Machine Operator

Compana Pet Brands; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

2nd shift pay differential

Employee referral program

Health insurance (medical, dental, vis

Life insurance & disability benefits

Retirement benefits

Employee assistance program

Pet insurance access

Job summary

Compana Pet Brands in Omaha, NE is hiring a Machine Operator for the 2nd shift (4 pm–2 am, Fridays as needed). You will operate and troubleshoot complex packaging machinery, perform changeovers, and support CI initiatives with maintenance and engineering teams.

You’ll read drawings, participate in trainings, and ensure product quality aligns with specifications. The role includes strong benefits and a focus on pet families.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience operating and maintaining complex production or packaging machinery in manufacturing.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, or control system issues.
• Experience leading small process improvement projects or training other operators is a plus.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of machine control logic (PLC, HMI, sensors, actuators) preferred.
• Effective communication in English, both verbal and written.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and adjust automated and semi-automated production machinery to ensure consistent product quality and output.
• Serve as the technical expert for assigned machines across mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and control systems.
• Diagnose and resolve equipment issues with maintenance and engineering teams.
• Perform and document changeovers, setups, and calibrations per SOPs.
• Lead or participate in root cause analysis and CI projects to improve uptime and reduce scrap.
• Provide on-the-floor training and guidance for other operators and new hires.
• Read and interpret mechanical drawings, schematics, and manuals for troubleshooting and repairs.
• Collaborate with Quality and Engineering to meet process specifications and product standards.

Skills

Machinery troubleshooting

PLC/HMI knowledge

Training others

Mechanical aptitude

English communication

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Title: Machine Operator

Location: Omaha, NE

Shift/Hours: 2nd shift 4 pm - 2 am, Fridays as needed

Compana Pet Brands is a global leader in pet care and nutrition dedicated to enriching the lives of pets and their families today and for generations to come. A career at Compana Pet Brands is more than just a job – it’s an opportunity to work with a team of diverse, creative pet lovers who understand that pets are part of the family and, just like family, they always come first! Just as each of our brands brings its own personality to our product portfolio, each Compana employee brings his or her own unique set of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds to our business.

A passion for pets drives us, our purpose unites us, striving for excellence energizes us, and a high performance defines us.

We are actively seeking a Machine Operator to join our growing organization and help us Nurture What You Love!

As our Machine Operator, you’ll make an impact by:

• Operating, monitoring, and adjusting automated and semi-automated production machinery to ensure consistent product quality and output.
• Serving as the technical expert for assigned machines — deeply understanding mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and control systems.
• Diagnosing and resolving complex equipment issues in partnership with maintenance and engineering teams.
• Performing and documenting changeovers, setups, and calibrations in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Leading or participating in root cause analysis and continuous improvement (CI) projects to enhance uptime, reduce scrap, and improve process efficiency.
• Providing on-the-floor technical training and guidance for other operators, technicians, and new hires.
• Reading and interpreting mechanical drawings, schematics, and technical manuals to support troubleshooting and repairs.
• Collaborating with Quality and Engineering to ensure process specifications and product standards are consistently met.

What you need to succeed:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2+ years of experience operating and maintaining complex production or packaging machinery in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, or control system issues.
• Experience leading small process improvement projects or training other operators a plus.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of machine control logic (PLC, HMI, sensors, actuators) preferred.
• Effectively communicate in English, in both verbal and written forms

What we have for you:

• A growing team making a difference in the lives of pets and pet families
• Great work/life balance with generous PTO, paid holidays and more!
• Differential pay for 2nd shift
• A generous Employee Referral program
• A comprehensive health insurance plan including medical, dental, vision as well as life insurance, long and short term disability benefits
• Retirement benefits
• Employee Assistance program to support you well being
• Opportunity to enroll in voluntary pet insurance and access to free 24/7 veterinary telehelp line.

Join our team and help transform the lives of millions of families every year, one pet at a time.

Disclaimer:

This description is representative only and is not exhaustive of the tasks this position may be required to perform.