Production Operator

Job Summary

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Color & SEM (Extrusion Machine) Operator is responsible for efficient operation of extrusion and compounding processes, ensuring consistent product quality as per defined specifications. The role requires strong knowledge of polymer materials (Engineering plastics, Elastomers, Commodity plastics), process control systems (HMI/SCADA), and adherence to safety and operational standards.

Responsibilities

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor extrusion and compounding lines using HMI/SCADA systems for real-time process control.
• Ensure accurate feeding of raw materials using feeders as per batch formulation and production requirements.
• Perform SAP entries, maintain shift-wise production records, and ensure proper documentation in Excel/system logs.
• Conduct troubleshooting of process and equipment issues to minimize downtime and maintain production efficiency.
• Ensure product quality by maintaining process parameters and coordinating with Quality team during deviations.
• Handle RM dosing and material mixing as per grade specifications.
• Follow and enforce safety standards, SOPs, and 6S practices on the shop floor.
• Coordinate manpower effectively for smooth operation and target achievement.
• Support preventive maintenance activities and report abnormalities in equipment.
• Operate pelletizing systems including underwater and strand pelletizing processes.
• Handle packing operations including lifting and handling of 25–30 kg bags while ensuring ergonomic and safety practices.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Physical/Environ. Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; talk and/or hear. Occasionally required to sit. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 55 pounds and occasionally handle up to 250 pounds. Specific vision abilities may require close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Requires the use of safety equipment as dictated by the work area such as safety glasses and shoes, dust mask, hard hat, respirator, face shield, hearing protection, chemical suit, gloves, aprons, etc. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate with the exception of high noise areas. Proper personal safety equipment needs to be used while performing this job and that equipment is dictated by

the plant safety guidelines. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, dust, fumes, airborne particles, chemical dust, and risk of electric shock, vibration, non-hazardous chemical agents and outside weather conditions. Regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles. The employee is frequently exposed to vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of electrical shock.

Scope

Manufacturing Plant

Other

Reports to: Plant Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Production Supervisor, Shift Supervisor/Lead, Production Lead.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED 5+ years / Relevant experience from plastic / Polymer industry in the production department.
  
  

Required Skills

• Polymer Processing & Extrusion Techniques
• Strong understanding of Polymer Properties & Material Behaviour
• HMI / SCADA System Operation
• Feeder Operation & Material Handling
• Troubleshooting & Process Optimization
• SAP Entries & Production Documentation
• Basic Excel Data Management
• Manpower Handling & Shopfloor Coordination
• Safety Compliance & Risk Awareness
• Knowledge of 6S methodology
  
  

Technical Knowledge

• Extrusion & Compounding Machinery
• Preventive Maintenance Practices
• Underwater Pelletizing Systems
• Strand Pelletizing Systems
• Packing and Material Handling Systems
• Physical Requirements
• Ability to handle and lift material bags (25–30 kg)
• Capability to work in shift operations
  
  

About Us

Our purpose at Avient Corporation is to be an innovator of materials solutions that help our customers succeed, while enabling a sustainable world.

Innovation goes far beyond materials science; it's powered by the passion, creativity, and diverse expertise of 9,000 professionals worldwide. Whether you're a finance wizard, a tech enthusiast, an operational powerhouse, an HR changemaker, or a trailblazer in materials development, you'll find your place at Avient.

Join our global team and help shape the future with sustainable solutions that transform possibilities into realities. Your unique perspective could be the key to our next breakthrough!

We believe that all of our global employees are leaders and that the six most important behaviors for driving our strategy and culture are the same no matter if an employee is a leader of self, a leader of others, or a leader of the business.

By playing to win, acting customer centric, driving innovation and profitable growth, collaborating seamlessly across Avient, and motivating and inspiring and developing others and yourself you will accelerate your ability to achieve Avient's strategic goals, to meet our customer needs, and to accomplish your career goals.

At Avient, we believe a wide variety of thoughts, ideas and backgrounds gives us the creativity to be successful in a rapidly changing world. In support of this, we stress equality of opportunity for all qualified individuals in accordance with applicable laws. Decisions on hiring, promotion, development, compensation or advancement are based solely on a person's qualifications, abilities, experience and performance.