Breakout Operator - 3rd Shift

PL Developments; Piedmont (SC); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental benefits

401K with employer match

Paid time off and holidays

Tuition assistance

Job summary

PL Developments is seeking a Breakout Operator to support multiple production lines and equipment across the facility. This role covers breaks, lunches, and absences, ensuring continuous operation with strong mechanical aptitude and strict adherence to safety and quality standards.

The successful candidate will troubleshoot equipment, maintain production flow, and document performance and quality checks with minimal supervision.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience operating production equipment in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to operate and troubleshoot multiple types of production machinery.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of machine operation, setup, adjustments, and basic troubleshooting techniques.
• Proven ability to maintain accurate production records and documentation with a high degree of attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Operate a variety of production machinery and equipment in accordance with established standard operating procedures.
• Provide coverage across multiple production lines and work centers during breaks, lunches, absences, vacations, and other operational needs to ensure uninterrupted production.
• Ensure machines are set up correctly and parameters are within specified tolerances.
• Monitor production processes and machine performance to achieve safety, quality, efficiency, and production goals.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve routine equipment or process issues to minimize downtime and maximize line performance.
• Conduct visual inspections of products to detect defects or irregularities and report non-conforming products.
• Perform routine maintenance tasks on machinery such as cleaning, lubricating, and minor repairs.
• Keep accurate records of production activities, including machine downtime, production output, and quality control checks.

Skills

Production equipment operation

Troubleshooting

Reading technical manuals

Quality and safety mindset

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Forklifts

Pallet jacks

Axon sleeve machines

Dynac accumulation systems

Job description

PL Developments, also known as PLD, is a leading manufacturer, packager, and distributor of over-the-counter (OTC) pharmaceutical products and consumer healthcare goods.

Summary

The Breakout Operator is a highly skilled, cross-trained production professional responsible for ensuring the continuous operation of multiple production lines and equipment throughout the facility. This role provides coverage during employee breaks, lunches, absences, and production needs by safely and effectively operating a wide range of production machinery. Due to the extensive knowledge required across several manufacturing processes and equipment platforms, this position serves as a critical resource in maintaining productivity, quality standards, and operational efficiency. The Breakout Operator must be able to quickly transition between production areas, troubleshoot equipment issues, maintain production flow, and support line performance with minimal supervision. Success in this role requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, adaptability, and a thorough understanding of production operations.

Work Schedule: Sunday - Thursday 10 pm - 6:30 am

Competitive Pay, including shift differential premiums

Job Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience operating production equipment in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to operate and troubleshoot multiple types of production machinery.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of machine operation, setup, adjustments, and basic troubleshooting techniques.
• Proven ability to maintain accurate production records and documentation with a high degree of attention to detail.
• Experience operating electric forklifts and pallet jacks.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow technical manuals, work instructions, and standard operating procedures.
• Strong quality and safety mindset.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing production priorities and operate in multiple work areas.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.

Position Responsibilities

• Operate a variety of production machinery and equipment in accordance with established standard operating procedures, including but not limited to fillers, cappers, cap hopper conveyor systems, Axon sleeve machines, Dynac accumulation systems, labelers, bottle coders, bottle hoppers, bottle orienters/unscramblers, induction sealers, steam and heat tunnels, case erectors, case packers, PakTech neck clip applicators, box sealers, palletizers, and robotic stacking systems.
• Provide coverage across multiple production lines and work centers during breaks, lunches, absences, vacations, and other operational needs to ensure uninterrupted production.
• Ensure that machines are set up correctly, and parameters are within specified tolerances.
• Monitor production processes and machine performance to achieve safety, quality, efficiency, and production goals.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve routine equipment or process issues to minimize downtime and maximize line performance.
• Conduct visual inspections of products to detect defects or irregularities. Follow quality control procedures and report any non-conforming products to supervisors.
• Perform routine maintenance tasks on machinery, such as cleaning, lubricating, and minor repairs, to ensure optimal performance. Report any equipment malfunctions or maintenance needs to the maintenance team.
• Keep accurate records of production activities, including machine downtime, production output, and quality control checks. Complete production reports and communicate any issues or concerns to supervisors.
• Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), company policies, safety procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and immediately report unsafe conditions, incidents, or near misses.
• Work safely around production equipment, moving machinery, and chemical substances, including alcohol and peroxide solutions.
• Provide coverage for machine operators during their breaks and lunches to ensure continuous operation of production lines.
• Crosstrain and maintain proficiency on multiple equipment platforms and production processes throughout the facility.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, and waste reduction.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout a 8-hour shift.
• Ability to frequently bend, reach, twist, stoop, push, and pull.
• Ability to regularly lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds throughout the shift.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, dust, temperature fluctuations, and moving machinery.
• Ability to safely operate material handling equipment, including electric pallet jacks and forklifts.
• Ability to work around chemical substances commonly used in manufacturing processes, including alcohol and peroxide solutions.
• Ability to wear required PPE, including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, hairnets, beard nets, and safety footwear.

Benefits

PLD is a proud equal opportunity employer offering many corporate benefits, including:

• Medical and Dental Benefits
• Vision
• 401K with employer match
• Group Life Insurance
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Tuition Assistance
• Corporate Discount Program
• Opportunities to Flourish Within the Company

PL Developments is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

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