Machine Operator

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

The Machine Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient setup, operation, monitoring, and adjustment of production equipment in a manufacturing environment. This position ensures that production equipment operates according to established procedures, production schedules, and product specifications while maintaining product quality, safety, productivity, and yield standards.

The Machine Operator is expected to recognize and respond to operating issues, communicate production status and equipment concerns, maintain accurate production records, and work collaboratively with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Warehouse, and other departments to support production requirements and on-time customer delivery.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Set up, load, start, operate, adjust, and properly shut down production equipment in accordance with established procedures, production schedules, and product specifications.
2. Monitor equipment operation and process conditions and make approved adjustments to maintain safe, efficient, and consistent production.
3. Follow established operating procedures and work instructions to maximize equipment efficiency, product yield, and product quality.
4. Operate production machinery while continuously monitoring the production process and inspecting finished product for quality and compliance with specifications.
5. Perform equipment changeovers, line start-ups, and shutdown procedures as trained and directed.
6. Identify abnormal equipment or process conditions and take appropriate action within established procedures. Promptly communicate significant issues to the Production Supervisor or Maintenance.
7. Perform basic troubleshooting and minor operator-level maintenance functions as trained and authorized. Do not perform maintenance beyond the employee's level of training or authorization.
8. Assist Maintenance personnel in identifying equipment problems and provide accurate information regarding equipment performance and operating conditions.
9. Monitor and document production output, material usage, downtime, scrap, quality issues, and other required production information accurately and timely.
10. Verify that the correct raw materials, components, packaging materials, and other production materials are being used according to established production requirements.
11. Assist Quality personnel, inspectors, packers, material handlers, and other production employees as needed to maintain an efficient production process.
12. Communicate production status, equipment issues, material shortages, quality concerns, and other conditions that may affect production schedules or other areas of the operation.
13. Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area throughout the shift. Keep tools, equipment, materials, and supplies in their designated locations.
14. Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, quality requirements, and company policies.
15. Follow all safety rules and procedures, including applicable machine guarding, lockout/tagout, PPE, product handling, and other facility safety requirements.
16. Report unsafe conditions, injuries, near misses, spills, equipment malfunctions, product quality concerns, and other incidents promptly to the appropriate supervisor.
17. Minimize waste, downtime, rework, and production losses by operating equipment properly and identifying issues promptly.
18. Maintain regular and reliable attendance and report to work prepared to perform assigned duties.
19. Work cooperatively with coworkers and other departments and contribute to a positive, productive work environment.
20. Perform other work-related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous machine operator or manufacturing experience preferred.
• Experience working in a production or industrial environment preferred.
• Previous experience operating or monitoring production equipment is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic math skills and the ability to accurately measure and record information.
• Ability to read and follow written procedures, work instructions, production schedules, and safety requirements.
• Ability to understand and follow GMP and quality requirements.
• Ability to identify abnormal equipment or production conditions and communicate problems promptly.
• Ability to make sound decisions within established procedures and escalate issues when appropriate.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn equipment operation and troubleshooting.
• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers, supervisors, Maintenance, Quality, Warehouse, and other personnel.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality.
• Effective time-management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work proactively and support production goals.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality are required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, including shifts of up to 12 hours.
• Frequent bending, reaching, stooping, twisting, and repetitive hand and arm movements.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment as required by the assigned production area.
• Ability to regularly lift and carry materials weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to use hands for operating controls, handling materials, inspecting products, and performing other production-related tasks.
• Ability to safely work around operating machinery, conveyors, production equipment, and other industrial equipment.
• May be exposed to dust, fragrances, chemicals, heat, noise, and other conditions commonly associated with a manufacturing and production environment.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

SAFETY, QUALITY, AND GMP EXPECTATIONS

Safety, product quality, and compliance with GMP requirements are essential responsibilities of this position. The Machine Operator is expected to follow all applicable safety rules, SOPs, work instructions, quality procedures, and GMP requirements; maintain accurate documentation; and promptly report conditions that could affect employee safety, product quality, equipment operation, or production.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position works primarily in a manufacturing and production environment and may be exposed to operating machinery, moving equipment, conveyors, varying temperatures, noise, chemicals, fragrances, dust, and other conditions associated with the manufacturing process. Employees are required to follow all applicable safety procedures and wear PPE appropriate to the assigned work area and job duties.