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Poly Machine Operator Jobs in Milwaukee, WI (NOW HIRING)

Stryten Energy is expanding battery poly manufacturing and recycling output to help solve industry ... * Assist any of the Machine Operators, Mold Setters, Setup Technicians, and/or Quality ...

Stryten Energy is expanding battery poly manufacturing and recycling output to help solve industry ... * Assist any of the Machine Operators, Mold Setters, Setup Technicians, and/or Quality ...

Stryten Energy is expanding battery poly manufacturing and recycling output to help solve industry ... Communicating with Cold Form Technicians, Cold Form Tool and Machine repair person(s), Cold Form ...

Stryten Energy is expanding battery poly manufacturing and recycling output to help solve industry ... Communicating with Cold Form Technicians, Cold Form Tool and Machine repair person(s), Cold Form ...

Poly Machine Operator information

See Milwaukee, WI salary details

$11

$17

$23

How much do poly machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for poly machine operator in Milwaukee, WI is $17.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $19.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a poly machine operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Poly Machine Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring prior manufacturing experience. Familiarity with poly extrusion machines, quality control instruments, and basic computer systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help operators efficiently address issues and maintain production flow. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring product quality, minimizing downtime, and maintaining a safe, efficient manufacturing environment.

What does a poly machine operator do?

A Poly Machine Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining machinery used in the production of polyethylene (poly) products, such as plastic films, bags, or sheets. Their duties include setting up machines, monitoring production quality, troubleshooting issues, making adjustments to equipment, and ensuring safety standards are met. They often work in manufacturing or packaging facilities and may be required to perform routine maintenance on the machines. Attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols are essential in this role.

What is the difference between Poly Machine Operator vs Extrusion Machine Operator?

AspectPoly Machine OperatorExtrusion Machine Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical trainingHigh school diploma, technical training
Work EnvironmentPlastic manufacturing plants, factoriesPlastic, rubber, or metal manufacturing facilities
Industry UsagePlastic film, sheet, or container productionPlastic or rubber extrusion processes
Job FocusOperating and maintaining poly film or sheet machinesOperating extrusion equipment for various materials

The Poly Machine Operator and Extrusion Machine Operator roles share similar credentials and work environments, often within plastic manufacturing industries. The main difference lies in the specific materials and processes they handle: Poly Machine Operators focus on poly film and sheet production, while Extrusion Machine Operators work with a broader range of extruded materials like plastics and rubber. Both roles require technical skills and safety awareness, but their specific applications vary based on the product being manufactured.

What are some common challenges faced by poly machine operators, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Poly Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality, managing machine malfunctions, and meeting production deadlines. Addressing these issues typically involves regular equipment checks, prompt troubleshooting, and effective communication with maintenance and quality assurance teams. Staying organized and following safety protocols are also crucial to minimizing downtime and ensuring smooth operations. Continuous learning and staying updated on new machine technologies can further help operators overcome these challenges.

What job categories do people searching Poly Machine Operator jobs in Milwaukee, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Poly Machine Operator jobs in Milwaukee, WI are:

Infographic showing various Poly Machine Operator job openings in Milwaukee, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,268 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Process Technician

