Machine Operator

Freshpack; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 19,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly KPI bonus potential up to $1.00

Medical, dental, vision

Company-provided life insurance

Pay for Performance program

Get paid every Friday

Job summary

Freshpack, a custom cheese packaging company, is hiring a Machine Operator to drive production efficiency and safety. The role supports a new Pay for Performance program and requires training employees on equipment operation and safety procedures.

The position emphasizes meeting scheduling goals, teamwork, and maintaining quality standards while working in a cold production environment. Fridays pay and career growth opportunities are highlighted.

Qualifications

• Previous manufacturing, food production, packaging, machine operation, or production experience preferred.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to learn equipment setup, operation, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to read and interpret production schedules, work instructions, and product specifications.
• Basic math and computer skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to food safety, quality, and workplace safety.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with team members and supervisors.
• Ability to train and assist employees in proper work procedures and equipment operation.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and adapt to changing production needs.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate, set up, adjust, and troubleshoot packaging equipment to maintain efficient production.
• Monitor product quality and ensure finished products meets customer specifications and company standards.
• Follow all food safety, quality, GMP, and safety requirements.
• Complete required production documentation, including downtime tracking, production records, and other operational logs.
• Track and report usage of packaging materials and other production supplies.
• Identify equipment, quality, or process issues and communicate concerns to the appropriate personnel.
• Assist with line changeovers, product startups, and new product trials.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, and operational performance.
• Train and assist new employees, transferred employees, and cross-trained employees on equipment operation, work instructions, and safety requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and food-safe work area.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Reading production schedules

Bilingual English/Spanish

Job description

Description

Are you looking to drive your income? Come join our quality team that offers a NEW Pay for Performance program! By learning and efficiently performing the duties listed in each level below, you can receive increases to your pay.

We have openings for a Machine Operator to join our team. The general goal of this position is to fulfill or exceed scheduling expectations. This will be achieved by ensuring a safe working environment, building teamwork, increasing productivity, and increasing employee morale to efficiently run all production orders. This job will require a good understanding of basic planning and monitoring of inventories and progress on the line. You will be expected to train employees in activities related to your success.

Freshpack is a custom cheese packaging company that develops and innovates cheese products and packaging. Our products can be found in all 50 states and in most major retailers. Over the past 25 years, our team has grown from 15 to 290+ employees. It is an exciting time to join our team, as we are poised for substantial growth over the next 3-5 years.

Responsibilities

• Operate, set up, adjust, and troubleshoot packaging equipment to maintain efficient production.
• Monitor product quality and ensure finished products meets customer specifications and company standards.
• Follow all food safety, quality, GMP, and safety requirements.
• Complete required production documentation, including downtime tracking, production records, and other operational logs.
• Track and report usage of packaging materials and other production supplies.
• Identify equipment, quality, or process issues and communicate concerns to the appropriate personnel.
• Assist with line changeovers, product startups, and new product trials.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, and operational performance.
• Train and assist new employees, transferred employees, and cross-trained employees on equipment operation, work instructions, and safety requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and food-safe work area.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Previous manufacturing, food production, packaging, machine operation, or production experience preferred.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to learn equipment setup, operation, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to read and interpret production schedules, work instructions, and product specifications.
• Basic math and computer skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to food safety, quality, and workplace safety.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with team members and supervisors.
• Ability to train and assist employees in proper work procedures and equipment operation.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and adapt to changing production needs.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during a 10-hour shift.
• Ability to frequently bend, squat, twist, reach, and perform repetitive motions.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to work in cold environments (33-65 degrees F).
• Ability to safely operate production equipment and work around moving machinery.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hairnets, beard nets, gloves, hearing protection, and other required equipment.
• Ability to visually inspect products, packaging materials, and equipment for quality and safety concerns.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Shift

• Days: 5:00am-3:30pm Mon - Thu (some overtime required on Fridays)

Benefits

• Weekly KPI bonus potential (up to $1.00/hour)
• Medical, dental, vision, company-provided life insurance & more!
• Referral program
• 401(k) program
• Pay for Performance program
• Get paid every Friday!