Extruder Operator Trainee

Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance peoples' lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate.

Top pay: $26.20-$29.14/hour $2.00 shift differential for night shift | Paid training | Long-term career opportunity

Do you enjoy working with machines?

Do you like fixing things, working on your car, rebuilding engines, tinkering in your garage, or figuring out how equipment works? If so, this could be the career change you’ve been looking for.

We’re looking for mechanically inclined individuals who want to build a stable, well-paying career in manufacturing. You don’t need prior extrusion experience—we’ll train you. What matters most is your hands-on mindset, willingness to learn, and pride in doing quality work.

What You’ll Do (We’ll Teach You)

As an Extruder Operator Trainee, you’ll learn how to run and maintain an extrusion line under the guidance of experienced operators. Over a structured training period (up to 12 months), you’ll build the skills needed to advance into a full Extrusion Operator role.

You will learn how to:

• Set up and tear down extrusion lines, including installing and changing dies

• Start-up equipment and produce high-quality finished products

• Monitor machines, troubleshoot issues, and make adjustments

• Use common tools and measuring equipment (micrometers, hand tools, fixtures)

• Track production, quality, and downtime accurately

• Maintain safety, housekeeping, and quality standards (VSI certification)

• Work as part of a team and eventually help guide others on the line

No prior extrusion experience? That’s okay. If you’ve worked with machines, tools, vehicles, or equipment—and enjoy learning how things work—you can succeed here.

What We’re Looking For:

• Mechanical aptitude and hands-on experience (on the job, in a shop, on vehicles, or at home)

• Willingness to learn and grow into a skilled operator role

• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively

• Attention to detail and commitment to producing quality products

• Basic computer skills

• Prior manufacturing or extrusion experience is helpful, but not required

Pay, Growth & Stability

• Top pay rate: $26.20-$29.14/hour $2.00 shift differential for night shift once fully qualified

• Paid, hands-on training with experienced operators

• Clear career path from Trainee Extrusion Operator

• Stable manufacturing environment with long-term opportunities

• Skills you can build a career on—not just a job

This role is ideal for someone looking to change careers, gain a technical skillset, and grow with a company that values skilled operators.

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US markets. The pay range is based on relevant market data in our lowest and highest geographic markets. Pay is based on several factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, experience, and skillset. Westlake is a total compensation company. Depending on the position offered, sign on payments, and other forms of compensation may be offered as part of a total compensation package (also to include a full range of medical and other benefits).

Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.

If you are an active Westlake employee (or an employee of any Westlake affiliates), please do not apply here. You will apply via the Jobs Hub application in Workday.