Machine Operator I $23.20/hr. + $2/hr shift differential (12 Hour Nights)

Starting pay: $23.95/hr. upon successful completion of training and skills validation.

About the role

The Packaging Machine Operator I ensures the proper operation of packaging equipment/machinery in a safe and efficient manner, prioritizing food quality and safety. This role maximizes operating performance, uptime, waste reduction, quality, and productivity through troubleshooting, predictive maintenance inspections, and minor repairs. The operator communicates with team members to prevent errors, verifies materials per the Bill of Materials (BOM), and completes transactions using the company’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. The position requires proficiency in one of three packaging processes: Vertical, Horizontal, or Carton packaging lines.

Responsibilities

• Operate packaging machinery, including up to two processes: horizontal pouch, horizontal carton, vertical pouch, or robot process.
• Set up and adjust packaging machines.
• Monitor and analyze machine operation to detect and correct minor mechanical issues, minimizing downtime.
• Complete minor machine repairs or adjustments as part of operator responsibilities.
• Perform routine maintenance, including cleaning and inspection tasks.
• Communicate machine issues to maintenance, leads, and other operators to prevent or resolve equipment downtime.
• Work closely with Operator Helpers to ensure line efficiency, material replenishment, and a clean, safe work environment.
• Operate a forklift as needed for packaging department tasks.
• Inspect packaged products to ensure quality standards are met.
• Conduct and document regular equipment checks for consistent quality and food safety production.
• Troubleshoot and resolve quality defects, reporting events to the Supervisor.
• Collaborate with Sanitation and Quality teams to complete and document line changeovers.
• Carry out line changeovers, including disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly of equipment.
• Ensure materials for the next production run meet company specifications.
• Adhere strictly to all Safety & Food Safety/Quality policies and procedures, reporting incidents and participating in root cause analyses (RCAs).
• Identify and resolve or report potential Safety & Food Safety/Quality risks.
• Complete all assigned training before the target due date.
• Maintain accurate inventory reporting in the ERP system, comparing physical inventory against ERP records and submitting corrections.
• Use Microsoft Windows (computer) and Apple (iPad) systems for reporting, documentation, and communication.
• Utilize operations mobile platform to monitor equipment efficiency and quality datasheets, and manage material inventory via ERP.
• Train new employees on training logs and standard practices.
• Train Operator Helpers to develop skills for becoming a Machine Operator and act as backup during breaks.

Requirements

• Previous experience in packaging operations or similar equipment preferred.
• Ability to perform routine maintenance and minor adjustments on machinery.
• Troubleshooting skills for common mechanical issues.
• Ability to use tools and measuring devices in US or Metric units.
• Forklift certification, SQF training, and LOTO training preferred.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and compose instructions, policies, procedures, and correspondence in English or Spanish.
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications and Redzone (Apple) software.
• Strong reasoning ability, including analytical, quantitative, communication, problem-solving, and technical skills.
• Self-confidence and maturity to make decisions and solve problems with minimal direction.
• Ability to creatively apply experience and common sense to processes.
• Strong interpersonal skills to communicate professionally with Operator Helpers, leadership, and coworkers.

Work Environment

• Located in a food processing facility with exposure to hot, dusty conditions and moving mechanical parts.
• Requires working rotating shifts, including weekends.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform heavy lifting up to 50 lbs. on a regular basis.
• Must be able to stand and walk on concrete floors for extended periods.
• Frequent use of stairs throughout the shift.
• Repetitive motion involving hand, arm, and shoulder movement.
• Ability to drive a powered industrial vehicle.