Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Food Machine Operator

💰 $18 - $25 per hour (varies by experience and location)

ManufacturingProductionFood & BeverageOperations

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a hands-on professional with a keen eye for detail and a passion for the food industry? This role requires a dedicated and skilled Food Machine Operator to join our dynamic production team. In this critical role, you will be the backbone of our manufacturing process, responsible for the setup, operation, and maintenance of sophisticated food processing and packaging machinery. You will ensure that every product leaving our facility meets the highest standards of quality and safety. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to operational excellence and teamwork.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Production Associate or Line Worker
  • Packaging Assistant
  • Warehouse Associate (with mechanical aptitude)

Advancement To:

  • Lead Machine Operator or Senior Operator
  • Production Supervisor or Team Lead
  • Quality Control (QC) Technician

Lateral Moves:

  • Maintenance Technician Assistant
  • Quality Assurance (QA) Inspector
  • Inventory Control Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Execute the complete setup, calibration, and operation of various food production and packaging machines, such as mixers, extruders, ovens, depositors, and wrapping equipment, according to production schedules and product specifications.
  • Continuously monitor machine operations, control panels, and sensor outputs to detect and diagnose any malfunctions, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted production process.
  • Perform timely and precise adjustments to machine settings, including speed, temperature, pressure, and flow rates, to maintain optimal performance and ensure product quality standards are consistently met.
    ⚫- Conduct regular in-process quality control checks, including visual inspections, weight checks, and dimensional measurements, to verify that the final product adheres to strict company and regulatory standards.
  • Accurately complete and maintain all required production logs, quality assurance documentation, and operational records, ensuring data integrity for traceability and performance analysis.
  • Adhere strictly to all plant safety protocols, including Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures, proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and emergency response guidelines to maintain a safe working environment.
  • Perform thorough cleaning, sanitation, and changeover procedures on all equipment and work areas between production runs to prevent cross-contamination and comply with GMP and food safety standards.
  • Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve minor mechanical issues and operational stoppages, escalating complex maintenance problems to the appropriate technical or supervisory staff to minimize downtime.
  • Load and feed raw materials, ingredients, and packaging supplies into hoppers, conveyors, and other machine-feeding mechanisms, ensuring a consistent supply for continuous operation.
  • Demonstrate a strong, practical understanding of and compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and other food safety programs.
  • Remove finished products from the production line and prepare them for the next stage of the process, such as packing, palletizing, or storage.
  • Collaborate effectively with team members, quality assurance personnel, and supervisors to communicate production status, report issues, and coordinate efficient workflow.
  • Monitor and manage the flow of products through the machinery, clearing jams and blockages in a safe and efficient manner.
  • Ensure that all machine guards and safety features are in place and functioning correctly before and during operation.
  • Read and interpret work orders, schematics, and operational manuals to determine production specifications and machine setup requirements.
  • Participate actively in continuous improvement initiatives, providing feedback and suggestions for enhancing process efficiency, safety, and product quality.
  • Operate material handling equipment, such as forklifts or pallet jacks, to move raw materials and finished goods as needed (certification may be required).
  • Verify correct coding, labeling, and packaging integrity for all finished goods, ensuring they meet both internal and customer requirements.
  • Perform basic preventative maintenance tasks, such as lubrication, filter changes, and parts inspection, as directed by the maintenance team.
  • Manage and account for product waste or rework, documenting quantities and reasons in accordance with company procedures.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in the training and onboarding of new team members on standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols for specific machinery.
  • Participate in regular team meetings and safety briefings to stay informed on production goals and organizational updates.
  • Support inventory counts of raw materials, packaging, and finished products to ensure accuracy and assist with supply chain management.
  • Contribute to plant-wide lean manufacturing and 5S initiatives to promote an organized, clean, and efficient workplace.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Machine Operation: Proven ability to operate, monitor, and adjust complex manufacturing or packaging machinery.
  • Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP): Strong knowledge of GMP and sanitation standards within a food-grade environment.
  • Technical Troubleshooting: Aptitude for diagnosing and resolving basic mechanical or operational issues.
  • Quality Control: Experience with performing in-process quality checks and using measurement tools.
  • Food Safety Knowledge (HACCP/SQF): Understanding of food safety principles like HACCP or SQF is highly desirable.
  • Documentation & Record Keeping: Ability to accurately fill out logs, forms, and production reports.
  • Basic Mechanical Skills: Competency in using basic hand tools and performing minor machine adjustments and maintenance.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous in monitoring processes and inspecting products to ensure the highest quality.
  • Problem-Solving: Proactive in identifying issues and implementing effective solutions to minimize disruptions.
  • Teamwork & Communication: Ability to work collaboratively and communicate clearly with colleagues and supervisors.
  • Strong Work Ethic: Reliable, punctual, and committed to meeting production targets and quality standards.
    ⚫- Adaptability: Flexible and able to switch between tasks and adapt to changing production priorities in a fast-paced setting.
  • Safety-Conscious: A vigilant mindset focused on maintaining a safe work environment for oneself and the team.
  • Time Management: Skilled at prioritizing tasks and managing time effectively to ensure efficient workflow and timely completion of duties.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required.

Preferred Education:

  • Vocational or Technical School Certificate in Industrial Mechanics, Manufacturing Technology, or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Manufacturing Technology
  • Industrial Maintenance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years

Preferred: 2+ years of direct experience operating, setting up, and troubleshooting machinery within a food manufacturing, beverage, or pharmaceutical (cGMP) environment is highly desirable. Experience with specific equipment (e.g., VFFS, flow wrappers, mixers) may be a significant advantage.

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