Thermoplastic Compounding Unit Operator

Nearly a century ago, a small Rhode Island tire shop began a journey that led to Teknor Apex becoming a global leader in custom polymer compounding. Still privately held and family-led, we’ve grown to nine U.S. sites and facilities in Belgium, Singapore, Germany, and China—all while keeping strong relationships at the center of how we work.

Manufacturing is a team sport, and at Teknor Apex you’ll feel that teamwork every day.

Your Night on the Team

You clock in, sync with your crew lead, and review the production schedule. Depending on the line, you may:

• Operate blenders to convert specified additives into a precise dry blend.
• Compound batches by accurately weighing materials and managing raw material storage per our material control program.
• Package finished PVC pellets into boxes and bags, following silo, labeling, and packing instructions from the run schedule.
• Run the console to transfer bulk raw materials from silos and tanks into mixing vessels using computer-generated load sheets.

Core Responsibilities

• Verify all melt-mixing equipment is operating safely and correctly.
• Obtain and follow processing instructions to make pellets per plan.
• Set up lines to defined conditions; consult the lead or supervisor when questions arise.
• Share important processing notes and quality concerns with operators, support teams, and relief coverage; escalate issues as needed.
• Provide break relief and flex to different jobs or lines as production requires.
• Complete a 90-day probationary period successfully.
• Maintain a clean, orderly work area.
• Demonstrate a team-first mindset, including overtime support when teammates are out.
• Participate in department meetings.

Physical Nature of the Work

• Repeatedly handle, cut, and empty bags weighing up to 60 lbs into blenders throughout the shift.
• Load material from boxes/drums—total material moved can reach 20,000–40,000 lbs over a shift.
• Operate forklifts and hand trucks safely.
• Scrape interior blender walls and perform cleaning in tight spaces.
• Climb ladders and stairs as part of normal duties.
• Move and position drums with appropriate tools.
• Work in positions that require bending, stooping, and leaning for periods of time.
• Wear required PPE consistently.

What You Bring

• Comfort reading instructions and interpreting documentation; practical problem-solving skills.
• Solid math ability (whole numbers, fractions, decimals; rate/ratio/percent; read basic charts/graphs).
• Reliable attendance and a strong work ethic for continuous operations.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs multiple times per shift; comfort working on stairs in a warm-to-hot environment.
• Willingness to train on first shift for up to four weeks, then move to 2nd or 3rd shift; able to work overtime, including weekends, as needed.
• Forklift proficiency with a valid license; commitment to PPE (safety shoes, glasses, hearing protection, respirator as required).

Rewards and Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans with very low deductibles and 85% of premiums paid by the company.
• Eligibility for benefits within 30 days of hire.
• Company-paid wellness initiatives (smoking cessation, mental health, weight loss).
• No-cost on-site medical clinic for employees and spouses, including prescriptions, wellness visits, and immunizations.
• Up to 7% employer contribution to 401(k) plus free financial planning support.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Two weeks paid vacation and 13 paid holidays.
• $1,000 sign-on bonus: $250 after 30 days, $250 after 90 days, and $500 after 180 days.
• Referral bonuses for recommending great teammates.
• Shift differential: $1.25/hr for 2nd shift and $1.50/hr for 3rd shift.
• 8-hour production shifts with weekly pay.
• Overtime schedule posted one year in advance; most holiday weekends are not scheduled for production.
• Monthly attendance bonus and monthly performance bonus.
• Pay increases tied to learning new skills.
• Weekly on-site food trucks.
• Employee recognition points redeemable for merchandise (attendance, service milestones, achievements).
• Company discounts across gyms, restaurants, theme parks, travel, auto, and more.
• Frequent employee appreciation events—meals, giveaways, and contests.
• Free income tax filing help for eligible associates.
• Community service and volunteer opportunities.
• Family Day celebration and service recognition.

What Success Looks Like

• Excellent attendance and safety-first behavior.
• Consistent adherence to work instructions and procedures.
• A solid, reliable work history.

Teknor Apex Fountain Inn is a smoke-free facility. The use of tobacco products is not allowed on company premises.

Shift

3rd Shift (10:40pm – 7:00am)

Equal Opportunity

Teknor Apex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any protected status under state or federal laws. Must be 18 years of age to work at Teknor Apex.