3rd Shift Bakery - Machine Operator

Urban Farmer; Manteno (IL); On-site; USD 24,796 - 33,062; Full time

Job summary

Urban Farmer is seeking a skilled Machine Operator to join our fast-growing team in Illinois. You will expertly operate a suite of food manufacturing machines, including VEMAG extruders and Texwrap packaging systems, to support high-volume production with strict quality standards.

You will monitor line speed, temperature zones, and equipment alignment while troubleshooting issues to minimize downtime. Strong attention to GMPs, food safety, and accurate documentation is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical certification in mechanical equipment preferred.
• Strong understanding of mechanical devices, troubleshooting skills, and ability to perform routine maintenance.
• Excellent communication skills; ability to work effectively in a team.
• Bilingual is a plus; GMPs and food safety training completed.

Responsibilities

• Operate specialized food manufacturing equipment (Texwrap, ADCO, JDD Bagger, Inline Pressing System, VEMAG Extruder) and other high‑volume production machinery.
• Maintain line performance: manage speed, temperatures, pressures, and alignment; troubleshoot issues to minimize downtime.
• Conduct quality checks: verify seals, codes, weights, and product integrity; adjust settings as needed.

Skills

Machinery operation

Quality awareness

Safety compliance

Team player

Bilingual (optional)

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical certification in mechanical equipment preferred

Tools

Texwrap Systems

ADCO packaging

JDD Bagger

Inline Pressing System

VEMAG Extruder

Job description

Urban Farmer is seeking a skilled Machine Operator to join our dynamic and fast-growing team. This role requires hands-on proficiency with advanced food manufacturing, processing, and packaging equipment, including Texwrap Systems, ADCO, JDD Bagger, Inline Pressing System, VEMAG Extruder, and additional high-performance production machinery. The ideal candidate will ensure efficient machine operation, uphold quality and safety standards, minimize downtime, and support high-volume production goals within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.

Schedule: This position may require up to six (6) days of work per week based on business needs and operational demands

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate Specialized Food Manufacturing Equipment:
• VEMAG - Extruder :Operate the VEMAG dough portioning machine to accurately divide and deposit dough, ensuring consistent weights, improved efficiency, and reliable support for high-volume production needs.
• Crimper Machine:Operate the crimper machine to form and seal pizza snacks by accurately crimping dough edges, ensuring proper fill, tight seals, and consistent product quality in high-volume production
• JDD Bagger:Operate the JDD bagger to accurately package product into bags, ensuring proper sealing, coding and consistent fill weights to support efficient, high-volume production.
• Inline Pressing System:Operate and monitor the Inline Pressing System designed for high-volume dough processing. This system automatically feeds dough balls, positions them onto conveyors, and uses heated or hydraulic presses to flatten dough into consistent crusts or sheets. Manage line speed, pressure settings, temperature zones, and alignment of dough entering and exiting the press. Ensure product uniformity in thickness and diameter, while troubleshooting issues such as sticking, misshaping, or press misalignment to maintain continuous production efficiency.
• Industrial Ovens:Operate and monitor industrial ovens to ensure precise baking temperatures, consistent product quality, and proper throughput to meet high-volume production demands.
• Freezer:Operate and monitor the freezer system to ensure proper product freezing, temperature control, and inventory flow while maintaining food safety and quality standards in a high-volume production environment.
• Texwrap Systems: Manage a range of automatic standard and custom shrink wrapping systems, including shrink wrappers, shrink bundlers, L-bar sealers, side sealers, tunnels, infeeds, and conveyors, ensuring high efficiency and precision in packaging.
• ADCO Manufacturing Company: Operate ADCO's automated packaging machines, including cartoners tailored for a variety of industries such as frozen foods, baked goods, and ready-to-eat meals. Ensure the optimal performance and troubleshooting of these end-of-line packaging solutions
• Combi Automated Case Erectors: Operate Combi automated case erectors to increase efficiency and consistently build cases for end-of-line packaging, meeting high production needs.
• Coding & Label Applicator Machine:Operate the coding and label applicator to apply accurate product codes, dates, and labels to cases and packaging, ensuring proper placement, legibility, and compliance with traceability requirements.
• 3M Tapper Machine:Operate the 3M tapper (case taper) machine to securely seal cases with consistent tape application, ensuring proper adhesion, packaging integrity, and efficient end-of-line flow.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting:

• Conduct regular operator checks and perform minor repairs to prevent equipment malfunctions and prolong machinery life.
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues swiftly and efficiently, minimizing downtime and optimizing productivity.

Quality Control:

• Rigorously perform quality control checks, including verifying seal integrity, checking code dates, and ensuring each product meets strict company and regulatory standards.
• Adjust machine settings to correct any deviations from product specifications, maintaining a relentless focus on producing high-quality food products.

Documentation and Record Keeping:

• Accurately record production data such as output volumes, batch timings, and machine settings, ensuring transparency and traceability in production processes.
• Complete all required documentation related to quality assurance and production tracking, aiding in compliance and operational reviews.

Team Collaboration and Communication:

• Work closely with other team members and departments to optimize production line efficiency and output.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and quality control teams to address any concerns about food safety or machine performance.

Safety and Compliance:

• Adhere to all workplace safety guidelines, food safety regulations, and good manufacturing practices (GMPs), ensuring a safe and healthy work environment.
• Promptly report any potential safety hazards or breaches in compliance to management or safety officers.

Qualification Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical certification in mechanical equipment preferred.
• Strong understanding of mechanical devices, troubleshooting skills, and ability to perform routine maintenance.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Bilingual is a plus.
• Must have completed GMPs and company food safety programs training.
• Must have good mathematical skills.
• Ability to read and follow instructions.

Physical Demands:

• Compliance with safety requirements, including PPE such as safety footwear, hearing protection, and safety glasses.
• Capability to work in variable temperatures and handle physical tasks like lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Standing or walking for extended periods and maneuvering around equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This position works in an office and a manufacturing environment with variable temperature and loud noises from machinery and equipment alarms. The incumbent will be exposed to loud noises and alarms from equipment and machinery.