Encapsulation Operator - Day Shift

Barleans; Ferndale (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Barlean’s Encapsulation Operator in Ferndale, WA, operates and maintains encapsulation equipment to produce soft gel capsules, including setup, cleaning, troubleshooting and material changeovers, while ensuring GMP compliance.

You will sort capsules, monitor drying equipment, prepare finished products for storage, and work on a 14‑day rotating schedule with 12.5‑hour day shifts from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM, collaborating closely with production staff.

Qualifications

• Must comply with GMP’s, GDP’s, Barlean’s SOP’s, and SQF regulations.
• Set up, operate, and inspect encapsulation equipment for production runs.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues and resolve capsule defects during runs.
• Perform equipment cleaning.
• Perform gel and fill material changeovers.
• Monitor drying equipment.
• Sort soft gel capsules to ensure quality standards are met.
• Prepare finished soft gel capsule boxes for storage or transfer.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and inspect encapsulation equipment for production runs.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues and resolve capsule defects during runs.
• Monitor drying equipment and adjust as needed.
• Sort capsules to ensure quality standards are met.
• Prepare finished soft gel capsule boxes for storage or transfer.
• Perform equipment cleaning and routine maintenance.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Follow GMP, GDP, SOP and SQF protocols.
• Assist with material changeovers as required.
• Report issues to team leader.

Skills

Communication skills

English proficiency

Math skills

Mechanical aptitude

Detail-oriented

Team collaboration

Stamina for standing

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Machine Operator experience preferred

Tools

Encapsulation equipment

Job description

Description

We are looking for a proactive, innovative team player to join our Encapsulation Team. This person must be able to operate equipment efficiently and effectively while adhering to the run schedule assigned by the team leader.

Work Schedule

- The Encapsulation Team operates on a predictable 14-day rotating schedule that balances weekday and weekend coverage across the team. Employees work 12.5-hour day shifts from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM, with 7 scheduled workdays during each two-week pay period.

Training details and the initial schedule will be reviewed during the interview process.

SUMMARY

The Encapsulation Operator operates and maintains encapsulation equipment to produce soft gel capsules, including setup, cleaning, troubleshooting, and material changeovers. The role also involves sorting capsules, monitoring drying equipment, and preparing finished product for storage or transfer, while ensuring compliance with GMP standards.

Requirements

• Ensure compliance with GMP’s, GDP’s, Barlean’s SOP’s, and SQF regulations.
• Set up, operate, and inspect encapsulation equipment for production runs
• Troubleshoot equipment issues and resolve capsule defects during runs
• Perform equipment cleaning
• Perform gel and fill material changeovers
• Monitor drying equipment
• Sort soft gel capsules as they come off the production line to ensure quality standards are met
• Prepare finished soft gel capsule boxes for storage or transfer
• Maintain a clean and organized work area
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to speak, understand and follow written and verbal instructions in English
• Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot equipment
• Detail-oriented with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Strong interpersonal skills for collaboration with production staff
• Ability to stand for extended periods during production runs
• Regularly use hands and fingers to handle, sort, and inspect soft gel capsules
• Frequently required to reach, bend, stoop, kneel, and move around production equipment
• Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds unassisted (e.g., moving materials and finished product cases)
• Ability to visually inspect capsules for quality, including color, shape, and defects
• Must be able to safely operate and monitor production and drying equipment

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Machine Operator experience preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Manufacturing environment within a dietary supplement facility
• Exposure to moving mechanical parts and production equipment
• Moderate noise levels consistent with manufacturing operations
• Required to follow all safety, GMP, and sanitation protocols, including use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

WHY JOIN US?

At Barlean’s, our motto is “Pathway to a Better Life.” We take that seriously for both our customers and our team members. When you join us, you’re supported by a comprehensive benefits package designed to promote your health, career growth, and overall well-being, including:

• Company-paid medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance
• Employer contributions to an HSA or HRA
• 401(k) with company match
• Tuition reimbursement to support your educational goals
• Paid time off and 9 paid holidays

At Barlean’s, you’re not just starting a job - you’re building a better future.