Beverage Packaging Equipment Operator-Mechanic

Union Beverage Packers; Hillside (NJ); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company matching

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off and holidays

Overtime opportunities

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Union Beverage Packers is seeking a hands-on Technician to operate and monitor high-speed beverage production lines. You will set up equipment, adjust settings, and ensure safe, efficient runs from start-up to shut-down.

The role requires basic mechanical skills, tool use, and a commitment to safety, with weekend and overtime availability as needed to meet production goals.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Hands-on experience with machine operation and industrial equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with basic troubleshooting ability.
• Ability to read and interpret equipment manuals and schematics.
• Commitment to safety and quality, with reliable attendance.

Responsibilities

• Operate production machinery correctly and safely from start-up to shut-down.
• Continuously monitor equipment to spot issues early and prevent unplanned stops.
• Perform set-ups, adjustments, start-ups, shut-downs, and changeovers.
• Troubleshoot basic mechanical faults and make minor repairs and adjustments to reduce downtime.
• Escalate to Maintenance for advanced diagnostics or repair needs.
• Inspect for wear, leaks, damaged parts, and abnormal noises; report promptly.
• Read and interpret equipment manuals, mechanical drawings, and schematics.
• Complete accurate production and maintenance records.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe equipment and work areas.
• Collaborate daily with Maintenance, Quality, Sanitation, and Production teams.

Skills

Machine operation

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Reading technical docs

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Forklift operation

Job description

About The Role

Each shift, you’ll be the steady hand that keeps our beverage lines humming. You’ll arrive to a fast-moving floor, review the production plan, and ready high-speed assets—fillers, labelers, packers, conveyors, and palletizers for a smooth start-up. As runs progress, you’ll listen for the hint of an abnormal noise, spot early signs of wear or leaks, and make quick, safe adjustments to prevent downtime. When a changeover hits, you’ll handle set‑ups and fine‑tuning, document your work, and collaborate with Maintenance, Quality, Sanitation, and Production to deliver safe, high‑quality product on schedule.

Compensation & Logistics

• Pay: $20.00–$28.00 per hour, based on experience
• Schedule: All 3 shifts
• Position Type: Full-time, Non-Union
• Hours: Minimum 48 hours per week
• Weekend Work: Required
• Overtime: Required as needed
• Work Location: In person

What you’ll do

• Operate production machinery correctly and safely from start‑up to shut‑down.
• Continuously monitor equipment to spot issues early and prevent unplanned stops.
• Perform set‑ups, adjustments, start‑ups, shut‑downs, and changeovers.
• Troubleshoot basic mechanical faults and make minor repairs and adjustments to reduce downtime.
• Escalate to Maintenance for advanced diagnostics or repair needs.
• Execute basic scheduled and unscheduled maintenance; support the preventive maintenance program.
• Inspect for wear, leaks, damaged parts, and abnormal noises; correct or report promptly.
• Read and interpret equipment manuals, mechanical drawings, and schematics.
• Work directly with fillers, labelers, packers, conveyors, palletizers, and other production assets.
• Complete accurate production and maintenance records.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe equipment and work areas.
• Collaborate daily with Maintenance, Quality, Sanitation, and Production teams.
• Follow all safety, GMP, food safety, quality, and company requirements while meeting output goals.

Must-have qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Hands‑on experience with machine operation, mechanical work, manufacturing, or industrial equipment.
• Solid mechanical aptitude with basic troubleshooting ability.
• Proficiency using basic hand and power tools.
• Capability to identify equipment issues and perform minor fixes and adjustments.
• Ability to follow written and verbal directions.
• Reliable attendance and strong work ethic.
• Willingness to work weekends, overtime, and a minimum of 48 hours weekly.
• Comfort working safely around moving industrial machinery.

Preferred exposure

• Beverage, food, packaging, or industrial manufacturing environments.
• High‑speed fillers, labelers, packers, palletizers, conveyors, or similar systems.
• Equipment set‑up, adjustment, repair, or modification experience.
• Forklift or pallet jack operation.

Physical demands

• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Lift up to 50 pounds as needed.
• Bend, kneel, climb, push, and pull throughout the shift.
• Work near moving machinery, noise, and production materials.Operate in hot, cold, wet, or fast‑moving production areas.
• Wear all required PPE.

Who thrives here: Dependable, mechanically inclined, safety‑focused contributors who like to learn, solve problems, and know when to involve Maintenance for deeper troubleshooting.

Benefits

• 401(k) with company matching
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Overtime opportunities
• Clear opportunities for growth

Benefits may be subject to eligibility.

Core proficiencies

• Mechanical Troubleshooting Skills
• Maintenance and Repair Skills
• Equipment Diagnostics & Troubleshooting
• Mechanical Systems & Component Repair
• Equipment Repair & Maintenance
• Equipment Installation
• Machine Safety Inspections

Equal Opportunity Employer

Union Beverage Packers, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and professional workplace.