Bagging Machine Operator

Location: North Grafton, MA | Full-Time, Hourly | Pay Range: $24.00 - $27.00 per hour based on experience | Overtime: Occasionally required on Fridays

About the Role

Are you looking for a fast-paced environment where your daily work impacts products made around the world? Are you interested in learning manufacturing processes? Do you have a strong commitment to working safely? Join us in North Grafton, MA as a Bagging Machine Operator (BMO). This position works directly with the plant’s Production Foreman and involves monitoring and operating the auto bagger system, troubleshooting, and supporting production goals. You’ll work with various sizes of abrasive grain, packaging them for customer shipments or warehouse storage.

This is a 2nd Shift position: Monday – Thursday from 3 pm – 1 am, with occasional hours required on Fridays.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and support automated bagging equipment on a production line
• Feed bags into the machine and ensure proper bag alignment and flow
• Label bags accurately per customer and production specifications
• Adjust machine settings to maintain product weights within specification and ensure consistent output
• Verify bag seal integrity, labeling accuracy, and pallet configuration
• Fill, transport, palletize, stack, wrap, and move finished product to assigned warehouse locations
• Perform routine equipment inspections, cleaning, and operator-level preventive maintenance
• Identify, troubleshoot, and correct minor mechanical or operational issues; escalate complex issues as needed
• Maintain accurate production records, including weights, counts, downtime, and quality checks
• Perform basic housekeeping tasks autonomously to maintain a safe and organized work area
• Use basic hand tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, mallets, etc.) safely and effectively
• Follow all safety procedures and manufacturing requirements, including PPE use and lockout/tagout awareness
• Work cohesively with supervisors, maintenance, and team members to meet production goals and deadlines
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned
• Conduct start-up, changeover, and shutdown procedures per standard work instructions
• Monitor raw material flow and notify supervision of shortages or quality concerns
• Perform in-process quality checks and report out-of-spec material immediately
• Assist with continuous improvement initiatives related to safety, quality, or efficiency
• Support training of new operators or cross-trained team members as needed
• Operate material handling equipment (e.g., pallet jacks or forklifts) if certified

Requirements

• Possess a High School Diploma or equivalent (certifications or higher education a plus)
• Ability to perform basic computer skills and math calculations
• Demonstrate mechanical aptitude
• Maintain a valid driver’s license
• Understand the process and perform simple troubleshooting within job scope
• Ability to speak, read, and write English (Spanish is a plus)
• Ability to work in a team environment and adapt to changing production demands
• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds and stand/walk up to 10 hours
• Knowledgeable about fork truck operations or willingness to learn

About the Company

Washington Mills is built on values that matter. Founded more than 150 years ago, we have earned our reputation as one of the world’s most trusted and reliable producers of abrasive, ceramic, and refractory grains and powders. Serving thousands of customers, we offer the broadest selection of abrasive grain and specialty electro-fused minerals in the market. Our founding principles of honesty, integrity, and reliability guide our business, and we are a proud community of hands-on problem solvers committed to shaping the materials applications of the future. With global distribution and sites throughout North America and Europe, Washington Mills opens the door to a world of opportunity, creativity, and challenge.

Benefits

• Competitive pay, with opportunities to advance
• World-class medical and dental plans
• Employer-sponsored retirement plan
• Company-paid life insurance
• Paid vacation and generous holiday time
• Family-friendly personal leave policies