Production Technician (Extruder) 2nd shift

This role is within the Pet Care business unit of Spectrum Brands, based in St. Louis, Missouri. The unit serves pet owners globally with trusted brands like Tetra®, Instant Ocean®, Marineland®, 8-in-1®, Dingo®, FURminator®, Nature’s Miracle®, GloFish®, DreamBone®, and SmartBones®.

About the role

The Senior Machine Operator is responsible for all aspects of setting up and running extrusion production equipment to produce fish food pellets, ensuring safety and food quality in a pet food manufacturing environment. This role leads production workflow, performs minor to moderate mechanical work, and supports regulatory compliance.

Training will be on 1st shift (6:00 am – 2:00 pm). After training, the position will work 2nd shift (2:00 pm – 10:00 pm).

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate food extrusion machines to produce pellets according to recipe and specifications
• Load and verify raw ingredients (flour, starches, additives, water) based on batch sheets
• Control and monitor key parameters (temperature zones, moisture levels, screw speed, and pressure)
• Start, adjust, and stop machines during production runs
• Ensure uniform pellet size, shape, texture, and density
• Follow HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) procedures
• Support and enforce HACCP, GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), and FDA/food regulatory compliance
• Maintain strict hygiene and sanitation standards, preventing cross-contamination between batches
• Conduct in-process quality checks (moisture, appearance, density, etc.)
• Accurately label and segregate batches
• Meet daily production targets while minimizing waste
• Record batch data (ingredients, lot numbers, machine settings, output)
• Adjust process variables to maintain consistent product quality
• Coordinate with upstream (mixing) and downstream (drying/packaging) teams
• Perform cleaning and sanitation of equipment (CIP/COP where applicable)
• Disassemble and clean dies, screws, and feed systems as required
• Identify and report abnormalities (noise, vibration, inconsistent output)
• Assist technicians during maintenance
• Install, configure, and calibrate food extrusion equipment
• Troubleshoot process-related issues
• Ensure all equipment meets food-grade and sanitation standards
• Conduct changeovers and ensure proper documentation for audits and traceability
• Train operators on proper machine operation, hygiene, and safety
• Support continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives
• Assist with monthly inventories as needed
• Comply with all company policies and procedures
• Complete other duties as assigned

Requirements

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
• Three years (3) related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Forklift experience preferred

Skills

• Ability to communicate effectively, read, and comprehend basic instructions, short correspondence, and memos
• Ability to identify and use basic hand tools, measurement devices, and scale devices
• Organizational and teamwork skills
• Basic arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication)
• Ability to repetitively lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to stand for 8-hour shifts
• High attention to detail
• Self-motivated
• Comfortable working at elevated heights
• Knowledge of the Lock-Out-Tag-Out process

Work Environment

• Exposure to hot and cold climates
• Regular exposure to moving mechanical parts
• Exposure to wet and dusty environments, including steam, water, and slurry

Schedule

Training: 1st shift (6:00 am – 2:00 pm). After training: 2nd shift (2:00 pm – 10:00 pm).