Beverage Packaging Equipment Operator-Mechanic

Union Beverage Production & 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 paid holidays

Overtime opportunities

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Union Beverage Packers seeks a mechanically inclined production operator in Hillside, NJ. You’ll operate high-speed beverage lines, perform set-ups and changeovers, monitor equipment, and document activity with Safety and Quality in mind.

You’ll collaborate daily with Maintenance, Quality, Sanitation, and Production teams to ensure on-time deliveries. Requirements include a high school diploma, hands-on experience with industrial equipment, and willingness to work weekends and overtime.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Hands-on experience with machine operation, mechanical work, manufacturing, or industrial equipment.
• Ability to follow written and verbal directions.
• Reliable attendance and strong work ethic.
• Comfort working around moving machinery.

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.
• 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.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Hand tools

Power tools

Reading instructions

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Forklift operation

Job description

About the roleEach 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 & logisticsPay: $20.00–$28.00 per hour, based on experienceSchedule: All 3 shiftsPosition Type: Full-time, Non-UnionHours: Minimum 48 hours per weekWeekend Work: RequiredOvertime: Required as neededWork Location: In personWhat you’ll doOperate 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 qualificationsHigh 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 exposureBeverage, 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 demandsStand 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 hereDependable, mechanically inclined, safety-focused contributors who like to learn, solve problems, and know when to involve Maintenance for deeper troubleshooting.Benefits401(k) with company matchingMedical, dental, and vision insuranceLife insurancePaid time off and paid holidaysOvertime opportunitiesClear opportunities for growthBenefits may be subject to eligibility.Core proficienciesMechanical Troubleshooting SkillsMaintenance and Repair SkillsEquipment Diagnostics & TroubleshootingMechanical Systems & Component RepairEquipment Repair & MaintenanceEquipment InstallationMachine Safety InspectionsEqual Opportunity EmployerUnion Beverage Packers, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and professional workplace.