1st Shift Packaging Operator - Dry Powder Ingredients (6:00am-4:30pm, M-Thurs)

Fortress Nutrition, LLC; Waukesha (WI); On-site; USD 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO with carryover

Paid holidays

Healthcare coverage

HSA contributions

Company-paid life

401(k) with match

Employee assistance program

Referral bonuses

Job summary

Fortress Nutrition, LLC is seeking reliable Packaging Line Operators for our Dry Powder Operations team. You will operate packaging equipment, perform real-time quality checks, and work closely with the production team to ensure safe, accurate packaging per customer specs.

The 1st shift runs Monday-Thursday 6:00 AM–4:30 PM with Fri-Sun weekends; overtime and weekend work may be required. Expect a fast-paced environment with opportunities for double pay and weekend premiums.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• At least 1 year of experience in food manufacturing with knowledge of GMPs and sanitation.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English.
• Willingness to work overtime and weekends as needed.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and maintain packaging equipment and related machinery (fillers, sealers, x-ray systems, metal detectors, scales, coders).
• Make equipment adjustments to meet specifications.
• Perform consistent quality checks (bag integrity, weight, codes) throughout production.
• Complete MMRs and quality docs in real time following GMPs.
• Monitor equipment and product flow to address faults or slowdowns promptly.
• Report production concerns to supervisor or lead.
• Maintain clean, organized, and sanitary work area.
• Support team with overtime or weekend work when required.

Skills

Shop math

English proficiency

Reliability & punctuality

Teamwork

Overtime readiness

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Fortress Nutrition is growing-and we're looking for reliable, detail-oriented Packaging Line Operators to join our Dry Powder Operations team. This role is responsible for operating packaging equipment, completing real-time quality checks, and working closely with the production team to package products safely, accurately, and according to customer specifications.

If you enjoy hands-on work, take pride in accuracy, and work well in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, this is a great opportunity to build your skills while working a consistent 1st shift schedule.

Schedule: 1st Shift

• Monday-Thursday: 6:00 AM-4:30 PM
• 3-Day Weekends (Friday-Sunday)
• Overtime and weekend work may be required based on production and business needs

Work 4 days, enjoy a 3-day weekend every week-and if you want extra income, optional overtime is available with opportunities for double pay!

What You'll Do

• Set up, operate, and maintain packaging equipment and related machinery (fillers, sealers, x-ray systems, metal detectors, scales, coders, etc.)
• Make equipment adjustments as needed to ensure products and packaging meet required specifications
• Perform consistent, accurate quality checks (visual bag inspections, seal-integrity checks, coding verification, weight checks) throughout production
• Complete Master Manufacturing Records (MMRs), production records, and quality documentation in real time following Good Documentation Practices
• Continuously monitor equipment and product flow to identify and address faults, errors, or slowdowns
• Act quickly to identify and address equipment issues or slowdowns
• Report any/all production concerns to Production Supervisor or Lead promptly for resolution
• Follow all food-safety requirements, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), safety procedures, and sanitation standards
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work area
• Support team operations through overtime or weekend work when needed
• Perform all other duties as assigned by leadership

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• 1+ years of experience in food manufacturing, with understanding/knowledge of food-safety and quality programs, including GMPs, handwashing, allergen controls, sanitation, and cross-contamination prevention
• Ability to perform basic shop math
• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work as part of a team
• Ability to work in an environment with food allergens, dry powder, dust, and wet conditions
• Ability to work overtime and weekends as required by production or business needs

Must demonstrate a strong sense of urgency and remain actively engaged throughout the shift. This role requires continuous equipment monitoring, timely and accurate quality checks, and immediate response to faults or production concerns. Delays or inattention can affect product quality and stop production. Individuals who are not attentive, proactive, and fast-moving will not be successful in this role.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating high-speed packaging equipment in a manufacturing environment
• Strong knowledge of GMPs, food safety, and quality standards
• Previous machine operating experience

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 10 hours in a shift)
• Ability to frequently lift, carry, push, pull, or move materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds
• Ability to safely work from a mezzanine workstation or scissor lift up to 20 feet high
• Frequent use of hands to operate controls, tools, equipment, and packaging materials
• Frequent reaching, bending, kneeling, crouching, climbing, and balancing
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to handle and operate tools, equipment and packaging materials

Pay & Benefits

• $19.00 - $20.00+ per hour (based on experience and qualifications)
• Double pay for hours worked after 50 hours in a workweek
• Weekend work is paid at double pay

Benefits Include

• PTO Package with Carryover Option
• Paid Holidays
• Medical, Dental & Vision (Affordable Family Coverage)
• HSA with Company Contributions
• Company Paid Life, AD&D, Short- & Long-Term Disability
• 401(k) with Strong Company Match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Referral Bonuses
• And more

Fortress Nutrition is an equal opportunity employer.