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Extrusion Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Extrusion Engineer to join our dynamic team. As a key member of our engineering department, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the growth ...

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Extrusion Engineer to join our dynamic team. As a key member of our engineering department, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the growth ...

Extrusion Engineer Composed of Chromalox, Durex Industries, Vulcanic, and Thermocoax businesses, Electrical Thermal Solutions (ETS), part of Spirax Group, creates electrical process heating and ...

Extrusion Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Overview The Thermoforming/Extrusion Operator works at the direction of the Production Senior Lead and the Production Supervisor to ensure that the company safely and efficiently produces the highest ...

Extrusion Machine Operator

Chattanooga, TN

$17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Plastic Extrusion Machine Operator Position Summary We are seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Plastic Extrusion Machine Operator to join our production team. This role is responsible for ...

Senior R&D Extrusion Technician

Clinton, TN · On-site

$42K - $77K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Senior R&D Extrusion Technician will ensure consistent documentation, product quality, efficient machine performance, and adherence to safety and R&D extrusion standards. This technician should ...

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Extrusion information

See Tennessee salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do extrusion jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for extrusion in Tennessee is $17.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $19.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is extrusion in manufacturing?

Extrusion is a manufacturing process where material, such as plastic or metal, is pushed through a shaped die to create objects with a fixed cross-sectional profile. This process is commonly used to produce items like pipes, tubing, and sheets. Extrusion allows for continuous production of long pieces with consistent shapes and is valued for its efficiency and versatility in various industries.

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

To thrive as an Extrusion Operator, you need a solid understanding of extrusion machinery, material properties, and quality control, often supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with industry-specific tools such as extrusion lines, die heads, PLC controls, and measurement gauges is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills that help operators maintain production quality and address issues quickly. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and consistent manufacturing of products that meet quality and safety standards.

What are the most common challenges faced by extrusion operators, and how can they be managed effectively?

Extrusion operators often face challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality, managing machine downtime, and troubleshooting equipment issues. Variations in raw material quality or temperature fluctuations can impact the final product, so attention to detail and quick problem-solving are crucial. Effective communication with maintenance teams and adherence to standard operating procedures help mitigate these issues. Continuous training and proactive equipment checks also play a key role in minimizing defects and ensuring smooth production.

What is the difference between Extrusion vs Machinist?

AspectExtrusionMachinist
Primary RoleShaping material by forcing it through a dieManufacturing parts using machine tools
Work EnvironmentFactories, extrusion plantsMachine shops, manufacturing facilities
Required SkillsMaterial handling, die setupBlueprint reading, machine operation
CertificationsOften none, but technical training helpfulMachining certifications often preferred

Extrusion involves shaping materials like metals or plastics by forcing them through a die, primarily used in manufacturing large quantities of uniform profiles. Machinists operate machine tools to create precise parts from metal or other materials. While extrusion focuses on shaping bulk material, machinists refine or produce individual components. Both roles require technical skills, but extrusion emphasizes material handling and die setup, whereas machinists focus on precision machining and blueprint interpretation.

What is an extrusion job?

An extrusion job involves operating machinery to shape materials such as plastics, metals, or rubber by forcing them through a die to create continuous profiles or products. Workers in this role monitor equipment, ensure quality standards, and may need knowledge of safety procedures and basic maintenance. The job often requires attention to detail and familiarity with extrusion processes and tools.

What are the most commonly searched types of Extrusion jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Extrusion jobs in Tennessee are:

Infographic showing various Extrusion job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,585 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Extrusion Engineer

Chromalox

La Vergne, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Chromalox rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

251st of 490 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

The Role:

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Extrusion Engineer to join our dynamic team. As a key member of our engineering department, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of our company by ensuring the efficient and effective operation of our extrusion processes. This is a challenging and exciting opportunity for an individual who is passionate about the field of extrusion engineering and wants to make a significant impact on the industry. The candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing extrusion and interventional extrusion processes to ensure high precision product and compliance to internal and external specifications through improvements to existing processes, tooling design, assembly, maintenance, outsourcing, and insourcing. 

Your Responsibilities:

  • Develop and implement extrusion processes and inline controls. 
  • Drive process optimization. Work with production personnel and R&D to ensure high precision extrusion requirements meeting customer specifications and tolerances 
  • Diagnose and resolve issues related to the extrusion process to minimize downtime and defects. Trouble shoot processing parameters when needed using problem solving methodologies. 
  • Support, coach and align with all Health and safety company policies. 
  • Collaborate with external vendors to develop tooling and fixtures that result in producing high precision quality products. 
  • Maintain comprehensive records and documentation of all extrusion processes, improvements, and compliance with regulatory requirements. Generate documentation on extrusion runs that is used to control traceability and ensure reproducibility. 
  • Work with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing Departments during concept, prototyping, and release of new products. 
  • Follow established procedures in order to maintain a clean and organized environment. 
  • Support productivity improvement, reducing unnecessary scrap and offal, down time/set-up time. 
  • Work as part of a team to ensure products and processes comply with the relevant requirements of the Business Management System (QMS and EMS). 
  • Support scrap-reduction, cost savings and quality improvement teams, with focus on process and material optimization. 
  • PFMEA, PCP, and experimental design optimization. 
  • Provide technical support and training to production staff to ensure adherence to best practices and quality standards. 
  • Help direct the maintenance of equipment to optimum running conditions. 
  • Other assignments as required. 

Requirements:

  • Minimum 3 years' experience of hands-on precision extrusion. Including TPE and TPU extrusion experience. You know how to set up equipment and run the product. 
  • Post-secondary education in a engineering/technical field or relevant technical experiences. Preferred: Mechanical, Chemical, or Materials Engineering. 
  • Experience and understanding of extrusion equipment design 
  • Understanding of the relationships of the process instrumentation to the observed effects on the process. 
  • Work as part of a cross functional team and independently with excellent personal time management skills, creating a collaborative project environment is essential. 
  • Able to conform to shifting priorities, demands and timelines through analytical and problem-solving capabilities. Flexible during times of change. 
  • Good verbal and written communication skills required. 
  • Good computer skills including understanding databases, spreadsheets and word processing. 
  • Dexterity and visual acuity for product inspection and computer work 
  • Strong written and oral communication 
  • Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office 
  • Basic statistical knowledge

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