Lead Production Equipment Operator - Food

Superior Skilled Trades; United States; On-site; USD 26,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, and life保险

Job summary

Superior Skilled Trades is seeking an experienced Production Equipment Operator for a direct-hire role in Hackettstown, NJ. The position oversees daily production line operations, operates industrial equipment, and leads a small team to maintain safety, quality, and efficiency.

The ideal candidate has hands-on equipment operation experience, strong mechanical aptitude, and the ability to train and manage 1–4 operators while ensuring GMP and food-safety standards are followed.

Qualifications

• Previous manufacturing or production experience required.
• Hands-on experience operating industrial production machinery or automated manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to lead, train, and coordinate a small team of production employees.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and basic troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English to complete production documentation and communicate safety instructions.
• Basic computer skills and ability to accurately maintain production records.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of workplace safety procedures and willingness to follow PPE and sanitation guidelines.
• Ability to reliably commute to Hackettstown, NJ.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coordinate, and support a team of approximately 1-4 production equipment operators.
• Operate, monitor, and adjust industrial production equipment to maintain efficient manufacturing operations.
• Utilize HMI screens and automated control systems to monitor equipment performance and production processes.
• Perform equipment startups, shutdowns, changeovers, and routine operational inspections.
• Monitor product quality and make necessary equipment adjustments to maintain established production standards.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and report mechanical or operational issues to supervisors and maintenance personnel.
• Ensure production employees follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and established production schedules.
• Train and assist team members with equipment operation, production procedures, and workplace safety requirements.
• Monitor production output, equipment downtime, and overall line efficiency.
• Maintain accurate production records, quality documentation, downtime reports, and operational logs.
• Ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), food safety regulations, sanitation procedures, and company safety policies.
• Identify and communicate product quality concerns, equipment malfunctions, and safety hazards.
• Coordinate with production supervisors, quality assurance, sanitation, and maintenance teams to minimize downtime.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe production areas.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to increase productivity, improve product quality, and reduce operational inefficiencies.
• Assist with equipment cleaning, inspections, and additional production duties as needed.

Skills

Team leadership

Manufacturing

Mechanical aptitude

HMI / automation

Quality awareness

Communication

Job description

Superior Skilled Trades is seeking an experienced Production Equipment Operator for a direct-hire role in Hackettstown, NJ. The position oversees daily production line operations, operates industrial equipment, and leads a small team to maintain safety, quality, and efficiency.

The ideal candidate has hands-on equipment operation experience, strong mechanical aptitude, and the ability to train and manage 1–4 operators while ensuring GMP and food-safety standards are followed.