Trainee Extrusion Machine Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Description

This hands-on role operates and owns a vinyl siding extrusion line, playing a key part in producing high-quality siding products that consistently meet customer expectations. You will work directly with extrusion equipment, perform set-ups and teardowns, troubleshoot mechanical issues, monitor product quality, and contribute to continuous performance improvement in a fast-paced plastics manufacturing environment. The position follows a 12-hour, 2-2-3 shift schedule on either days (7:00am–7:00pm) or nights (7:00pm–7:00am).

Responsibilities

• Set up and tear down extrusion lines, including installing dies, changing dies, and safely operating the extrusion machinery.
• Start up extrusion lines and ensure production of high-quality finished vinyl siding products.
• Monitor and troubleshoot extrusion lines to resolve mechanical and process issues promptly.
• Produce quality products at the lowest possible cost while meeting production targets and quality standards.
• Operate and manage equipment required to package finished products efficiently and safely.
• Assist and lead personnel assigned to the extrusion line, providing guidance and support to maintain smooth operations.
• Continuously observe the quality level of products being produced and make necessary adjustments to meet VSI certification requirements.
• Use company instruments and tools such as micrometers, precision rules, pliers, screwdrivers, vise grips, C-clamps, and fixtures during set-up, measurement, and maintenance activities.
• Maintain accurate and complete production records, including production rates, amounts produced, scrap amounts, set-up times, and downtime incurred.
• Perform general material handling, prepare packaging materials, and complete other tasks as assigned to maintain production flow.
• Follow and maintain posted safety standards in all work areas and actively contribute to a safe work environment.
• Maintain good housekeeping practices to ensure the production area remains clean, organized, and free of hazards at all times.

Essential Skills

• Experience in plastics manufacturing and extrusion processes, including operation of extrusion machines and production equipment.
• Proficiency in machine operation within a manufacturing environment, with the ability to start up, monitor, and shut down production lines.
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting skills to diagnose and resolve issues with extrusion lines and related equipment.
• Hands-on experience with die maintenance, installation, changeover, and repair for extrusion operations.
• Ability to use precision measuring instruments such as micrometers and precision rules to verify product specifications.
• Capability to perform installation, assembly, and basic mechanical repairs on production machines.
• Good communication skills to coordinate with team members and clearly document production information.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language to follow work instructions, safety procedures, and quality standards.
• Good math and problem-solving skills to calculate production data, interpret measurements, and adjust processes as needed.
• Physical ability to stand, walk, sit, use hands to handle tools and materials, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and talk or hear while performing job duties.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 100 pounds frequently in a manufacturing setting.
• Specific vision capabilities including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Mobility to move between and cover two facilities (North and South plants) as required.
• Ability to learn and retain detailed product knowledge related to vinyl siding and extrusion processes.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with extrusion molding and extrusion process control in a production environment.
• Background in diesel repair or similar mechanical repair work that demonstrates strong mechanical aptitude.
• Familiarity with quality control practices and using measurement tools to ensure products meet specifications and certifications such as VSI.
• Comfort working with a variety of hand tools and fixtures, including pliers, screwdrivers, vise grips, C-clamps, and similar equipment.
• Experience in production recordkeeping, including tracking scrap, downtime, and production rates.
• Ability to lead or assist line personnel and contribute to team-based production goals.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a comprehensive, day-one benefits package designed to support their health, financial security, and work-life balance. Paid vacation and ten paid holidays begin on the first day of employment, and caregiver leave is available after one year of service to support family needs. Team members can earn five performance-based bonuses per year and build long-term financial stability through a 401(k) with company match and an additional annual contribution. The organization invests in safety and professional development by providing free safety shoes, free prescription safety glasses, tuition reimbursement, and fitness reimbursement. Medical, dental, and vision insurance start immediately, and an Employee Assistance Program and free basic life insurance (equal to twice your salary) offer added peace of mind. This environment values safety, continuous improvement, and supporting employees both on and off the job.

Work Environment

This role is based in a fast-paced manufacturing facility that operates large extrusion and production machinery. The noise level is consistent with heavy industrial equipment, and ear and eye protection must be worn at all times. Steel-toed shoes and long pants are required as part of the safety-focused dress code. Temperatures in the building are maintained but can be influenced by outside weather conditions, so comfort levels may vary with the seasons. Work involves moving between production areas and potentially covering two plant locations, with frequent physical activity such as standing, walking, lifting, and material handling in an industrial setting.

This is a Permanent position based out of Columbus, OH.

The pay range for this position is $46716.80 - $56139.20/yr.

401K, LT Disability, ST Disability, Medical, Dental, Vision, Sign-on Bonus, Tuition Reimbursement, Training & Education

This is a fully onsite position in Columbus,OH.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 6, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.