Blender / Compounder
$19 - $20/hr
Previous blending or compounding experience is required. Candidates with transferable experience from food, pharmaceutical, plastics, paint, or chemical manufacturing may be considered and trained.
Blender / Compounder
$19 - $20/hr
Previous blending or compounding experience is required. Candidates with transferable experience from food, pharmaceutical, plastics, paint, or chemical manufacturing may be considered and trained.
Process Engineer
Grand Rapids, MI · On-site
$70K - $104K/yr
We manufacture injection molding/plastic products for automotive, office furniture, polymer compounding, waste and recycling industries. We focus on driving organizational excellence through a people ...
Process Engineer
Grand Rapids, MI · On-site
$70K - $104K/yr
We manufacture injection molding/plastic products for automotive, office furniture, polymer compounding, waste and recycling industries. We focus on driving organizational excellence through a people ...
Senior Program Manager
Grand Rapids, MI · On-site
$100K - $151K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
We manufacture injection molding/plastic products for automotive, office furniture, polymer compounding, waste and recycling industries. We focus on driving organizational excellence through a people ...
Senior Program Manager
Grand Rapids, MI · On-site
$100K - $151K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
We manufacture injection molding/plastic products for automotive, office furniture, polymer compounding, waste and recycling industries. We focus on driving organizational excellence through a people ...
Truck Driver - Local
Grand Rapids, MI · On-site
$20 - $30/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
We manufacture injection molding/plastic products for automotive, office furniture, polymer compounding, waste and recycling industries. We focus on driving organizational excellence through a people ...
Truck Driver - Local
Grand Rapids, MI · On-site
$20 - $30/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
We manufacture injection molding/plastic products for automotive, office furniture, polymer compounding, waste and recycling industries. We focus on driving organizational excellence through a people ...
Senior Program Manager
Grand Rapids, MI · On-site
$100K - $151K/yr
We manufacture injection molding/plastic products for automotive, office furniture, polymer compounding, waste and recycling industries. We focus on driving organizational excellence through a people ...
Senior Program Manager
Grand Rapids, MI · On-site
$100K - $151K/yr
We manufacture injection molding/plastic products for automotive, office furniture, polymer compounding, waste and recycling industries. We focus on driving organizational excellence through a people ...
Plastic Compounding information
See Michigan salary details
$12.15 - $13.52
6% of jobs
$14.76 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$13.52 - $14.89
21% of jobs
The median wage is $16.10 / hr.
$14.89 - $16.27
26% of jobs
$16.27 - $17.64
10% of jobs
$17.64 - $19.01
9% of jobs
$19.26 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$19.01 - $20.38
11% of jobs
$20.38 - $21.75
5% of jobs
$21.75 - $23.12
3% of jobs
$23.12 - $24.49
2% of jobs
$24.49 - $25.87
3% of jobs
$25.87 - $27.24
2% of jobs
$12
$17
$27
How much do plastic compounding jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for plastic compounding in Michigan is $17.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $19.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is the difference between Plastic Compounding vs Plastic Processing Technician?
| Aspect | Plastic Compounding | Plastic Processing Technician |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | High school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications | High school diploma or equivalent; technical training |
| Work Environment | Manufacturing plants, laboratories | Manufacturing lines, production facilities |
| Industry Usage | Material formulation, resin production | Processing, molding, and finishing plastics |
| Common Search/Comparison | Plastic Compounding vs Plastic Processing Technician |
Plastic compounding involves creating custom plastic formulations by mixing raw materials, while a plastic processing technician operates machinery to mold or shape plastics. Both roles are essential in plastics manufacturing but focus on different stages of production. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers identify the right career path or job opportunity within the plastics industry.
What is plastic compounding?
Plastic compounding is the process of blending polymers with additives, fillers, and colorants to create customized plastic materials with specific properties. This process helps manufacturers produce plastics that meet particular requirements for strength, flexibility, color, or other characteristics. Compounding can be performed using various equipment, such as extruders, to ensure consistent mixing and quality. The resulting compounded plastic pellets are then used in injection molding, extrusion, or other manufacturing methods to produce finished products.
What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in plastic compounding, and how can they be managed?
Professionals in plastic compounding often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent material quality, troubleshooting machinery issues, and ensuring precise formulation of additives. Managing these challenges requires attention to detail, a strong understanding of polymer science, and effective communication with quality control and production teams. Staying updated with the latest equipment and process technologies, as well as participating in ongoing training, can also help address these issues and contribute to a smoother workflow.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in plastic compounding, and why are they important?
To excel in Plastic Compounding, you need a solid understanding of polymer science, material handling, and quality control, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant technical training. Familiarity with compounding extruders, mixers, and laboratory testing equipment, as well as knowledge of safety standards and certifications like OSHA, is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving skills make individuals stand out in this field. These competencies ensure the production of high-quality plastic materials, maintain workplace safety, and support efficient manufacturing processes.
What are popular job titles related to Plastic Compounding jobs in Michigan?
For Plastic Compounding jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
- Permanent Plastic Machine Operator
- Entry Level H1B Visa Sponsorship Software Engineer
- Night Shift Encapsulation Operator
- Temp Pitney Bowes Machine Operator
- Plastic Machine Operator
- Commission Door Machine Operator
- Plastic Extrusion Operator
- Line Sitter
- Plastic Injection Molding Machine Operator
- Plastics Process Engineer
What job categories do people searching Plastic Compounding jobs in Michigan look for?
