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Plastic Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PSG

PLANT MANAGER (Plastics)

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

If you have a background in plastic and strong leadership skills, we'd love to hear from you. Key ... Optimize production schedules and reduce operating costs. * Lead productivity improvement efforts.

Staffingine LLC

Plant Superintendent

Winchester, KY · On-site

... plant operating budget. Meet or exceed plant productivity, cost, or other performance metric ... Engineering and/or plastics major with experience preferred * Minimum of 3-5 years of manufacturing ...

Petoskey Plastics

Plant Engineer

Morristown, TN · On-site

Petoskey Plastics aspires to stand out as an industry leader in sustainability, using advanced ... Develop and maintain process documentation, standards, and operating parameters. * Identify and ...

PETOSKEY PLASTICS

Plant Engineer

Morristown, TN · On-site

Petoskey Plastics aspires to stand out as an industry leader in sustainability, using advanced ... Develop and maintain process documentation, standards, and operating parameters. * Identify and ...

Braskem

Progression Operator

Freeport, TX · On-site

$16.25 - $21.75/hr

With its corporate DNA rooted in innovation, Braskem offers a comprehensive portfolio of plastic ... The Operator works on plant machinery and equipment designed to generate polypropylene, adheres to ...

Braskem

Progression Operator

La Porte, TX · On-site

$16.75 - $22.25/hr

With its corporate DNA rooted in innovation, Braskem offers a comprehensive portfolio of plastic ... The Operator operates plant machinery and equipment designed to generate polypropylene, adheres to ...

Braskem

Progression Operator

La Porte, TX · On-site

$16.75 - $22.25/hr

With its corporate DNA rooted in innovation, Braskem offers a comprehensive portfolio of plastic ... The Operator operates plant machinery and equipment designed to generate polypropylene, adheres to ...

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Plastic Plant Operator information

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How much do plastic plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for plastic plant operator in the United States is $22.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a plastic plant operator do?

A Plastic Plant Operator is responsible for overseeing and controlling the machinery and processes involved in manufacturing plastic products. They monitor equipment, adjust settings, and ensure production runs smoothly and safely. Their duties may also include quality checks, troubleshooting machine issues, maintaining records, and following safety and environmental regulations. Plastic Plant Operators play a key role in ensuring that products meet quality standards and production targets are achieved.

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

To thrive as a Plastic Plant Operator, you need a strong understanding of manufacturing processes, machinery operation, and safety protocols, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial equipment, control systems, and quality assurance tools—sometimes enhanced by certifications like OSHA safety training—is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are important soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring efficient, safe, and high-quality production in a demanding manufacturing environment.

What are the typical challenges faced by a plastic plant operator during a production shift?

Plastic Plant Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining product quality while meeting production targets, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. They must monitor various machines, adjust settings to optimize output, and respond quickly to any process irregularities. Additionally, working in a team-oriented environment requires effective communication with supervisors and maintenance staff to keep operations running smoothly.

What is the difference between Plastic Plant Operator vs Plastic Molder?

AspectPlastic Plant OperatorPlastic Molder
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, technical training often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plant, operating machineryWorkshop or factory, operating molding equipment
Industry UsagePlastic manufacturing facilitiesPlastic product fabrication

Plastic Plant Operators focus on managing and maintaining production machinery in plastic manufacturing plants, ensuring smooth operations. Plastic Molders specialize in shaping plastic materials through molding processes. While both roles require knowledge of plastic production, operators oversee the entire process, whereas molders focus on creating specific plastic parts. They often work together but have distinct responsibilities within the plastic manufacturing industry.

What are popular job titles related to Plastic Plant Operator jobs?

For Plastic Plant Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Plastic Extrusion Operator

Knoxville, TN

Omega Plastics
See more jobs at Omega Plasticsexternal

$15 - $20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Extruder Operator is responsible for operating extrusion equipment in a safe and efficient manner in order to manufacture products in accordance with customer specifications. The Operator is responsible for the setup of the equipment, monitoring the process, adjusting, and correcting as needed, and troubleshooting any issues that may arise.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Select, assemble, and install correct dies, and calibrate machine settings (temperature, pressure, speed) based on material specifications and product requirements.

  • Feeding Material: Load raw materials into the extrusion machine, which may include pellets or powders depending on the extruder type and materials used.

  • The Operator must collaborate effectively with supporting staff (such as engineering, packing, and management) to optimize production.

  • The Operator will assist in the setting up and testing new lines.

  • Make repairs to equipment when necessary, and replace all defective, broken or worn-out components.

  • Choose and install cutters, pullers and dies all other necessary equipment parts so machines are always operating at peak efficiency.

  • Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting tasks on the machine to ensure its optimal performance.

  • Work with warehouse team members to ensure raw materials and supplies are available when needed.

  • Cleans machine(s), cleans work area, process scraps through grinders and track regrind amounts.

  • Set-up, troubleshoot and perform proper adjustments to the dies and various machines on an extrusion line to maintain safety, quality, and productivity standards.

  • Comply with all federal and state environmental, health and safety regulations as well as any safety policies and protocols outlined by the company.

  • Complete all other tasks assigned.

EDUCATION

  • High school diploma or equivalent

  • Two years of mechanical/technical training preferred.

  • Ability to read and interpret technical documents and drawings.

EXPERIENCE/SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

  • At least five years of definable, related experience in a manufacturing plant.

  • Two or more years of prior experience as a Plastic Extrusion Operator or in a similar role preferred.

  • Excellent mechanical and troubleshooting skills.

  • Technical skills and knowledge of plastic extrusion machines and their operation to set up, troubleshoot and operate the machinery efficiently and safely.

  • Problem-solving skills to diagnose and resolve issues that may arise during the extrusion process, maintaining the quality and consistency of the products.

  • Attention to detail to ensure that the product meets the specified dimensions, color, and physical properties.

  • Basic math skills to perform calculations related to the extrusion process such as measurements, ratios, and material quantities.

  • Communication skills to effectively collaborate with team members, report issues and comprehend instructions from supervisors or machine manuals.

  • Understanding of quality control processes to ensure that products meet the required standards and specifications.

  • Forklift experience is a plus

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & OTHER

  • Ability to lift up to fifty pounds without the use of mechanical lifting devices.

  • Ability to wear protective equipment such as hearing protection, eye protection, protective masks (respirators), protective gloves, etc.

  • Able to endure working in a manufacturing environment with inside excessive hot and cold temperatures, able to tolerate exposure to dust and noise for 8-12-hour shifts

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