AFB Manufacturing Technician

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense; Aurora (MO); On-site; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Industry-leading benefits package

Overtime built-in

Annual merit increases

Annual incentive bonus opportunity

3-4 day workweeks

Safety-focused culture

Job summary

AFB International is hiring Manufacturing Technicians to join a high-performing team focused on safety, quality, and continuous improvement. Expect 12-hour shifts with built-in overtime, a 3- to 4-day workweek schedule, and robust benefits as part of a stable, year-round operation in Missouri.

Starting pay is $20.00 per hour with a night-shift differential of $1.50 and opportunities for annual merit increases and performance bonuses as you grow your career with EBOS-backed excellence.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• 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.
• Basic computer skills required.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Attention to detail

Safety mindset

Reliability

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Continuous improvement

Willingness to learn

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

We make pet food taste great! For over 30 years, AFB International has been providing pet food solutions that enrich the lives of pets and their people. Our palatants are specially designed to make pet foods, treats and supplements taste better, ensuring pets receive the vital nutrients they need. We know wagging tails, licking whiskers and empty bowls equal happy pets and happy pet parents. Join AFB and you'll be a part of a team of highly skilled professionals that provide the greatest contribution to our success as an organization. Our team members are diverse, creative, passionate experts who are genuinely dedicated to our mission, our customers, and the pets we serve worldwide.

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

• 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?

• 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

Why Our Employees Stay 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

• 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.

For over 30 years, AFB International has been providing pet food solutions that enrich the lives of pets and their people. Our palatants are specially designed to make pet foods, treats and supplements taste better, ensuring pets receive the vital nutrients they need. We know wagging tails, licking whiskers and empty bowls equal happy pets and happy pet parents. Headquartered in St. Charles, Missouri, USA, AFB has offices and production facilities strategically positioned around the globe in the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, the Netherlands, China, and Australia. Our organization is comprised of a variety of departments including research & development, manufacturing & operations, quality assurance and sales & marketing. AFB is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ensign-Bickford Industries, Inc., a privately-held, family-owned, professionally managed technical business that traces its roots back more than 175 years. Above all else, AFB International values its employees, its customers, the animals they serve and the communities in which we do business. The cornerstone of our enduring legacy is stated in the EBI Core Values. AFB's global headquarters instituted a dog‑friendly workplace, and the benefits have far exceeded our expectations! The biggest changes we have noticed around the office are: Having dogs here makes us move! Now we have a reason to get up and and take a walk outside for some fresh air. It’s amazing how we don’t do this when we are alone but leave it to Fido to make us get up and get in a little exercise. Having dogs here makes us talk! Who needs an icebreaker when you see fellow colleagues walking their beloved pooch? How can you walk by a wagging tail? The dogs make you stop and say hi. Many relationships have been strengthened by having dogs at work. Having dogs here makes us happy! In a fast-paced workplace, it’s easy to get lost in the daily grind. It’s amazing how many colleagues swing by the office of someone with a pet just to get some fur therapy. They put a smile on your face and remind you to not sweat the small stuff.

Join AFB’s team of experts at our blog site to access and exchange information about the research, trends, and innovations moving the global pet food industry forward. Go to Blog