Production Operator III - Extruder Operator

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Full Time Decatur, AR, US

3 days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $25.00 To $25.00 Hourly

Location: 2577 AR-59, Decatur, AR
Job Type: Full-Time, On-Site
Shift: Monday - Friday: 2:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Reports To: Production Supervisor

United Petfood is a private label producer of high-quality dry and wet pet food, biscuits, and snacks. We are a Belgian family business with 25 high-tech pet kitchens across Europe and the United States.

Joining us means becoming part of an international, passionate, and driven team with one common goal: a healthy planet filled with healthy pets! We believe in building supportive, long-lasting partnerships both inside and outside our fast-growing family company. By working with high-quality ingredients and innovative technology, we create an environment where our employees can grow, develop, and help make thousands of pets happy worldwide.

The Production Operator III – Extruder Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, monitoring, adjusting, and disassembling extrusion and related processing equipment to ensure the safe and efficient production of high-quality dry pet food at our Decatur, Arkansas manufacturing facility.

This position plays a critical role in maintaining product consistency, meeting production schedules, and ensuring compliance with established quality, food safety, and operational standards. Responsibilities include monitoring extrusion processes, performing product quality checks, troubleshooting equipment issues, making necessary adjustments, and maintaining accurate production documentation.

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while collaborating with Production, Maintenance, and Quality teams to maintain equipment performance and product quality.

Extrusion Equipment Operation & Production

Set up, operate, monitor, and disassemble extrusion and related processing equipment in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and production requirements.

Prepare and start production equipment according to the established production schedule and product specifications.

Monitor extrusion equipment and associated processing systems to maintain consistent operation, product quality, and production efficiency.

Perform equipment adjustments during production to maintain established operating parameters and product specifications.

Change extrusion dies and related components to achieve the required kibble sizes and shapes for different brands and SKUs.

Review and follow production schedules throughout the shift, including coordinating product changeovers and equipment setup requirements.

Monitor associated coating operations as required to support consistent product processing and quality.

Identify and troubleshoot equipment issues, process deviations, and operational interruptions to minimize downtime.

Perform basic equipment maintenance, inspections, and adjustments within established training and authorization.

Communicate equipment concerns, operational issues, and maintenance needs to the Shift Supervisor and Maintenance team.

Product Quality & Process Monitoring

Monitor product appearance, size, shape, and consistency through visual inspections and the use of appropriate measuring devices, including micrometers.

Perform and document routine product and process quality checks, including moisture, temperature, protein, and liquid fat levels, as required by…