Job Title: Machine Operator
Job Description
The Machine Operator is responsible for operating, monitoring, and adjusting packaging machinery to ensure efficient production, consistent product quality, and compliance with established standards. This role requires strong technical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to troubleshoot equipment issues while maintaining production goals in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
- Operate packaging equipment associated with the manufacturing process, ensuring safe, efficient, and consistent production.
- Demonstrate technical proficiency with vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) and horizontal form-fill-seal packaging equipment.
- Monitor, troubleshoot, and adjust statistical weighers to minimize product giveaway and packaging film waste while maximizing line efficiency.
- Use computer systems effectively, including Microsoft Office applications, OIT/HMI interfaces, and process control systems, to support production activities.
- Maximize equipment uptime by anticipating and performing film and coding ribbon changes as needed.
- Accurately complete production documentation, line logs, and required paperwork, and operate barcode scanning equipment as required.
- Assist with onboarding and training new employees on packaging processes and equipment operation.
- Continuously monitor equipment performance, identify operational issues, and perform minor adjustments using appropriate tools.
- Escalate recurring or unresolved equipment issues promptly to supervisors or maintenance personnel.
- Understand and achieve established production targets and performance goals by making necessary equipment adjustments.
- Verify packaging materials, including film, boxes, dividers, and other supplies, ensuring proper materials are used and free of defects.
- Monitor incoming product quality to ensure size, color specifications (bleached/unbleached), and moisture levels meet established standards.
- Inspect finished packaged products for appearance, coding accuracy, print quality, and seal integrity.
- Monitor package weights and make adjustments as necessary to achieve product weight targets and minimize giveaway.
- Perform additional packaging-related duties as assigned to support overall production needs.
Essential Skills
- Proven ability to operate manufacturing and packaging machinery safely and efficiently.
- Hands-on experience with machine operation in a production or food processing environment.
- Ability to troubleshoot basic mechanical and operational issues on packaging equipment.
- Effective reading, writing, and speaking skills to understand instructions, document production, and communicate with team members.
- Capability to work any shift as needed, including first, second, or third shift.
- Willingness and ability to work overtime when necessary, including extended hours during peak seasons.
- Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
- Ability to pass a machine operator test as part of the hiring process.
- Ability to pass a forklift certification class and operate a forklift safely.
- Attention to detail for inspecting product quality, packaging materials, and finished goods.
- Comfort using computer systems, including Microsoft Office applications, and interacting with OIT/HMI and process control systems.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience working with food processing machinery and packaging equipment.
- Experience in food processing or nut processing environments.
- Familiarity with vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) and horizontal form-fill-seal packaging technologies.
- Experience with statistical weighers and optimizing line efficiency.
- Previous forklift operating experience in a manufacturing or warehouse setting.
- Experience with inspection processes, including visual checks for appearance, coding accuracy, print quality, and seal integrity.
- Comfort working in a loud, machinery-driven production environment.
- Ability to support training and onboarding of new team members on equipment and processes.
Why Work Here?
This opportunity offers a stable role in a large, well-established production facility where safety, quality, and teamwork are highly valued. You will work with modern packaging technology, build in-demand technical skills, and have consistent opportunities for overtime during peak seasons. The environment supports continuous learning, cross-training, and professional development, providing a strong foundation for long-term growth in manufacturing and operations.
Work Environment
The role is based in a clean nut processing facility situated on more than 15 acres, with an average workforce of around 350 employees. The environment can be very loud due to extensive machinery, and team members should be comfortable working in a high-activity production setting. Work schedules run Monday through Saturday, with an expectation to work six days per week and mandatory overtime averaging approximately 48 to 55 hours during harvest season. Shift assignments are based on seniority, and candidates must remain flexible, as they may work any of the three shifts: 1st shift from 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM, 2nd shift from 2:00 PM to 10:30 PM, or 3rd shift from 10:00 PM to 6:30 AM. The facility uses a range of packaging and processing equipment, computer-based control systems, and forklifts, and employees should be prepared for an industrial environment with appropriate safety practices and attire.
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We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.
