Manufacturing Associate - Mixer (3rd Shift: 11pm to 7am)

The Manufacturing Associate - Mixer is responsible for preparing, blending, and supplying raw materials to extrusion lines according to job specifications. This role operates mixers, blenders, vacuums, augers, grinders, forklifts, and transfer equipment to ensure continuous material flow. Mixers reprocess scrap, close jobs, maintain clean work areas, and support safe, efficient production with a high level of accountability and ownership.
Work Schedule: 11pm to 7am
Pay rate: $23.00-$27.00 per hour plus applicable Shift Differential from $1.50 per hour.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Material Preparation & Mixing
Weigh, blend, and prepare polystyrene resin, regrind, colorants, and additives accurately.
Operate mixers, blenders, bins, vacuum loaders, and transfer stations.
Confirm correct materials and amounts before sending to extrusion lines.
Keep bins filled and staged to support upcoming production runs.
2. Supplying Material to Extrusion Lines
Provide material to the line consistently and without interruption.
Monitor line material levels and replenish proactively.
Communicate with line operators regarding changes, delays, or low material status.
Troubleshoot flow issues such as blocked hoses, vacuum loss, auger jams, and tipper malfunctions.
3. Equipment Operation & Maintenance
Operate and maintain all mixing equipment.
Daily visual checks on equipment functionality
Replacing broken hoses when maintenance is unavailable
Ensuring material paths are clear and unobstructed
Monitoring for leaks, worn parts, or unusual equipment behavior
4. Scrap Reprocessing
Collect scrap for reprocessing.
Feed scrap/trim into grinder/regrind systems safely and correctly.
Ensure scrap is free of contamination before processing.
Confirm regrind percentages align with job specifications.
5. Job Closing & Documentation
Track material used, scrap created, and leftover materials.
Record resin, regrind, and additive consumption accurately.
Report discrepancies in material usage to the supervisor.
Close jobs in the system at the completion of each run.
6. Cleaning & Housekeeping
Clean up spills immediately to maintain a safe environment.
Blow down and vacuum mixers, blenders, vacuums, and surrounding areas daily.
Rotate weekly: one mixer cleans the silo pit area thoroughly.
Collect and band gaylord boxes.
Stage unused materials for storage or next run.
7. Safety Responsibilities
Operate forklifts and equipment in accordance with safety guidelines.
Wear all required PPE at all times.
Follow lockout/tagout procedures when clearing jams or performing equipment checks.
Report spills, leaks, damaged equipment, or unsafe conditions immediately.
Maintain clear aisles and safe, unobstructed workspaces.
8. Communication & Collaboration
Work closely with line operators, QC, and supervisors to maintain smooth production flow.
Notify operators of delays, changes to material mix, or equipment concerns.
Provide accurate updates during shift change handoffs.
Communicate scrap issues, unusual material usage, or mixing inconsistencies.
Required
Experience in manufacturing
Ability to operate a forklift or willingness to train
Basic math skills for measurement and mixing formulas
Ability to read job specifications and production documents
Strong attention to detail and cleanliness
Preferred
Experience in plastics, extrusion, mixing, or compounding
Familiarity with grinders, vacuums, mixers, or transfer systems
CORE COMPETENCIES
Attention to Detail: Ensures correct materials and contamination-free mixes.
Extreme Ownership: Takes responsibility for material flow, spills, equipment issues, and regrind accuracy.
Safety Awareness: Works in a manner that protects people, equipment, and product.
Communication: Keeps operators and supervisors informed proactively.
Organization: Maintains clean, efficient, well-labeled material areas.
Reliability: Provides steady, uninterrupted material supply to production lines.

Employment type
Full-time

Work arrangement
No