Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Jug Operator

🎯 Role Definition

We are actively recruiting a diligent and technically-minded Jug Operator to become an integral part of our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. As a Jug Operator, you will be the frontline expert for our automated jug production and/or filling lines. Your primary objective is to ensure the seamless operation of machinery, producing high-quality containers that meet precise client specifications. This role is critical to our production efficiency, product integrity, and overall plant success. You will thrive in a structured, fast-paced environment where safety and quality are paramount, and your attention to detail directly impacts the finished product.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Production Associate
General Laborer (Manufacturing)
Packaging Assistant

Advancement To:

Lead Operator / Line Lead
Production Supervisor
Maintenance Technician

Lateral Moves:

Quality Control Inspector
Blow Mold Technician
Forklift Operator / Materials Handler

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Safely and efficiently operate and monitor high-speed jug blow molding, filling, capping, and labeling machinery according to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Execute complete machine start-up, shutdown, and sanitation/cleaning (CIP) procedures in a timely and effective manner.
Perform and document routine quality control checks, including leak detection, weight verification, torque tests, and visual inspection for defects to ensure product integrity.
Make precise adjustments to machine parameters such as temperature, pressure, timing, and speed to maintain optimal performance and meet strict quality specifications.
Proactively troubleshoot and resolve minor machine stoppages, alarms, and processing issues to minimize production downtime and maintain line efficiency.
Conduct routine preventative maintenance tasks, including lubrication, cleaning of machine components, and replacement of minor wear-and-tear parts.
Accurately complete all required production and quality documentation, both digitally and on paper, including production logs, quality assurance reports, and downtime tracking.
Ensure a continuous and adequate supply of raw materials (e.g., plastic resin, preforms, caps, labels, liquid product) to the production line to prevent interruptions.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), 5S principles, and company standards.
Strictly adhere to all plant safety protocols, including the consistent use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and application of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures during maintenance.
Collaborate closely with Quality Assurance personnel to identify and isolate non-conforming products and implement corrective actions.
Operate and monitor downstream packaging equipment, including case erectors, packers, sealers, and palletizers, ensuring finished goods are ready for shipment.
Monitor and interpret data from the Human-Machine Interface (HMI) control panels to diagnose issues and optimize machine performance.
Perform efficient product and container changeovers, including swapping molds, adjusting guide rails, and changing machine settings to accommodate different production runs.
Manage the regrind system by collecting, grinding, and reintroducing scrap plastic into the production process to minimize waste.
Communicate effectively with shift supervisors, maintenance teams, and fellow operators regarding production status, equipment issues, and material needs.
Utilize material handling equipment, such as electric pallet jacks or forklifts (if certified), to transport raw materials and finished goods within the facility.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to line performance and efficiency.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap by providing accurate operational data.
Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements for process improvements.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team, representing operational needs.
Assist in the training and onboarding of new operators, sharing knowledge of SOPs, safety, and machine-specific functions.
Participate actively in continuous improvement projects and Kaizen events aimed at enhancing safety, quality, and productivity.
Assist the maintenance department with more complex repairs and scheduled preventative maintenance activities.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Machine Operation: Proven ability to operate and monitor complex industrial machinery, preferably in a high-speed manufacturing or packaging environment.
Mechanical Aptitude: Strong understanding of basic mechanical principles for troubleshooting and performing minor adjustments and repairs.
Quality Control Inspection: Experience with quality checks, using measurement tools (calipers, scales), and identifying product defects.
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP): Knowledge of and adherence to GMP standards, especially within a food, beverage, or chemical production setting.
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO): Demonstrable knowledge and application of LOTO safety procedures for machine servicing.
Troubleshooting: Ability to diagnose and resolve equipment and process issues in a logical and timely manner.
HMI (Human-Machine Interface) Operation: Familiarity with using touchscreen control panels to monitor and adjust machine settings.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous in monitoring processes and inspecting products to ensure the highest quality standards are met.
Problem-Solving: A proactive and analytical approach to identifying the root cause of issues and implementing effective solutions.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with colleagues across different departments (Quality, Maintenance, Supervision) to achieve common goals.
Communication Skills: Clear and concise verbal and written communication to report on production status and equipment issues.
Time Management: Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Adaptability: Flexibility to work different shifts, handle changing production schedules, and learn new equipment and processes.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Technical certificate or Associate's degree in a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Industrial Maintenance
Manufacturing Technology
Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2+ years of experience as a machine operator in a manufacturing environment.

Preferred:

Experience in high-speed bottling, blow molding, or food/beverage packaging is highly desirable.
Prior experience working in a GMP-regulated facility.
Forklift certification is a plus.