Production Process Technician

Murray River Pet Food; Howlong; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Murray River Pet Food in Howlong, NSW, is hiring a Production Process Technician to set up, changeover and monitor packing lines and scales. You will troubleshoot issues at root cause, liaise with suppliers, and work with Maintenance on preventive maintenance and continuous improvement.

You will provide guidance to Operators and Line Setters without formal supervision. The successful candidate will hold a mechanical or electrical trade qualification, with previous line-setting or

Qualifications

• Trade qualification in mechanical, electrical or related field.
• Experience in meat, food manufacturing or FMCG environments.
• GMP, HACCP and WHS practices understood.

Responsibilities

• Set up, changeover and monitor packing lines to meet safety and quality standards.
• Diagnose root causes of technical issues, not just symptoms.
• Conduct quality checks and calibrate machinery to standards.
• Liaise with machine suppliers and OEMs to resolve issues and support servicing.
• Carry out preventive maintenance and assist with maintenance plans and parts sourcing.
• Provide technical guidance to Production Operators and Line Setters.

Skills

Machinery troubleshooting

Mechanical aptitude

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

Trade qualification in mechanical or electrical

Job description

Production Process Technician

Howlong, NSW | Full-time

We've just finished a multi-million dollar factory upgrade — and we want a technician who can help us get the most out of it.

Murray River Pet Food is a proudly Australian, family-owned business on the Murray River, making high-quality, air-dried pet food and treats for wholesale, retail and private label brands. We're after a Production Process Technician who can move across our production floor, solve problems at the root cause, and help lift line performance across the board.

About the role

As a Production Process Technician, you'll set up, changeover and monitor our packing lines and multi-head combination scales, working flexibly across all production rooms as priorities shift. You'll apply strong problem-solving skills to diagnose technical and operational issues, liaise directly with machine suppliers and OEM representatives, and work alongside our Maintenance team on preventative maintenance and continuous improvement. You'll also provide technical guidance and hands‑on mentoring to Production Operators and Line Setters - this role gives advice and direction on efficiency and process, but doesn't carry formal supervisory or people‑management responsibility.

What you'll be doing

Running and optimising the lines

• Set up, changeover and monitor packing lines to meet safety, quality and production standards
• Diagnose the root cause of technical and operational issues, not just the symptoms
• Conduct quality checks and calibrate machinery against our standards

Cross-room flexibility and supplier liaison

• Work flexibly across all production rooms as priorities change, applying consistent standards throughout
• Liaise directly with machine suppliers and OEM representatives to resolve technical issues and support servicing
• Escalate issues beyond the role's scope to the Team Leader/Supervisor

Maintenance and continuous improvement

• Carry out routine preventative maintenance and repairs on production equipment
• Work with the Maintenance team on maintenance plans and parts sourcing
• Support process improvements and new equipment installations

Team collaboration

• Provide technical guidance and constructive feedback to Production Operators and Line Setters
• Contribute to team discussions and continuous improvement initiatives

Safety first

• Follow SOPs and help maintain a clean, compliant working environment
• Report incidents promptly and contribute to a strong safety culture on the floor

What you'll bring

• A trade qualification in mechanical, electrical or a related field
• Previous machine operating or line setting experience - essential
• Experience in meat, food manufacturing or FMCG environments
• A solid understanding of GMP, HACCP and WHS practices
• Strong troubleshooting skills and the initiative to work through machine issues at the root cause
• Confidence liaising with external suppliers or OEM representatives (highly regarded, not essential)
• A team-oriented approach and the ability to advise and communicate clearly with people at every level
• Willingness to work flexibly across multiple production rooms as required

You’ll also need

• A current driver's licence
• Eligibility to work in Australia
• To complete a pre-employment medical (including hearing test) and drug and alcohol screening

This is a physically active, production-floor role involving standing for extended periods, some lifting, and wearing PPE for extended periods - we’re happy to talk through what that looks like day-to-day.

Most of our team works Monday to Friday across a 38‑hour week, with some flexibility around hours occasionally needed to support production.

Why MRPF

• A genuinely varied, hands‑on role spanning production, maintenance and supplier liaison
• A modern, newly upgraded facility and the chance to help shape how it runs
• A supportive, team‑oriented work environment
• Career growth potential as we continue to invest in our people and our plant

  Applications close 21 September 2026.

  Murray River Pet Food is an equal opportunity employer. All applications will be treated in strict confidence.