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Plastic Extrusion Machine Operator Jobs in California

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JOB SUMMARY: Perform semiskilled work operating a variety of extrusion equipment, operations ... Comfortable performing physical labor, including machine setup and teardown during the plastic ...

Machine Operator

Huntington Beach, CA ยท On-site

$18 - $21.25/hr

Extrusion Machine Operator * Machine Operator * Production Operator * Manufacturing Operator * Production Associate * Plastics Operator * Process Operator * Industrial Machine Operator * Packaging ...

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Plastic extrusion machine operation * Single-screw or twin-screw extruders * Heat-shrink tubing or ... Polymer or resin processing Expansion Operator Overview: We are seeking a mechanically inclined ...

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Machine Operator

City Of Industry, CA ยท On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

The Machine Operator maintains operations in the production of customer product to be shipped. The ... Clean up the extrusion area at the end of the shift. Company Description J & L Custom Plastic ...

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Machine Operator

City Of Industry, CA ยท On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

The Machine Operator maintains operations in the production of customer product to be shipped. The ... Clean up the extrusion area at the end of the shift. Company Description J & L Custom Plastic ...

Extruder Operator

Stockton, CA

$17.75 - $22.25/hr

SUMMARY Responsible for all activities associated with safely operating Plastics Extrusion Machinery including but not limited to setup, operation, cleanup, and recommendation of improvements to meet ...

Extruder Operator

Stockton, CA ยท On-site

$17.75 - $22.25/hr

SUMMARY Responsible for all activities associated with safely operating Plastics Extrusion Machinery including but not limited to setup, operation, cleanup, and recommendation of improvements to meet ...

Extrusion Supervisor

Fontana, CA ยท On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

... plastic recessed washing machine and ice maker outlet boxes. Since then, we have expanded our ... IPS, through its three operating companies, operates 13 manufacturing plants in the US, Europe and ...

Maintenance Mechanic

Huntington Park, CA

$25.25 - $32.50/hr

Perform corrective and preventive maintenance on extrusion machines and related plastic converting ... The role requires working on the production floor around operating machinery, following established ...

Maintenance Mechanic

Huntington Park, CA ยท On-site

$28 - $36/hr

Perform corrective and preventive maintenance on extrusion machines and related plastic converting ... The role requires working on the production floor around operating machinery, following established ...

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Plastic Extrusion Machine Operator information

See California salary details

$12

$18

$24

How much do plastic extrusion machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for plastic extrusion machine operator in California is $18.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $20.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plastic extrusion machine operator?

To thrive as a Plastic Extrusion Machine Operator, you need a solid understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment operation, and quality control, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with extrusion machinery, PLC controls, calipers, and safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for monitoring production and addressing issues quickly. These competencies ensure efficient machine operation, consistent product quality, and a safe work environment.

What does a plastic extrusion machine operator do?

A Plastic Extrusion Machine Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining machines that melt and form plastic materials into products such as pipes, tubing, and sheets. They monitor the extrusion process, adjust machine settings, inspect finished products for quality, and troubleshoot any issues that arise. Operators must also keep accurate production records and ensure that safety and quality standards are met throughout the manufacturing process.

Is a plastic extrusion machine operator a good job?

A plastic extrusion machine operator is a skilled manufacturing role that involves setting up, operating, and maintaining extrusion equipment to produce plastic products. The job typically offers steady employment, requires attention to safety protocols, and may include certifications or training in machinery operation. It can be a stable career path with opportunities for advancement in manufacturing industries.

What is the difference between Plastic Extrusion Machine Operator vs Plastic Molding Technician?

AspectPlastic Extrusion Machine OperatorPlastic Molding Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certifications preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training often required
Work EnvironmentFactories with extrusion lines, continuous operationInjection molding or blow molding machines, often in manufacturing plants
Industry UsagePlastic manufacturing, packaging, construction materialsAutomotive, consumer goods, medical devices

Both roles involve working with plastic manufacturing equipment, but Plastic Extrusion Machine Operators focus on continuous extrusion processes, while Plastic Molding Technicians handle molding machines for specific product shapes. The roles share similar credentials and work environments, making them common points of comparison for job seekers in the plastics industry.

