Production Operator / Machine Operator

We are seeking dependable Production Operators / Machine Operators to support food processing, agricultural processing, ingredient manufacturing, ethanol, and other industrial production environments.

This is a hands-on manufacturing role for candidates who are comfortable operating production equipment and who bring at least one additional skill set such as forklift/material handling, basic maintenance, mechanical troubleshooting, QA/QC, packaging, sanitation/GMP, CNC or machine operation, or computer-controlled equipment.

The strongest candidates are versatile, mechanically inclined, safety-focused, and comfortable working in fast-paced plant environments.

What You’ll Do

• Operate, monitor, start, stop, and adjust production or processing equipment.
• Monitor equipment and production conditions throughout the shift.
• Perform routine equipment checks and identify abnormal operating conditions.
• Assist with basic troubleshooting and communicate equipment issues to Maintenance or supervision.
• Complete equipment setups, changeovers, and production adjustments as trained.
• Operate forklifts or other material-handling equipment when trained and authorized.
• Move, stage, load, or unload raw materials and finished products.
• Collect product or process samples when required.
• Perform basic quality checks and document production results.
• Support packaging, labeling, palletizing, and finished-product handling.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe production areas.
• Follow all PPE, safety, GMP, sanitation, food-safety, quality, and operating procedures.
• Support preventive maintenance and basic equipment care.
• Record production data, downtime, equipment conditions, and shift activity.
• Work closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Warehouse, and other plant teams.

We are especially interested in candidates who combine production or machine-operation experience with one or more of the following:

• Forklift operation
• Material handling
• Basic maintenance
• Mechanical troubleshooting
• Preventive maintenance
• QA/QC
• Packaging
• Sanitation
• GMP environments
• Food safety
• CNC operation
• Machine setup
• Equipment changeovers
• Computer-controlled equipment
• HMI / PLC-monitored equipment
• Warehouse operations
• Shipping and receiving
• Hand and power tools
• Mechanical assembly
• Basic fabrication or welding

Relevant Equipment Experience | Experience with any of the following may be valuable:

• CNC machinery
• Packaging lines
• Conveyors
• Palletizers
• Forklifts
• Pumps and motors
• Mixers and blenders
• Dryers
• Processing equipment
• Automated production machinery
• Material-handling systems
• Computer-controlled equipment
• HMI or PLC-monitored systems
• Tanks, valves, and piping
• Compressors
• Production-line equipment

Strong Candidate Backgrounds | Relevant experience may come from roles such as:

Production Operator | Machine Operator | CNC Operator | Packaging Operator | Manufacturing Technician | Forklift Operator | Process Operator | Warehouse Operator | Production Technician | Equipment Operator | Maintenance Helper | Quality Technician | Material Handler | Assembly Operator

Experience in food processing, agricultural processing, manufacturing, packaging, warehousing, ethanol, chemical processing, grain processing, dairy, potato processing, milling, beverage production, or other industrial environments can translate well.

What We’re Looking For | The strongest candidates typically bring:

• Previous production, manufacturing, machine-operation, or industrial experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Comfort working around machinery and automated equipment.
• Ability to recognize when equipment or production conditions are not normal.
• At least one additional skill area beyond basic machine operation.
• Strong attention to safety and quality.
• Ability to follow SOPs, work instructions, GMP requirements, and production standards.
• Dependable attendance and a strong work ethic.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Basic computer skills and ability to learn production systems.

Basic Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous experience in manufacturing, production, machine operation, packaging, food processing, warehousing, or a related environment preferred.
• Ability to safely operate or work around production equipment.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to work varying shifts, weekends, holidays, or overtime depending on operational needs.
• Ability to meet applicable physical requirements of an industrial manufacturing environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Employment may be subject to applicable background screening and drug-testing requirements.