the team in adopting best practices for safety and efficiency. Strong communication and collaboration with maintenance, quality assurance, and other production teams are essential to minimize downtime and ensure smooth operations. Continuous training and coaching of team members also help address skill gaps and improve overall performance.

What is the difference between Extrusion Lead vs Extrusion Supervisor?

AspectExtrusion LeadExtrusion Supervisor
CredentialsTypically requires technical experience in extrusion processes, certifications in manufacturing or engineeringSimilar credentials, often with additional supervisory or management training
Work EnvironmentHands-on role in manufacturing plants, overseeing extrusion operationsOversees teams, manages production schedules in manufacturing settings
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in plastics, metals, and rubber manufacturing industriesUsed interchangeably in some companies, but often emphasizes team oversight

The Extrusion Lead focuses on technical oversight and process optimization, while the Extrusion Supervisor typically manages teams and production schedules. Both roles require similar technical credentials and work in manufacturing environments, but their primary responsibilities differ slightly.

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

To thrive as an Extrusion Lead, you need strong knowledge of extrusion processes, mechanical aptitude, and experience in manufacturing or plastics, often supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with extrusion machinery, quality control systems, and safety protocols, as well as experience with ERP or production tracking software, is typical. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills for managing teams and troubleshooting production issues. These skills are crucial for ensuring efficient production, maintaining high product quality, and fostering a safe, collaborative work environment.

What are Extrusion Leads?

Extrusion Leads are professionals responsible for overseeing the extrusion process in manufacturing environments, typically involving plastics, metals, or other materials. They supervise a team of operators, ensure machinery is running efficiently, and monitor production quality. Extrusion Leads are also responsible for troubleshooting equipment issues, maintaining safety standards, and meeting production targets. Their role is crucial in ensuring consistent product quality and efficient workflow within the extrusion department.
More about Extrusion Lead jobs
What job categories do people searching Extrusion Lead jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Extrusion Lead jobs are:
Infographic showing various Extrusion Lead job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,624 per year, or $43.6 per hour.
Extruder Operator I - III level

Extruder Operator I - III level

PGP International Inc

Woodland, CA

$20.50 - $29/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Operate extrusion equipment including setup, operation, and cleanup of machinery according to provided documentation and procedures.

  • Perform post quality checks every 30 minutes and ensure product meets quality specifications with minimal waste.

  • Complete all production paperwork accurately and in a timely manner.


Job description

Description

 Reports to:  Shift Production Manager  

 Direct reports: n/a

 Back up position: Extruder Operator III / Extrusion Lead  

 Exempt/Non-Exempt:  Non-Exempt  


  I - Job Purpose and Summary: 


Responsible for operating all extrusion equipment in accordance with provided documentation and written procedures. This includes setup, operation, and cleanup of machinery. Perform all post quality checks to provide the highest quality product with the least amount of waste, while maintaining or exceeding standard line run rates.  


  II - Key Accountabilities:  


 HSE: Promote a safe work environment at all times through the adherence to all PGPI's Health & Safety and Environmental policies and procedures as well as to all relevant California OSHA regulations in order to achieve ZERO workplace incidents and injuries.  


 Food Safety & Quality: Promote exceptional food safety and product quality standards at all times through the adherence to, and improvement of, GMP and food safety and quality policies and standards, in order to have highest quality product for external customers.  


 Production Activities: Complete set up of all extruders, including setting up screw configurations cutter box alignments. Operation of Evolums, Clextrals and Buhler's according to published parameters. Ensure correct and adequate dry batch is available before startup. Prepare Liquid batches per standard manufacturing practices. Minimize changeover times to increase equipment utilization. Ensure proper package weights, materials and labeling as required. Conduct quality checks every 30 minutes to ensure quality specifications are met. Provide information to Extrusion Packers and Batch Makers regarding the progress of production, so that product is reduced with minimum overrun and waste. Assist Extrusion Packaging Lead on disposition of non-conforming product. Responsible for performing sanitation and cleaning of equipment. Replace bag house filters, clean, and sanitize cyclones, act as a back-up to batch maker and packaging positions when needed. Other tasks as assigned by supervisor.  


 Record Management: Complete all production paperwork in a timely manner with greater attention to accuracy.  


 Problem Solving/Reporting/Continuous Improvement: Promptly relay information to Shift Production Manager/Extrusion Operations Lead regarding shift accomplishments, problems, or suggestions for improvements.  


 Training & Development: Participate in all training related to his/her job in order to gain knowledge/skills/abilities needed for exceptional performance. Assist in training employees and new hires (buddy program). Train new Batch Makers and packaging positions as needed. 


 III - Internal and External Contacts:  All employees in Extrusion, Maintenance, HSE, QA and Logistics department, R&D  


Requirements

   IV - Job Requirements (Required and Preferred): 


 Education:  High School diploma or related experience  


 Related Experience: Minimum 3 years' experience in Extrusion Operation (food or food related manufacturing preferred)  


 Competencies: Initiating Action, Priority Setting, Problem Solving, Planning, Standing Alone, Compelling Communication, Comfort Around Higher Management, Composure, Listening, Conflict Management, Interpersonal Savvy, Organizational Agility, Continuous Learning, Self-Knowledge, Building Trusted Relationships 


 Technical Skills:  

  • ERP transactions 
  • Touch screen tablets/PLC 
  • Basic math skills 
  • Use of pneumatic and small hand tools 
  • Mechanical troubleshooting 
  • Forklift and Aerial Lift 
  • Lock out tag out (LOTO) system 
  • Confined space entry experience 
  • Evolums, Clextrals and Buhler's 
  • Operation and cleaning Batching equipment including but not limited to rotary valves, blender, etc. 
  • Operation and cleaning of packaging equipment, including but not limited to: Sweco, cyclone, oven, bucket elevator, etc. 

 Certifications, Licenses, Registrations:

  • Forklift and Aerial Lift 
  • OSHA 10   

 Language(s):

  • Fluency in English - preferred 
  • Fluency in Spanish - preferred 

 Other Qualifications:  HACCP, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)  


  V - Work/Employment Conditions and Other Requirements:  


  Work Environment: This job operates in a manufacturing warehouse environment. This role routinely uses manufacturing equipment. The environment is hot, cold, wet, dusty, and loud. Must be able to wear personal protective equipment on the manufacturing floor (hearing protection, hard hat, safety glasses, beard/hair nets, safety shoes).   


 Physical and Sensory Demands:  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; walk; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms overhead and grip; climb stairs, work from heights up to 40 feet; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift or move products and supplies, up to 55 pounds.  


 Position Type and Working Schedule:  RFT - Regular Full Time, working schedule based on production demands


 Travel Requirements: n/a


 VI - Other Duties:   Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.