What are some typical challenges faced by plastic extrusion machine operators, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Plastic Extrusion Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and minimizing material waste. To address these, operators regularly inspect machines, monitor production parameters, and make real-time adjustments. Collaboration with maintenance and quality control teams is essential for quickly resolving issues and ensuring smooth operation. Staying up-to-date with equipment training and standard operating procedures also helps operators manage these challenges effectively.
What are popular job titles related to Plastic Extrusion Machine Operator jobs in California? For Plastic Extrusion Machine Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Plastic Extrusion Machine Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Plastic Extrusion Machine Operator jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Plastic Extrusion Machine Operator job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,499 per year, or $19 per hour.

Plastics Extrusion Operator

Pratt Retail Specialties - Production Facilities

Stockton, CA โ€ข On-site

$20 - $26.50/hr

Other

Posted yesterday

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Job description

**SUMMARY

**

Responsible for all activities associated with safely operating Plastics Extrusion Machinery including but not limited to setup, operation, cleanup, and recommendation of improvements to meet customer demand.

**DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

**

  • Work safely at all times, be aware of surroundings and understand and comply with Pratt Industries Safety rules and GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices).

  • Setup extrusion lines producing bubble-wrap film from resin.

  • Load resin, additives, and blends into hoppers; verify correct material types and ratios.

  • Complete or assist with roll changes on the machine as needed throughout the shift.

  • Constantly monitor the machine and its output; adjust as needed. This included, but is not limited to:

  • Quickly identify and correct machine issues including bubble breaks, wrinkles, jams, poor clarity and die lines. Any higher level

    mechanical concerns should be reported to the Production Supervisor, Production Manager or Plant Maintenance Tech or Manager through the use of Maintenance work orders.

  • Complete/be proactive in necessary upkeep of machine – die cleaning, screen changes, and filter changes.

  • Housekeeping and cleaning of work areas – keep clean and free of tripping hazards during shift and end of shift cleaning of the area.

  • Learn and comply with Pratt Industries quality procedures and policies. Stop bad quality from leaving the facility to the Customer.

  • Learn and understand capability and capacity of machine and drive efficiencies limiting waste and downtime. Do not sacrifice quality for machine speeds – must have both excellent quality and high efficiencies with minimal downtime.

  • Train and assist other extrusion Machine Operators with job duties on the machine, downtime, setup times and quality.

  • Complete necessary reports in an accurate and timely manner, including but not limited to: Production Data, Machine Operational Status, Safety Data, Quality Data.

  • Comply with all company policies and procedures, including safety and good housekeeping.

  • Adhere to production schedule. Make recommendations for optimizing the schedule to meet cost, quality and service goals. Report any unusual scheduling issues to Supervisor.

  • Must be able to work overtime as necessary, sometimes on short notice. We serve our customers 24x7 – 365 days a year and sometimes work on holidays not avoidable.

  • Additional duties may be assigned by management.

**EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

**

  • High school diploma or GED.

  • Candidates are PREFERRED who offer the following:

    • Prior work experience in the packaging industry; paper, plastics, converting

    • 1 year experience working on cast-film extrusion machines.

    • Experience with Production Software (Vorne, etc.)

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with flexibility. Product/Jobs will change frequently throughout a shift, must be able/willing to work through these changes efficiently.

**LANGUAGE SKILLS

**

Able to read and follow instructions; quality, safety, job packets

**MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

**

Able to read a tape measure with speed and accuracy. Able to calculate figures and amounts such as percentages, measurement, volume and rate. Able to use/work with metric system.

**REASONING ABILITY

**

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or graphic form. Ability to deal with problems and come up with real-time solutions to the issues.

**CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

**

Will be required to be certified for and maintain a Pratt Lift Truck Operator License.

**PHYSICAL DEMANDS

**

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally push/pull product with the assistance of tools/machinery up to 130 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

**WORK ENVIRONMENT

**

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, some of which can become extremely hot. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

You should be proficient in:

  • Plastic Extrusion Experience
  • Blow Molding Experience

Machines & technologies you'll use:

  • Extrusion Machine