The top searched job categories for Plastic Compounding jobs in Michigan are:
$19 - $20/hr
Full-time
Posted 13 days ago
Job description
SUMMARY
The Blender/Compounder is a specialized manufacturing position responsible for preparing chemical batches used in pool, RV, automotive, carpet, and floor-care products. The role sets up mixing tanks and blending equipment, follows batch sheets, weighs and adds ingredients, supports production lines, maintains daily inventory accuracy, and completes required paperwork. This is a full-time, temp-to-permanent opportunity.
The Blender/Compounder is a specialized manufacturing position responsible for preparing chemical batches used in pool, RV, automotive, carpet, and floor-care products. The role sets up mixing tanks and blending equipment, follows batch sheets, weighs and adds ingredients, supports production lines, maintains daily inventory accuracy, and completes required paperwork. This is a full-time, temp-to-permanent opportunity.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- High school diploma or equivalent work experience.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- Previous blending or compounding experience is required. Candidates with transferable experience from food, pharmaceutical, plastics, paint, or chemical manufacturing may be considered and trained. The experience requirement may be reevaluated if recruiting challenges arise.
- Forklift (MUST be able to drive a forklift)
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Must be highly dependable and maintain reliable attendance.
- Must be able to read and follow batch sheets, product recipes, material identification, safety rules, and operating instructions in English.
- Forklift certification is preferred; qualified candidates may be trained.
- Must follow the dress and appearance guidelines provided in the company handbook.
DOCUMENTATION
- Daily production paperwork, batch documentation, quality records, and inventory records.
KNOWLEDGE
- Knowledge of chemical blending, batch sheets, predetermined formulas, weight and volume measurements, and raw-material identification.
- Knowledge of safe chemical handling, PPE, respirator use, SDS information, quality sampling, and inventory controls.
REQUIRED ABILITIES
- Read and accurately follow batch sheets and mixing instructions
- Weigh and measure ingredients using predetermined formulas
- Perform basic calculations involving weight and volume
- Work independently with minimal supervision
- Think through minor problems and escalate larger issues
- Communicate effectively and contribute to a positive team environment
REQUIRED SKILLS
- Set up and operate mixing tanks, blending machines, mixers, scales, meters, and pumps.
- Handle, measure, and add chemicals and powders accurately and safely.
- Maintain attention to detail, good mechanical awareness, and accurate daily paperwork.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The following duties are representative of the primary duties and responsibilities of this role. The employee may be required to perform additional position-specific duties.
Key Responsibilities:
- Obtain, review, and understand all batch sheets, work orders, and mixing instructions before beginning a batch.
- Set up and start mixing tanks, blenders, pumps, meters, scales, and related equipment.
- Verify that the correct raw materials are selected for each batch.
- Weigh and add chemicals or powders in the predetermined quantities listed on the batch sheet.
- Monitor each blend to ensure ingredients and weights are accurate.
- Fill drums with blended product when required and provide product-line support.
- Complete daily production paperwork and maintain accurate batch records.
- Maintain daily inventory accuracy and return raw materials with correct quantities and container information.
- Collect and log raw-material or batch samples for Quality and follow laboratory instructions for approval or adjustment.
- Communicate material needs with material handlers and provide process-improvement input to management.
- Operate mixers, tanks, pumps, forklifts, pallet jacks, scales, meters, and piping systems safely.
Success Factors:
- Maintain a positive, team-focused attitude
- Demonstrate dependable and consistent attendance
- Place safety and proper chemical handling first
- Treat coworkers with respect and support Cul-Mac's family-oriented culture
- Work accurately, independently, and with strong attention to detail
WORK SCHEDULE
- Saturday and Sunday, 5:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Monday and Tuesday, 4:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
- Flexibility is required based on company needs.
- No overtime is built into the regular schedule; seasonal overtime may be needed approximately once or twice per month.
SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Follow all plant safety policies, batch procedures, and chemical-handling requirements.
- Use required PPE and respirators correctly; training will be provided on proper use, care, and storage.
- Maintain safe containers, report spills or hazards immediately, and operate forklifts only when trained and authorized.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND DEMANDS
SUSTAINED REQUIREMENTS
- Standing and walking throughout the manufacturing area
- Repeatedly ascending and descending metal stairs during the shift
- Handling drums, ingredients, containers, and production materials
FREQUENT REQUIREMENTS
- Lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds
- Bend, reach, crouch, and reposition while operating or cleaning equipment
- Wear required PPE and a respirator when assigned and trained
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Indoor chemical-manufacturing and production environment
- Exposure to chemicals with required training for proper handling
- Environment may be hot, cold, loud, and physically demanding
- Frequent stair use and work around tanks, pumps, piping, and production equipment
- Changing schedules or overtime based on seasonal company needs
EQUIPMENT
- Mixers, blending tanks, pumps, meters, scales, and piping systems
- Forklift, pallet jack, drums, raw-material containers, and production-line equipment
- Required PPE and respirator equipment
Disclaimer
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities performed by people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor or manager to assign, direct and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. All principal duties and responsibilities of this position are essential functions of the position. Job descriptions are reviewed on a regular basis and may be revised at any time. Revisions will be communicated to employees within the classification. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment; therefore, the company may exercise its employment-at-will rights at any time.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities performed by people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor or manager to assign, direct and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. All principal duties and responsibilities of this position are essential functions of the position. Job descriptions are reviewed on a regular basis and may be revised at any time. Revisions will be communicated to employees within the classification. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment; therefore, the company may exercise its employment-at-will rights at any time.