Stryten Energy

Milwaukee, WI • On-site

$30/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Stryten Energy rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview
Stryten Energy manufactures proprietary and custom injection molding products serving the industrial lead battery, automotive and consumer markets. Stryten Energy is expanding battery poly manufacturing and recycling output to help solve industry-wide supply constraints.
Process Technicians set up and startup all injection molded jobs along with full documentation in a safe and timely manner which may include but is not limited to setting up and starting up all scheduled production, new tooling, secondary and auxiliary equipment, and robots. Troubleshooting and correcting molding problems and assisting and training other employees.
Immediate vacancy on the 2nd Shift (3pm - 1 am); Monday - Thursday, will need to work overtime
Pay $30.00 per hour plus a $1.10/hour shift differential.
Responsibilities
  • Must embrace and follow the Core Beliefs and Values of Stryten Energy.
  • Safety is our overriding priority. If an unsafe condition is found to exist, actions must be taken immediately to correct the situation to keep all team members safe and get manufacturing equipment operational as soon as possible.
  • Responsible for the development and implementation of manufacturing methods ensuring the highest quality, lowest cost, lowest scrap, and optimum capacity.
  • Understands the Bill of Materials regarding materials required for the job being setup and started.
  • Performs mold changes/setups, pneumatic/electrical/water hookups, and processing in a given press per the setup procedures and Bill of Materials.
  • Cleans molds as needed to meet all Bill of Material requirements.
  • Understands all procedures and paperwork required in performing the job.
  • Sets up all support and secondary equipment needed for the job.
  • Performs color changes, insert changes, and core changes according to the Bill of Materials.
  • Completely starts up and troubleshoots all production machines, secondary and auxiliary equipment, and robotics within any given area of the production department.
  • Setup end of arm tooling for all robots required for both cover and container presses.
  • Recall and modify robot job setups in robot presses and starts up interfacing between robot and injection molding machine.
  • Submits first article for quality approval along with all necessary paperwork required.
  • Documents and revises all setup process sheets as required. Logs any changes throughout an entire run on a given job on a process log sheet.
  • Optimizes productivity and utilization to the best of his/her ability.
  • Assist any of the Machine Operators, Mold Setters, Setup Technicians, and/or Quality Coordinators as needed to aid in the safety of the operation within their workstation and production area.
  • Maintains housekeeping and cleanliness of the production department as instructed by management as well as press upkeep as assigned.
  • Reports unsafe conditions to the Production Supervisor for immediate action.
  • Performs all the responsibilities of the Setup Technician as needed.
  • Completely shuts down the entire production department in a safe and timely manner in the event of a lights out situation (shut down, holiday, fire or any other emergency drill or exercise).
  • Starts up the entire department after a lights out situation.
  • Creates and enters Toolroom and Maintenance work orders via CMMS system.
  • Conduct a continuous search of new tooling materials, coatings, processes, and procedures to enhance and improve the production lines to help the operation to reduce overall costs.
  • Lead and assist training of production employees in best practices of setting up equipment and tooling, maintaining processes, and troubleshooting problems.
  • Assists in any of the supervisor's needs and fills in during the absence of the Production Supervisor.
  • Must complete all required hazardous waste training and comply with all Company hazardous waste and handling procedures.
  • The above list of responsibilities describes normal work, but the Production Supervisor may assign this person to duties not listed when production requirements dictate or when there is not enough work in the regular classification to fill out the workday.
  • Attend all Management meetings and training sessions, safety committee meetings, and all employee meetings as required by upper management.
  • Follow all ISO 9000 requirements including creating and maintaining ISO documents.
  • Other responsibilities as assigned to meet the needs of the business.

Qualifications
Education and Experience Requirements
  • Minimum ten (10) years on the job experience installing and setting up plastic injection molds, processing and troubleshooting plastic injection products on hydraulic and electric injection molding machines.
    • Or, minimum two (2) years on the job experience in Setup Technician position and meet all the qualifications of that position.
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Must be able to lift 75 pounds.
  • Good attendance and performance work history.
  • Motived self-starter that can productively work alone and in groups to solve problems.
  • Must have proven mechanical ability.
  • Must have his/her own tools.
  • Must complete a forklift driving training program.
  • Must learn proper lifting skills of up to 10,000 lbs. with a forklift or crane.
  • Must complete a Lock Out/Tag Out training program.
  • Must have knowledge in plastic resins, additives and understanding of technical data sheets and MSDS for materials used.
  • Must have the ability and willingness to work overtime on an as needed/required basis in order to complete work in process and communicate with other shifts.
  • Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Stryten Energy encourages candidates with Military training and/ or experience to apply.
Skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong attention to detail, good organizational skills and the ability to prioritize with changing situations.
  • Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills to drive tasks to completion.
  • Able to handle multiple priorities and work well under pressure.
  • Ability to communicate accurately and comfortably with all levels of management.
  • Motivated self-starter that is able to productively work alone and in groups to solve problems.
  • Proficient in English (ready, writing & verbal skills).

EEO Statement
Stryten Energy is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.
About Statement
Stryten Energy helps solve the world's most pressing energy challenges with a broad range of energy storage solutions across the Essential Power, Motive Power, Transportation, Military and Government sectors. Headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, we partner with some of the world's most recognized companies to meet the growing demand for reliable and sustainable energy storage capacity. Stryten powers everything from submarines to subcompacts, microgrids, warehouses, distribution centers, cars, trains and trucks. Our stored energy technologies include advanced lead, lithium and vanadium redox flow batteries, intelligent chargers and energy performance management software that keep people on the move and supply chains running. An industry leader backed by more than a century of expertise, Stryten has The Energy to Challenge the status quo and deliver top-performing energy solutions for today and tomorrow. Learn more at stryten.com.

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