What does an extrusion machine operator do?
Extrusion machine operator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real extrusion machine operator resumes:
- Manage the levels of chemicals to make sure process run correctly for making Styrofoam.
- Experience in operating an extrusion machine in accordance with establish procedures, guidelines and customer requirements.
- Know basic math (add and subtract).
- Maintain and set up CNC equipment.
- Calculate amounts per strict FDA regulations.
- Perform start ups by connecting co extruders and adjust various settings.
- Experience with powders in a GMP regulate environment and tablet coating.
- Remove plastic rolls and sheets from extruders using hoist machinery as well as by hand.
- Measure complete work pieces to verify conformance to specifications, using micrometers, gauges, calipers, or rulers.
- Maintain accuracy of machine with micrometers, calipers and measurements.
- Review customer orders and manually enter recipes into a computer, load required film/material combine through extrusion process.
- Perform repair and preventive maintenance on machinery including cleaning, oiling and adjusting.
Extrusion machine operator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 22% of Extrusion Machine Operators are proficient in Extrusion, Extrusion Machine, and Quality Standards. They’re also known for soft skills such as Computer skills, Dexterity, and Mechanical skills.
We break down the percentage of Extrusion Machine Operators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Extrusion, 22%
Developed equipment layout for extrusion department, increasing efficiency of over all production.
- Extrusion Machine, 16%
Operated an automatic extrusion machine to produce electrical automotive wire.
- Quality Standards, 7%
Read and understand customer specification, while maintaining quality standards.
- Math, 6%
Produced and maintained accurate documentation for production reports using math and computer skills.
- Calipers, 6%
Maintained accuracy of machine with micrometers, calipers and measurements.
- Extruders, 4%
Removed plastic rolls and sheets from extruders using hoist machinery as well as by hand.
Most extrusion machine operators use their skills in "extrusion," "extrusion machine," and "quality standards" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential extrusion machine operator responsibilities here:
Computer skills. One of the key soft skills for an extrusion machine operator to have is computer skills. You can see how this relates to what extrusion machine operators do because "metal and plastic machine workers must be able to use programmable devices, computers, and robots on the factory floor." Additionally, an extrusion machine operator resume shows how extrusion machine operators use computer skills: "log into the computer system all test results including deviations to monitor quality of water filters. "
Mechanical skills. extrusion machine operators are also known for mechanical skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to extrusion machine operator responsibilities, because "these workers must be comfortable with machines and have a good understanding of how all the parts work." An extrusion machine operator resume example shows how mechanical skills is used in the workplace: "used various hand tools and measuring tools, fixed mechanical problems and created shipping crates. "
Physical strength. For certain extrusion machine operator responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "physical strength." The day-to-day duties of an extrusion machine operator rely on this skill, as "metal and plastic machine workers must be able to secure and tighten heavy fixtures into place." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what extrusion machine operators do: "prefer to work on set schedule.skills usedphysical strength and machine operation. "
The three companies that hire the most extrusion machine operators are:
Choose from 10+ customizable extrusion machine operator resume templates
Build a professional extrusion machine operator resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your extrusion machine operator resume.
Compare different extrusion machine operators
Extrusion machine operator vs. Drawer
Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them. They are also responsible for the maintenance and repair of the machine, and they should be able to troubleshoot problems and provide remedies to them. They must be knowledgeable about the different parts of the machine and how to mitigate any challenges that may arise. Operators should be alert, detail-oriented, and familiar with safety and health guidelines.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an extrusion machine operator are more likely to require skills like "extrusion," "extrusion machine," "quality standards," and "math." On the other hand, a job as a drawer requires skills like "title," "escrow," "fha," and "trid." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
The education levels that drawers earn slightly differ from extrusion machine operators. In particular, drawers are 2.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than an extrusion machine operator. Additionally, they're 0.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Extrusion machine operator vs. Operator
A machine operator/forklift operator is responsible for operating industrial trucks to move merchandise around the warehouse facilities and other assigned areas. Machine operators/forklift operators also assist with inventory tasks by scanning orders and ensuring the correct merchandise for shipment. They manage the stability of the vehicles, ensuring its efficiency and optimization during operations, performing engine repairs for any inconsistencies to avoid delays on deliveries. A machine operator/forklift operator should strictly follow the safety protocols of the business, as well as have knowledge of the mechanical industry.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real extrusion machine operator resumes. While extrusion machine operator responsibilities can utilize skills like "extrusion," "extrusion machine," "math," and "calipers," operators use skills like "safety procedures," "cdl," "emergency calls," and "preventative maintenance."
Operators earn a higher average salary than extrusion machine operators. But operators earn the highest pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $41,321. Additionally, extrusion machine operators earn the highest salaries in the transportation with average pay of $44,167 annually.operators earn similar levels of education than extrusion machine operators in general. They're 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Extrusion machine operator vs. Machine operator/forklift operator
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, extrusion machine operators are more likely to have skills like "extrusion machine," "math," "calipers," and "extruders." But a machine operator/forklift operator is more likely to have skills like "safety standards," "drive forklift," "load trucks," and "electric pallet jack."
Machine operator/forklift operators earn the highest salary when working in the automotive industry, where they receive an average salary of $36,711. Comparatively, extrusion machine operators have the highest earning potential in the transportation industry, with an average salary of $44,167.Most machine operator/forklift operators achieve a similar degree level compared to extrusion machine operators. For example, they're 1.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Extrusion machine operator vs. Draw operator
Even though a few skill sets overlap between extrusion machine operators and draw operators, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, an extrusion machine operator might have more use for skills like "extrusion machine," "quality standards," "math," and "calipers." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of draw operators require skills like "quality checks," "safety net," "transport carts," and "tow motor. "
In general, draw operators hold similar degree levels compared to extrusion machine operators. Draw operators are 1.9% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of extrusion machine operator
Updated January 8, 2025
