Machine Operator

Sterling Foods; Azusa (CA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling Foods in Azusa, California, is looking for a dedicated Machine Operator to maintain production lines. This entry-level role involves operating various machines, adhering to strict food safety standards, and ensuring efficient workflow.

The ideal candidate will have mechanical skills, a good attitude, and the ability to work overtime and weekends as needed. Join Sterling Foods and be part of a team dedicated to quality and safety in food processing.

Qualifications

• Entry-level position requiring good mechanical and communication skills.
• Must be a motivated self-starter and a flexible team player.
• Knowledge of safety and food safety processes is crucial.

Responsibilities

• Set up and adjust machines to maintain efficient operation.
• Conduct pre-operational inspections and report issues.
• Train and coach new and existing employees on set practices.

Skills

Mechanical skills

Communication skills

Writing ability

Flexibility to work on weekends

Teamwork

Ability to take direction

Knowledge of basic machines

Knowledge of Safety processes

Knowledge of Food Safety

Tools

Bosch Lines

Metal Detectors

Tape machines

Job description

Under direct supervision this position is responsible for maintaining a variety of machines servicing each production line. The Machine Operator must be cross functional in Food Safety to be able to perform in any area needed in the plant. This is an entry level position.

DUTIES

• Set up machine
• Make necessary adjustment to avoid down time
• Thread appropriate film
• Maintain corrective down time log
• Various machines involving packing of product
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-speed environment, follow standardized work, and adhere to safety, and food safety practices in a continuous improvement environment
• Ability to work overtime
• Train new employees and coach existing employees
• Ensure the safety and productivity of all employees assigned to the work area
• Enforce all safety, food safety, and packaging procedures
• Coordinate morning stretches/warm-ups with designated crew
• Be clear about expectations for quality, accuracy, timeliness, and work expected from the staff assigned to the work area
• Maintain a clean and safe workplace throughout the shift
• Refer to the production schedule for the shift to determine the products being run and in what sequence
• Be on time at the workstation
• Set up the machine (es) for the product being run
• Verify the cleanliness of the equipment. Report any findings to the lead, or QA if necessary
• Perform the pre-operational inspection before commencing production. Report any equipment failures, safety, and/or food safety risks to the lead, QA, and/or supervisor
• Obtain any other auxiliary equipment and/or materials needed (tables, conveyors, trash cans, towels, carts, catch trays, wood pallets, slip sheets, etc.)
• Ensure that the master cases and the film have been pre-staged and that are correct. Refer to packing spec sheets to validate
• Run some units through the flow wrapper to ensure that the equipment is working properly Report any equipment failure to the lead and/or supervisor
• Verify first units of product (film size, seal integrity, MD-encoder information)
• Verify the master case label for accuracy. Compare against the packing spec sheets for accuracy
• Run a master case through the tape machine to verify code date accuracy
• Take/record packing weights during start-up and throughout the shift
• Coordinate the designated crew to take their positions to start the line
• Perform CCP checks throughout the shift
• Report any CCP deviations to the line lead and QA
• Coordinate the designated crew to take their positions to start the line
• Monitor units packed/min and cases packed/hr, record the information, and report inefficiencies or operational problems to the line lead, and/or supervisor
• Distribute the documentation for the scheduled run to the assigned staff (e.g. palletizer, material handler, backup machine operator, etc.) and monitor all the data being captured throughout the shift
• Ask for any material needed in advance to the material handler and/or lead. Keep communicating the needs throughout the shift
• Coordinate breaks and lunches with packing lead
• Operate and monitor multiple pieces of equipment during operation to ensure quality production and minimal unplanned stops
• Keep constant communication with the staff to attain cases scheduled/hr. Report any issues to the lead and/or supervisor
• Change film (s) when necessary
• Fill out production documentation throughout the shift
• Maintain a clean work area throughout the shift by coordinating with designated staff.
• Coordinate the designated staff during DT (e.g. cleaning, trash removal, breaks, and lunches to other lines and/or their own, pan cleaning, etc.)
• Communicate with the lead and/or supervisor about incoming shift production (s)
• Assemble, disassemble, and wash equipment when necessary (e.g. changeovers, shift change, etc.)
• Communicate and perform a shift hand-off with the incoming machine operator.
• Review shift documentation for accuracy and submit it once verified to QA and/or Line Lead at the end of the shift
• Delegate work assignments to the staff in your area throughout the shift
• Perform related duties as assigned or as the situation dictates
• Other tasks assigned by management outside the scope of regular duties

Equipment Used

• Bosch Lines
• Metal Detectors
• Tape machines

Qualifications

• Good mechanical skills
• Good communication skills
• Writing ability
• Must be flexible to work on weekend
• Motivated self-starter
• Proven ability to work within a team environment
• Able to take direction from more than one supervisor
• Knowledge of basic machines
• Knowledge of Safety processes
• Knowledge of Food Safety Good attitude
• Good team player