Job Title: Plastic Extrusion Supervisor
Location: Fontana, CA About the Role:The Plastic Extrusion Supervisor is responsible for overseeing daily extrusion operations, ensuring consistent product quality, meeting production targets, optimizing line efficiency, and maintaining a safe working environment. This role demands strong technical knowledge of plastic extrusion processes combined with proven leadership skills.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities- Directly supervise, train, and mentor a team of extrusion operators, technicians, and material handlers (typically 6-12 direct reports).
- Oversee daily production schedules across multiple extrusion lines to ensure on-time delivery of high-quality products.
- Monitor and optimize extrusion processes, including melt temperature, screw speed, haul-off speed, cooling, and dimensional control.
- Troubleshoot common extrusion issues such as dimensional variations, surface defects, melt fracture, surging, and die swell.
- Manage setup, changeovers, and startup/shutdown procedures for extruders and downstream equipment.
- Work closely with Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance teams to resolve process and quality concerns.
- Enforce all safety policies and procedures (OSHA compliance, lockout/tagout, PPE, machine guarding) and lead safety meetings.
- Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs): line efficiency, scrap rate, uptime, throughput, and OEE.
- Control raw material usage (resins, additives, colorants) and minimize waste.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and Kaizen methodologies.
- Conduct employee performance reviews, coaching, disciplinary actions, and participate in hiring decisions.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, ISO/QMS standards, and all regulatory requirements.
Required Qualifications- Minimum 5+ years of hands-on experience in plastic extrusion, with at least 2-3 years in a supervisory or lead role.
- Strong technical knowledge of single-screw and twin-screw extruders, dies, calibrators, haul-offs, cutters, winders, and auxiliary equipment.
- Experience with a variety of polymers including HDPE, LDPE, PP, PVC, ABS, PC, and engineering resins.
- Proven ability to troubleshoot extrusion defects and optimize process parameters for consistent quality and output.
- Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement tools.
- Strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and ERP/MRP systems.
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and process specifications.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and basic ERP/MRP systems.
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and work instructions.
Preferred Qualifications- Formal training in extrusion technology (e.g., Paulson, Rauwendaal, or equivalent).
- Experience with profile extrusion, pipe/tubing, sheet, film, or compounding.
- Knowledge of die design, maintenance, and repair.
- Experience with statistical process control (SPC) and quality systems.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.
Physical Requirements- Ability to stand for long periods, walk production floor, and climb stairs/ladders as needed.
- Capable of lifting up to 50 lbs occasionally.
- Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with noise, heat, and moving machinery.
- Willingness to work flexible shifts, including overtime, nights, and weekends when required.
Salary Range: $90,000 - $120,000
Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the position level, relevant skills, knowledge, experience, qualifications, geographic location, internal equity, and market data.
