Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

Proton Electro-Cable Ltd, a prominent cable manufacturing company located in the Lusaka Multi Facility Economic Zone (MFEZ), Zambia, is currently recruiting for multiple machine operator jobs in Lusaka. We are seeking dedicated and qualified individuals to join our expanding team on a full-time basis.

Responsibilities or duties

The Extruder Machine Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and monitoring extrusion equipment that applies plastic or rubber insulation around wire, cable, or optical fiber .

• Machine Setup and Preparation: Set up extruder lines by selecting and installing the correct dies, tips, and guides according to job specifications. Load the extruder hopper with the required plastic granules and color concentrate .
• Threading and Line Start-up: Load reels of bare wire onto payoff stands, thread the wire through the preheater, extruder head, water trough, capstan, and spark tester, and attach it to the take-up reel . Start the machine and bring it up to operating conditions.
• Process Control and Monitoring: Control and adjust machine settings including temperature, speed, pressure, and feed rates to maintain optimal extrusion conditions . Continuously monitor the extrusion process to ensure consistent wall thickness, concentricity, and overall product quality .
• Quality Inspection: Perform visual and tactile checks of the extruded product, and take samples for testing. Operate testing equipment to measure outside diameter (OD), concentricity, elongation, and adherence to specifications . Measure wire and cable using micrometers and other precision gauges .
• Printing and Marking: Operate marking or printing machines to apply identification numbers, stripes, or legends to the extruded wire or cable as required by customer specifications .
• Defect Detection and Troubleshooting: Recognize various defects and problems that arise during production. Detect and report defective materials, improper compounding, or malfunctioning equipment to supervision. Make necessary adjustments to resolve quality issues .
• Documentation: Complete production documentation, including shop orders, quality records, and SPC (Statistical Process Control) records. Label finished spools with the appropriate product information .
• Maintenance and Housekeeping: Perform routine cleaning of equipment, including the extruder head, screw, and barrel, to prevent contamination. Maintain equipment and work areas in a clean and orderly condition .

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

To be considered for these roles, candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Possession of a Grade 12 School Certificate
• Valid Machine Competency Certificate

Experience needed

Between 1 to 2 years of relevant work experience operating machinery

• Set up extruder lines by selecting and installing the correct dies, tips, and guides according to job specifications.
• Load the extruder hopper with the required plastic granules and color concentrate.
• Load reels of bare wire onto payoff stands, thread the wire through the preheater, extruder head, water trough, capstan, and spark tester, and attach it to the take-up reel.
• Start the machine and bring it up to operating conditions.
• Control and adjust machine settings including temperature, speed, pressure, and feed rates to maintain optimal extrusion conditions.
• Continuously monitor the extrusion process to ensure consistent wall thickness, concentricity, and overall product quality.
• Perform visual and tactile checks of the extruded product, and take samples for testing.
• Operate testing equipment to measure outside diameter (OD), concentricity, elongation, and adherence to specifications.
• Measure wire and cable using micrometers and other precision gauges.
• Operate marking or printing machines to apply identification numbers, stripes, or legends to the extruded wire or cable as required by customer specifications.
• Recognize various defects and problems that arise during production.
• Detect and report defective materials, improper compounding, or malfunctioning equipment to supervision.
• Make necessary adjustments to resolve quality issues.
• Complete production documentation, including shop orders, quality records, and SPC (Statistical Process Control) records.
• Label finished spools with the appropriate product information.
• Perform routine cleaning of equipment, including the extruder head, screw, and barrel, to prevent contamination.
• Maintain equipment and work areas in a clean and orderly condition.

• Machine setup and operation
• Process control and monitoring
• Quality inspection
• Defect detection and troubleshooting
• Documentation
• Equipment maintenance and cleaning
• Use of micrometers and precision gauges

• Grade 12 School Certificate
• Valid Machine Competency Certificate