The Extruder Technician is responsible for the safe and efficient operation and set up of all extruding, drying, and coating equipment to meet or exceed daily production requirements, while maintaining safety and Mars quality standards.  The Extruder Operator Is also responsible to actively contribute to a culture of excellence. 

What are we looking for?

• Be 18 years of age or older

  Have a High school diploma, GED or equivalent education

  Must be willing and able to work and accept varying shifts and schedules

• Minimum of three years manufacturing experience
• Good math, reading and writing skills
• Knowledge of computers and equipment HMI’s
• Ability to work in a self-directed manner with a positive attitude
• Working knowledge of Safety, Quality and Material Management Systems and procedures
• Working Knowledge of food safety, GMP, GHOP, HACCP, SPC
• Effective problem solving, communication skills, and decision making

Other Requirements

Must be able to adapt to a flexible working schedule, including different rotations, shifts, overtime hours, weekends, and holidays

Physical Requirements

Must be capable of working at elevated heights Must be able to lift 50lbs repetitively Must be able to adapt to temperature and environmental extremes such as hot to cold, dust, dirt, and chemicals

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Responsible for the safe and efficient operation and set up of all extruding, drying, and coating equipment to meet or exceed daily production requirements.
• Must observe proper Lockout/Tagout and all safety procedures as required
• Must be able to operate and control extruders, so that all food safety temperatures and gelatinization requirements are met.
• Proficient in completing all required food safety/quality checks and understand the consequences of out of compliance.
• Report or take appropriate action when food safety/quality checks do not meet set specifications such as, temperature, kibble size, moisture, density, color, texture, or foreign materials.
• Monitor running efficiency of processing equipment including downtime, through-put and food safety requirements.
• Ability to read and understand the daily production run schedule and execute to that plan.
• Clearly communicate any disruptions to production plan, quality failures or issues, equipment downtime and material deficiencies
• Maintain functional knowledge of all equipment in milling/processing area
• Cross train and train others in functional area
• Drive continuous improvement in their area using problem solving tools.
• Maintain a clean, safe work environment that promotes associate safety and product integrity
• Positively impact the culture within the plant, demonstrating total ownership. 
• Other duties and/or responsibilities as assigned by the Shift Manager