Production Machine Operator - Coating Operator

JOB DESCRIPTION

Senior Extrusion Coating Operator

ABOUT

Our client is a privately held, vertically integrated manufacturer specializing in the development and commercialization of multilayered laminated products. Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, they operate manufacturing and distribution facilities across North America and India, serving diverse markets including building and construction, protective packaging, geomembranes, electronic packaging, medical/hygiene, reflective films, and specialty coatings.

With over 50 years of combined extrusion coating experience, their team brings deep expertise in polymers, substrates, and technical manufacturing processes. They are ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018 certified, reflecting their commitment to quality, environmental stewardship, and workplace safety.

As a small, lean organization, they offer minimal bureaucracy and prioritize giving their people the first opportunity to grow and advance within the company. They believe in building a team that thrives on collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking 2 experienced Senior Extrusion Coating Line Operators to join our Northwest Washington facility. These are critical, hands-on roles responsible for the safe and efficient operation of our 2.5-meter (100”) wide Black Clawson extrusion coating line equipped with a 6” extruder. Primary operations involve receiving jumbo rolls of paper, applying extrusion coatings, slitting, and rewinding finished jumbos for shipment to downstream converters.

If you and a partner currently operate a line together and are both interested in relocating, we welcome paired applications. Our plant currently runs four shifts across 24 hours, with a target to expand to full 7-day, 24-hour coverage.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Set up, operate, and monitor the 2.5m (100”) Black Clawson extrusion coating line, including the 6” extruder, ensuring optimal performance and product quality throughout each production run.
• Manage the complete coating process: loading jumbo paper rolls, threading the web, adjusting coating parameters (temperature, speed, nip pressure, tension), and ensuring uniform coat weight and adhesion.
• Perform slitting and rewinding operations to customer specifications, maintaining dimensional accuracy, roll quality, and proper tension control.
• Operate and maintain the off-line rewinder for secondary processing and finishing of coated products.
• Conduct changeovers between product runs, including resin changes, die adjustments, and substrate transitions, minimizing downtime while maintaining quality standards.
• Monitor extruder conditions including barrel temperatures, melt pressure, screw speed, and resin feed rates; make real-time adjustments to maintain product specification.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, process, and quality issues on the coating line, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions promptly.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance on line equipment, including cleaning, lubrication, blade and roller changes, and basic mechanical repairs.
• Maintain accurate production logs, quality records, and shift reports; communicate production status and any issues to incoming shift operators and management.
• Ensure compliance with all safety protocols, LOTO procedures, and housekeeping standards; participate in safety meetings and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist with flexographic printing operations as needed (experience is an asset).
• Train and mentor junior operators, supporting the team’s professional development and skill progression.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience operating extrusion coating lines in a paper, film, or flexible packaging environment.
• Strong working knowledge of extrusion coating processes, including polyethylene and polypropylene resin handling, die gap settings, air gap management, and coat weight control.
• Demonstrated proficiency with web handling, tension control, slitting, and rewinding on wide-format coating equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret production orders, quality specifications, and technical drawings.
• Solid mechanical aptitude with the ability to perform basic maintenance, troubleshoot equipment issues, and work collaboratively with maintenance personnel.
• Commitment to workplace safety, quality standards, and continuous improvement practices.
• Willingness to work rotating shift schedules in a 24/7 manufacturing environment.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Flexographic printing machinery experience is an asset.
• Familiarity with various paper substrates, laminate structures, and multilayer coating applications.
• Experience with quality systems such as ISO 9001 or similar manufacturing standards.
• Experience in a lean manufacturing or continuous improvement environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand for extended periods (8–12 hour shifts) on a manufacturing floor.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs regularly and handle heavy jumbo rolls with material handling equipment.
• Comfortable working around heavy industrial machinery, elevated temperatures near the extruder, and varying noise levels.
• Manual dexterity for threading web material, adjusting dies, and performing precision measurements.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Our client offers a competitive compensation package designed to attract and retain top talent:

• Competitive hourly wage targeting approximately $30.00/hour (~$62,000 USD annually), with final compensation commensurate with experience and demonstrated capabilities.
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates making the move to the Pacific Northwest.
• Opportunity for career growth within a lean, privately held organization that prioritizes internal advancement.
• A collaborative, low-bureaucracy work environment where your contributions directly impact the company’s success.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their resume and a brief cover letter highlighting relevant extrusion coating experience to leann@centraljobs.com or call at 440-822-3790

Pairs of operators who currently work together and are both interested in relocating are welcome to apply jointly.

This is an equal opportunity employer. They celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Pay: $30.00 - $40.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $62,000