Bagger Operator – Food Manufacturing

Palmex Food Group Tennessee LLC; Kingsport (TN); On-site; USD 17,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Palmex Food Group Tennessee LLC in Kingsport, TN is seeking a dedicated Bagger Operator to support snack packaging lines. You will operate, monitor, and adjust automated bagging equipment, ensuring accurate counts, proper seals, and correct labeling while maintaining clean, safe work areas.

The role involves routine maintenance, basic troubleshooting, and strict adherence to GMP and food safety standards. Shift work, including nights or weekends, may be required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical training is a plus.
• Experience in manufacturing or food packaging preferred.
• Basic mechanical ability and familiarity with bagging equipment.
• Knowledge of GMP and safety protocols expected.
• Ability to perform basic troubleshooting on equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor automated bagging machines to package snacks.
• Set up, adjust, and calibrate machines per product specs.
• Inspect bags and finished products for quality and labeling.
• Perform routine maintenance and troubleshoot jams or sealing issues.
• Maintain production logs and report downtime and issues.
• Follow safety and GMP standards and participate in shift handovers.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma

Technical certifications in manufacturing (preferred)

Tools

Bagging machines

Quality inspection tools

Job description

Description

Job Overview:

The Bagger Operator plays a key role in the efficient operation of the manufacturing process. Responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining the bagging machines that package snack products for distribution. This role requires attention to detail, adherence to safety and quality standards, and the ability to troubleshoot and resolve equipment issues to ensure a smooth, continuous production flow.

Key Responsibilities:

Machine Operation:

• Operate and monitor automated bagging machines to package snack products in the required quantities and packaging formats.
• Set up, adjust, and calibrate the bagging machines according to product specifications and production needs.
• Ensure proper alignment of bags, sealing, and labeling as per quality standards.

Quality Control:

• Inspect the bags and finished products for quality, ensuring they meet company standards for weight, appearance, and sealing.
• Reject any bags that do not meet quality standards and report issues to the Quality Control team.
• Maintain accurate records of quality checks and machine performance.

Machine Maintenance & Troubleshooting:

• Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on bagging machines to prevent downtime.
• Troubleshoot machine malfunctions, including jams and sealing issues, and work to resolve them efficiently.
• Collaborate with maintenance technicians for more complex repairs or adjustments.

Safety & Compliance:

• Follow all plant safety protocols and guidelines to maintain a safe working environment.
• Ensure proper handling and disposal of packaging materials and waste.
• Comply with food safety regulations and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

Production Efficiency:

• Monitor production rates and ensure that the bagging process runs smoothly to meet production goals.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area to promote efficiency and safety.
• Communicate effectively with team members, supervisors, and other departments to address production issues.

Documentation & Reporting:

• Complete and maintain accurate production logs, including machine settings, downtime, and any issues encountered.
• Report production data to supervisors and participate in shift handovers.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications or training in manufacturing machinery is a plus.
• Previous experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in food production or packaging.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and experience with bagging machines or similar packaging equipment.
• Knowledge of food safety standards, GMP, and safety protocols in a manufacturing setting.
• Ability to perform basic troubleshooting and maintenance on equipment.
• Strong attention to detail, with an emphasis on product quality and efficiency.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Willingness to work on shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays if necessary.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand for long periods.
• Ability to lift up to [Insert weight] pounds.
• Manual dexterity for operating machinery and inspecting products.
• Ability to work in varying temperatures, as food production environments may vary.