Job Summary
The Extrusion Lead I is responsible for the operations of extrusion production lines to ensure consistent quality, safety, and efficiency in accordance with PLASKOLITE’s standards. This role serves as the primary point of coordination between production associates, maintenance, quality assurance, and supervision. The Extrusion Lead I provides hands-on leadership to ensure all equipment is running optimally, production targets are met, and employees are properly trained and supported.
This position requires attention to detail, the ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, and a strong commitment to safety, teamwork, and quality—reflecting Plaskolite’s core values of Integrity and Improvement.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Learn and support the daily operations of the extrusion department, including setup, operation, monitoring, and troubleshooting of extrusion lines.
- Develop a thorough understanding of extrusion processes, material properties, and production equipment used in the manufacture of acrylic, polycarbonate, and other thermoplastic products.
- Assist experienced Leads and Supervisors in coordinating production schedules, line changeovers, and material requirements.
- Support production efficiency by monitoring line performance, identifying potential issues, and contributing to corrective actions under supervision.
- Participate in training related to machine operation, process control, quality assurance, and safety compliance.
- Work closely with Quality Assurance to understand inspection procedures, product testing, and documentation requirements.
- Learn to identify and escalate safety concerns, equipment malfunctions, or process deviations promptly to supervision.
- Gain knowledge of troubleshooting techniques for extrusion lines, dies, material conveying system, vacuum systems, chill rolls, and downstream equipment.
- Assist with shift handoffs and communication of production status, issues, and priorities between teams.
- Participate in regular performance check-ins and evaluations to assess readiness for advancement into an Extrusion Lead position.
- Actively participate in team meetings, training sessions, and safety programs to build leadership and communication skills.
· Participate in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at optimizing material flow, reducing waste, and improving inventory accuracy.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
Skills Required
- Knowledge of extrusion processes and thermoplastic materials (acrylic, polycarbonate)
- Ability to operate, set up, monitor, and troubleshoot extrusion lines and related equipment
- Willingness to learn and participate in training for machine operation, process control, and safety
- Ability to follow quality assurance inspection procedures, documentation, and product testing requirements
- Ability to identify and escalate safety concerns, equipment malfunctions, and process deviations
- Ability to assist with production scheduling, line changeovers, and material requirements coordination
- Teamwork and communication skills for shift handoffs and cross-functional coordination
- Commitment to continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste and optimize material flow
What We Do
PLASKOLITE is the catalyst for thermoplastic innovation that accelerates transformation. A global manufacturer of engineering thermoplastics, including amorphous and crystalline sheet, extruded profiles and PMMA polymers, PLASKOLITE provides multi-material expertise, priority customization and responsive problem solving, helping customers simplify operations and reduce costs. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, PLASKOLITE operates facilities in the United States, Mexico, Chile, Israel, Bulgaria and Spain, giving customers reliable regional support and efficient supply chains. PLASKOLITE’s mission is to produce innovative engineering thermoplastics the right way; through long-lasting customer relationships, hands-on customer service and responsible manufacturing. Operating with a unique Run-to-Size program to eliminate scrap, while its optical injection molding and performance coating operations serve major industrial and commercial manufacturers worldwide. Founded in 1950 by Donald Dunn and now part of Pritzker Private Capital, PLASKOLITE solutions are sold to OEMs, DIY retailers, and a global network of plastics distributors serving safety, transportation, lighting, glazing, aerospace, data center semicon applications and more. PLASKOLITE is committed to long-term environmental progress through its sustainable ecosystem focused on what they make, how it’s manufactured, and how they’re used. This approach drives continuous improvement and supports thermoplastic solutions that enhance energy efficiency, safety, and quality of life. PLASKOLITE is guided by two core values: integrity and improvement. Integrity reflects a commitment to doing the right thing for our people, our products, and our place. Improvement drives us to continuously advance the way we work and the solutions we deliver, ensuring we provide the best for our people, our products, and our place.
