A professional who controls semiautomatic or automatic machines and equipment, such as blenders, mixers, extruders, pelletizers, pumps, blowers, and conveyors, from control panel to produce pellets from plastic flakes. Respnsibilities include:

• Moves controls on panel to start and stop equipment, to set timing devices for operating cycles, and to direct flow of materials on conveyor.
• Observes thermometers, gauges, and meters to verify process conditions.
• Records readings in logs.
• Turns valves to regulate temperature, pressures, and rate of flow of materials.
• Inspects equipment for mechanical defects.
• Gives directions to workers in blending, mixing, and extruding pelletizing materials, and in repairing machines and equipment.