AFB Manufacturing Technician

Ensign-Bickford Industries; Aurora (MO); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid Time Off

Annual merit increases

Performance bonus opportunities

On-site showers

Ongoing training and development

Job summary

Ensign-Bickford Industries at AFB International is seeking Manufacturing Technicians to support high‑performing teams focused on safety, quality, and continuous improvement in pet food palatability production.

We offer 12‑hour shifts, 3‑ or 4‑day workweeks, built‑in overtime, career growth, and a comprehensive benefits package as part of a stable, year‑round operation.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1–3 years production experience preferred.
• Ability to lift at least 55 pounds and work 12-hour shifts.
• Basic computer skills required.

Responsibilities

• Operate equipment safely and efficiently.
• Produce quality products meeting customer expectations.
• Follow safety, quality, and operating procedures.
• Identify and communicate production issues.
• Participate in problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• Support 5S and housekeeping standards.
• Maintain a clean, organized, 'Showroom Ready' work environment.
• Learn and apply the EBOS system.
• Collaborate with teammates to meet production goals.
• Contribute to Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost focus.

Skills

Strong attention to detail

Safety-first mindset

Reliability and accountability

Teamwork

Problem-solving ability

Continuous improvement mindset

Willingness to learn

Ownership mentality

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

This opportunity is located within our AFB International business, the global science and technology leader in pet food palatability. We develop and produce a full range of liquid and dry palatability enhancers using high-quality ingredients proven to optimize companion animal response and consumption.

Job Description

Manufacturing Technician

Build Your Career. Make an Impact. Be Part of Something Bigger.

Are you a dependable, hands-on professional who takes pride in producing quality work? Do you thrive in a team environment where safety, accountability, and continuous improvement are more than just words?

If so, we want to meet you!

We're seeking motivated Manufacturing Technicians who are ready to contribute to a high-performing team, develop new skills, and build a long-term career with a company that invests in its people.

Experienced professionals and career starters are both encouraged to apply.

If you have manufacturing experience, we'll help you continue growing your career. If you're new to manufacturing but bring a strong work ethic, reliability, and a desire to learn, we'll provide the training and development needed to help you succeed.

What Makes This Opportunity Different?

• Starting Pay: $20.00/hour
• Night shift differential
  • $1.50 Sun-Wed
  • $2.50 Thurs-Sat
• Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) Bonus Opportunity
• Annual Merit Increases
• Built-In Overtime Every Pay Period
• Industry-Leading Benefits Package
• Stable, Year-Round Business
• Clear Career Growth Opportunities
• A Culture Focused on Safety, Respect, and Continuous Improvement

Work Less Days. Enjoy More Life.

Day/Shift Schedule

A/B Crew, 6:00 AM/PM - 6:00 PM/AM; Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and every other Wednesday

Or

C/D Crew, 6:00 AM/PM - 6:00 PM/AM; Every other Wednesday, and Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday.

Our schedule gives you:

• 3-day and 4-day workweeks
• More days off throughout the year
• Approximately 8 hours of built-in overtime every pay period
• Additional overtime opportunities available

This schedule provides the work-life balance many manufacturing professionals are looking for.

What You'll Do

As a Manufacturing Technician, you'll play a critical role in helping us deliver quality products to our customers while supporting our commitment to operational excellence.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Operating equipment safely and efficiently
• Producing quality products that meet customer expectations
• Following established safety, quality, and operating procedures
• Identifying and communicating production issues
• Participating in problem-solving and continuous improvement efforts
• Supporting 5S workplace organization and housekeeping standards
• Maintaining a clean, organized, "Showroom Ready" work environment
• Learning and applying the Ensign-Bickford Operating System (EBOS)
• Collaborating with teammates to achieve production goals
• Contributing to a culture focused on Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost

Who Succeeds Here?

We're looking for individuals who take ownership of their work and are committed to helping the entire team succeed.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• 1-3 years production experience preferred.
• Ability to regularly stand and lift at least 55 pounds in a dusty environment with fluctuating temperature.
• Must work 12-hour shifts.
• Ability to follow and adhere to procedures regarding safety, quality, attendance, job tasks, etc.
• Basic computer skills required.

Top Candidates Will Demonstrate:

• Strong attention to detail
• A safety-first mindset
• Reliability and accountability
• Positive attitude and teamwork
• Problem-solving ability
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Willingness to learn and embrace change
• Ownership mentality-seeing challenges as opportunities to improve

Safety Is Our #1 Priority

We provide the training, equipment, and support needed to help every employee work safely and confidently.

Comprehensive Benefits

• Competitive health insurance options
• 401(k) with company match
• Best-in-class Paid Time Off and Holiday benefits
• Annual merit increases
• Performance bonus opportunities
• Long-term career stability

We Invest in Your Success

We provide:

• Employee uniforms
• Company-provided safety shoes
• All required PPE
• On-site showers
• Ongoing training and development
• Opportunities to grow your skills and career

AFB International is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.