Title:  Extruding Compounding Operator

At West, we’re a dedicated team that is connected by a purpose to improve patient lives that has been at the center of our Company for more than a century. Our story began when Herman O. West solved the problem of supplying penicillin in mass quantities to the US Government during World War 2. Through our work to deliver thousands of life-saving and life-enhancing injectable medicines to millions of patients daily, West’s indelible mark on the healthcare industry has just begun. A name started our story. How will yours help write our future?  

There’s no better place to join an inclusive community of professionals with opportunities for lifelong learning, growth and development. Supported by benefit programs, we empower the physical, mental, emotional and financial health of our team members and their families.  

We believe in giving back to help those in need in the communities where we live and work. And are equally committed to creating a healthier environment and planet through our sustainability efforts.  

Job Summary:

The duty of the Extruding/Compounding Operator is to accurately and consistently prepare and convert weighted raw materials into mixed compounded materials from which our various products are produced and meet our customer specifications.  Use quick thinking and confident to ensure consistent processing and foresight to know the next task required. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Retrieve approved ingredients in preparation to make our various product formulations; documenting and recording the ingredients to make each of the various compounds to be produced.  Prepare, identify and deliver these approved ingredients to each area/stage of the production process; using any required assisting and/or measuring devices required to move items or check ingredients for conformity to standards.
• Operates mixing equipment, extruder, cutter, calendar and other auxiliary equipment in forming, shaping and cutting mixed materials for further processing.
• Monitors dimensions by using measuring equipment and micrometer; monitors computer generated dimensions.
• Prepare, identify and deliver these approved ingredients to each area/stage of the production process; using any required assisting and/or measuring devices required to move items or check ingredients for conformity to standards.
• Assembly all required materials according to our specific product formulation using the area forklift or other material handling devices as required to assemble these items.
• Operate all required equipment to mix, form, shape and/or cut these prepared materials for further product processing.
• Weigh up and document formulas that do not meet specifications and completes necessary QC, SPC and production forms.
• Assist, guide and/or train employees new to the compounding area as required.
• Keep Compounding Supervisor informed of any issues.
• Set up Dispersion Enhanced Systems (DES) with a screen pack and Breaker Plate for formulas to be ran while maintaining traceability for all formulations running on the extruder.
• Load recipe and set up the extruders (Inner rings, Outer Rings, Ring Components) for items to be ran while maintaining the correct weight, length and width of stock.
• Problem solve and troubleshoot equipment related issues that are adversely affecting the unit’s production.
• Must be able to read a ruler and convert fractions to decimals.
• Operate forklift and other material handling devices as needed to bring totes of compounded materials to be extruded to the extrusion area.
• Follow all corporate and site policies, practices, procedures and SOI’s
• Keep the compounding area and all equipment in this area clean and in orderly condition.
• Keeps Compounding Supervisor informed of off-standard work and any unusual or unsafe conditions encountered.
• Conforms with and abides by all regulations, policies, work procedures, instruction, and all safety rules.
• Performs other duties, as assigned based on business needs.

Education and Experience:

• Must be able to pass pre-employment testing
• 0 - 3 Years of manufacturing experience
• Must successfully complete in–the-job training with qualified operator. Follow written training procedures. Previous experience preferred.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Forklift certification preferred
• Support and contribute in Lean Sigma programs and activities towards delivery of the set target

Travel Requirements:

• None

Physical & Mental Requirements:

• At a minimum, the following vision tests need to be passed: 20/30 vision at approximately 45 cm (18 inches) from eye, with or without correction lens and be able to differentiate colors
• Be able to tolerate temperatures (250-350 degrees F) for short durations
• Able to tolerate frequent steam emissions resulting from job-related equipment and functions
• Frequent above shoulder height work to move bags and material.  Frequent bilateral grip/grasp and manual dexterity work required
• Push or pull wheeled objects weighing up to 500+ lbs. short time/distances and lift 75 lbs.
• Frequent bending, twisting and continuous standing as required by the job
• Must also be able to tolerate industrial odors and smells on a frequent basis
• Must be able to read and write and good communication skills.

Competencies/Authorities

• Non-US only where required for certain levels

#LI-MQ1

West is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.  If you have a special need that requires accommodation in order to apply to West, please send an email to Apply.Accommodation@westpharma.com.  Where permitted by law, an offer of employment with West Pharmaceutical Services, or any of its subsidiary or affiliate companies, is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of background screening and/or a pre-employment drug screening.