Pouching Operator (Night Shift)

Position: Pouching Operator
Location: Hickory, NC
Shift Schedule: 12-hour rotating shifts (2-2-3 schedule)
Night Shift Hours: 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM

Pay Rate: $25.35/hour $2.00/hour shift differential for night shift

Summary Description

The Pouching Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining bag-making equipment to produce high-quality pouches that meet customer specifications. This role ensures efficient machine operation while maintaining food safety, product quality, and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate has strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to make machine adjustments to maximize production efficiency.

What You'll Be Doing

• Set up and operate bag-making machines according to customer specifications and production orders.

• Ensure all Food Safety and Regulatory Compliance requirements are followed throughout production.

• Verify machine setup with Quality Control before production begins.

• Prepare machine parts, tooling, and materials for upcoming production orders.

• Monitor machine performance and make adjustments to maintain product quality and production efficiency.

• Respond to quality concerns raised by Inspector/Packers, Quality Control, or production leadership.

• Weigh and record production waste at the end of each order or shift.

• Communicate machine issues, print defects, film concerns, or production problems to the Shift Supervisor.

• Perform routine production support tasks including obtaining boxes, mounting material rolls, and preparing supplies.

• Maintain organization of tooling, punches, machine parts, and accessories in designated storage locations.

• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance on bag-making equipment.

• Assist with physical inventory counts as requested.

• Support production by performing Inspector/Packer, Roll Person, and Utility responsibilities when needed.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.

• Set up and operate stand-up pouches, three-side seal pouches, and side gusset pouches.

• Perform minor mechanical maintenance and troubleshooting on production equipment.

• Produce and evaluate production samples.

• Safely operate hand tools including pliers, wrenches, and screwdrivers.

• Operate manual and powered pallet jacks as well as power hoists for moving material rolls.

• Clean machine surfaces and rollers using approved solvents and detergents.

• Monitor film tension, web alignment, wrinkles, sealing performance, and machine operation while making mechanical adjustments as necessary.

• Adjust heat, dwell time, and web tension to maximize seal quality and machine performance.

• Scan roll tickets and accurately enter production information into the Shop Floor computer system.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

We'd Love to Hear From You If

• You have a strong understanding of bag-making processes and manufacturing standards.

• You can read and interpret work orders, specifications, and production documents.

• You possess strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.

• You can read, write, and perform measurements using inches, millimeters, and centimeters.

• You have one to two years of bag machine setup or related manufacturing experience.

• You have strong hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.

• You understand proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

• You are comfortable reaching, stretching, bending, climbing, balancing, kneeling, crouching, and crawling as needed.

• You can frequently lift up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.

• You take pride in producing quality work while maintaining a safe and efficient work environment.

Benefits

At TOPPAN Packaging Americas, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to support overall wellbeing. Benefits may vary based on location, employment classification, or collective bargaining agreement and may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, including FSA and HSA options

• 401(k) retirement plan with company match

• Employee Assistance Program and wellbeing resources

• Paid time off and holidays

• Company-paid and voluntary insurance plans including life, accident, and disability coverage

• Tuition reimbursement

Equal Opportunity Employer

TOPPAN Packaging Americas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

We are committed to providing a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to contribute to their fullest potential. Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the application and employment processes. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact us.