Machine Technician

Job Description

Job Description

The Machine Operation Lead oversees production equipment and a small team of operators to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing. This role combines hands‑on machine operation and maintenance with leadership responsibilities, including meeting production goals, coordinating changeovers, and supporting continuous improvement in a fast‑paced food manufacturing environment.

• Lead a team of machine operators on the production floor, providing direction, support, and clear communication throughout the shift.
• Operate production machinery and HMIs (Human-Machine Interfaces) to maintain steady, efficient output and meet established production goals.
• Perform preventive maintenance and routine equipment maintenance to minimize downtime and extend the life of machinery.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic, and operational issues to quickly identify root causes and implement effective corrective actions.
• Coordinate and execute machine changeovers to support different products or production runs, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
• Monitor machine safety and enforce safe work practices, ensuring all equipment is operated in accordance with safety guidelines.
• Conduct inspections and quality checks on products and processes to ensure compliance with quality standards and specifications.
• Support and participate in disciplinary actions and performance coaching in alignment with company policies and procedures.
• Set up machines prior to production, including calibration, adjustments, and verification that equipment is ready for operation.
• Collaborate with maintenance and production teams to improve processes, reduce waste, and optimize equipment performance.
• Maintain accurate documentation related to production, maintenance activities, and any issues encountered during the shift.

• Proven experience as a machine operator in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, with the ability to lead and coordinate a team on the production floor.
• Hands‑on experience with preventive maintenance and routine equipment maintenance on production machinery.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for mechanical, hydraulic, and operational issues affecting equipment performance.
• Ability to operate and navigate HMIs (Human-Machine Interfaces) and related control systems.
• Experience with machine setup and changeovers to support varying production requirements.
• Knowledge of machine safety practices and the ability to consistently enforce safe operating procedures.
• Experience performing inspections and quality checks to ensure product and process quality.
• Solid understanding of production processes and the ability to work toward defined production goals.

• Background in food manufacturing or a similar high‑volume production environment is beneficial.
• Familiarity with hydraulic systems used in industrial machinery.
• Experience supporting or participating in performance management and disciplinary processes.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with maintenance, quality, and production teams.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to give clear instructions to team members.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards of product quality and safety.

Join a leading food manufacturing facility with a dominant share of its market segment, where you can build a long-term career in a stable and growing industry. Employees receive competitive wages based on experience, comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, and a generous 401(k) program to support long‑term financial security. The organization invests in professional growth through tuition assistance and supports work‑life balance with paid time off, creating an environment where employees can thrive both professionally and personally.

The role is based in a large, climate‑controlled food manufacturing facility, with some areas kept colder to support product quality and safety. Work is performed on the production floor around industrial machinery and HMIs, requiring adherence to strict safety and hygiene standards. The position follows a first‑shift schedule from 3:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., offering a consistent work pattern in a structured, process‑driven environment.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Villa Rica, GA.

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $24.00/hr.

Eligibility requi