Manufacturing ​/ Production Operator, Manufacturing & Industrial Operations

OVERVIEW

The Operator is responsible for safely operating, monitoring, and maintaining production equipment to support consistent, high-quality manufacturing output. This role ensures that products are packed accurately, safely, and in compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards while completing required documentation.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions listed in all tiers.

Leveling summary:
Works from SOPs under direct supervision; performs basic operating tasks and minor adjustments; escalates issues promptly.

• Operate assigned machine(s) or production equipment under supervision and according to SOPs
• Perform startup, shutdown, operation, and changeovers with some oversight according to procedures
• Learn emergency procedures, E-stop locations, and basic Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) awareness
• Ability to understand and follow assigned production schedules.
• Feed materials to equipment and remove finished product as required
• Perform basic operational adjustments, including clearing jams, cleaning sensors, and making minor part positioning corrections
• Performs quality control by inspecting equipment, critical control points (e.g. metal detector, magnets, screen, etc. and perform weight checks)
• Accurately complete required production documentation (e.g. quality, and food safety documentation, production counts, downtime, and scrap/reject reporting to support OEE tracking)
• Use and understand production and equipment systems to support equipment operation and efficiency. Knowledge in technological applications (e.g. Red Zone, Beyond Trucks, Access, Sage etc.) to evaluate line performance/OEE and record production data
• Basic understanding of HMI/PLC screens indicating operational efficiency
• Operate forklifts and material-handling equipment once trained and authorized, as needed
• Use basic hand tools safely as required for assigned tasks
• Identify and report abnormal equipment operation, quality/packaging defects, material issues, or unsafe conditions
• Immediately report equipment damage, spills, accidents, near-misses, injuries, downtime, or any food safety/quality concerns to supervision
• Perform assigned cleaning, sanitation, and housekeeping tasks
• Follow all company safety rules, food safety programs, GMPs, and sanitation requirements
• Demonstrate correct use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times
• Maintains a positive, professional, and team-oriented approach; is approachable and works effectively with others to support production needs.
• Participate in required classroom, on-the-job, and cross-training activities
• Follow assigned work and break schedules
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of production operations

Leveling summary:
Operates independently; completes changeovers; performs intermediate troubleshooting; coordinates material flow; supports training and continuous improvement.

• Independently operate assigned production equipment with minimal to no supervision
• Perform startup, shutdown, and changeovers independently according to procedures
• Perform intermediate troubleshooting and mechanical/operational adjustments to maintain production efficiency
• Monitor OEE drivers (availability, performance, quality) and process stability; take corrective action within scope and escalate when needed
• Advanced understanding of HMI/PLC screens indicating operational efficiency
• Safely use advanced hand tools and power or pneumatic tools as required
• Assist with sanitation coordination and production transitions
• Support training and on-the-job guidance of new or less experienced operators
• Verify all required production, quality, and food safety documentation is complete, accurate, and submitted on time
• Communicate and coordinate downtime, quality concerns, material shortages, and equipment issues; elevate recurring issues with recommended actions
• Maintain accurate inventory counts for materials used in assigned areas.
• Demonstrate flexibility in supporting multiple lines or areas based on production needs
• Support and participate…