Machine Operator

Department: Production
Reports To: Production Supervisor / 2nd Shift Supervisor
Employment Type: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

The Machine Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating, monitoring, and adjusting food-processing and packaging equipment to ensure products are produced according to Cut Fresh, LLC's quality, safety, production, and customer standards.

The Machine Operator plays an important role in maintaining consistent production flow, minimizing downtime, preventing product waste, and ensuring all finished products meet established specifications. This position requires attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, dependability, and a strong commitment to food safety and workplace safety.

• Operate food-processing, cutting, slicing, mixing, weighing, packaging, labeling, and related production equipment safely and efficiently.

• Set up, start, operate, monitor, and shut down assigned machinery according to established procedures.

• Make routine machine adjustments to maintain proper product quality, weight, dimensions, speed, and production specifications.

• Monitor equipment during production and promptly report mechanical issues, malfunctions, or unusual operating conditions to the Supervisor or Maintenance Department.

• Inspect products throughout the production process to ensure they meet company quality and customer specifications.

• Follow established production schedules and work efficiently to meet daily production requirements.

• Accurately complete required production, quality-control, machine, and sanitation documentation.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work area throughout the shift.

• Follow all food safety, GMP, HACCP, sanitation, and allergen-control procedures applicable to the position.

• Follow all company safety policies and procedures, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Safely handle raw materials, ingredients, packaging materials, and finished products.

• Identify and communicate product defects, contamination concerns, equipment problems, or other conditions that could affect product safety or quality.

• Assist with equipment changeovers, adjustments, cleaning, and sanitation as assigned.

• Perform basic troubleshooting and minor operational adjustments within the scope of training and authorization.

• Minimize product waste and monitor material usage during production.

• Maintain proper production speeds while ensuring quality and safety standards are not compromised.

• Assist other Production employees or departments as needed to maintain an efficient workflow.

• Follow all attendance, punctuality, personal conduct, and workplace policies established by Cut Fresh, LLC.

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.

Because Cut Fresh, LLC operates in the food-processing industry, the Machine Operator is expected to:

• Maintain strict compliance with company food-safety policies and procedures.

• Prevent cross-contamination by following proper product handling, sanitation, and allergen-control procedures.

• Immediately report any potential food-safety concern to management.

• Properly identify and segregate products or materials that do not meet established specifications.

• Follow required handwashing, personal hygiene, PPE, and sanitation requirements.

• Ensure equipment and production areas remain in an acceptable sanitary condition.

• Participate in required food-safety and employee training.

• Operate machinery only after receiving appropriate training and authorization.

• Never bypass, disable, or remove machine guards or safety devices.

• Follow Lockout/Tagout procedures when required and within the employee's authorized responsibilities.

• Report unsafe conditions, injuries, near misses, and equipment hazards immediately.

• Use required PPE and safety equipment at all times.

• Maintain awareness of moving equipment, sharp blades, hot surfaces, chemicals, and other production hazards.

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

• Previous manufacturing, food-processing, production, packaging, or machine-operation experience preferred.

• Ability to learn and safely operate production machinery.

• Ability to read and follow written and verbal instructions.

• Basic understanding of production, quality, and safety procedures.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify product or equipment issues.

• Reliable attendance and punctuality.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced production environment.

• Ability to work cooperatively with supervisors and coworkers.

Preferred:

• Previous experience operating food-processing or packaging machinery.

• Mechanical aptitude or basic troubleshooting experience.

• Experience working in a USDA-, FDA-, GMP-, HACCP-, or food-safety-regulated environment.

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Stand and walk for extended periods during the work shift.

• Frequently bend, stoop, reach, twist, and perform repetitive movements.

• Frequently lift, carry, push, and pull materials and products.

• Ability to lift items weighing up to 50 pounds, as required by the position.

• Work in a refrigerated, cool, wet, or variable-temperature food-processing environment.

• Safely work around machinery, moving equipment, conveyors, cutting equipment, and other production equipment.

• Possess sufficient manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to operate machinery and perform quality inspections.

The Machine Operator works in a fast-paced food-processing and production environment. Employees may be exposed to:

• Cold or refrigerated temperatures.

• Water, moisture, and wet floors.

• Food products and food-processing materials.

• Moving machinery and conveyors.

• Noise from production equipment.

• Cleaning and sanitation chemicals.

• Sharp equipment and machine components.

Proper PPE and safety procedures must be followed at all times.

Successful performance in this position requires the employee to consistently demonstrate:

• Safety: Operates equipment safely and follows all company safety procedures.

• Food Safety & Quality: Produces safe, consistent, and specification-compliant products.

• Productivity: Meets established production standards while minimizing downtime and waste.

• Attendance & Dependability: Reports to work on time and maintains reliable attendance.

• Teamwork: Works cooperatively with supervisors and coworkers.

• Accountability: Takes ownership of assigned equipment, production responsibilities, and results.

• Communication: Promptly communicates production, quality, safety, and equipment concerns to management.

Cut Fresh, LLC is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants. Employment decisions are based on business needs, qualifications, skills, experience, and other legitimate job-related factors in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or physical requirements. Management reserves the right to modify duties and responsibilities as business needs require.