Machine Operator

Freshpack; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KPI bonus potential

Health, dental, vision insurance

Referral program

401(k) program

Pay for Performance

Weekly pay (Friday)

Job summary

Freshpack in Wisconsin is seeking a Machine Operator to join our team. The role focuses on meeting or exceeding production schedules by operating, setting up, adjusting, and troubleshooting packaging equipment, while maintaining safety and product quality.

You will monitor line performance, complete production logs, support line changes, and train new staff. The position offers a 10-hour shift schedule, overtime, and benefits including KPI bonuses and health coverage.

Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing, food production, packaging or machine operation 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 meet 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 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.

Job description

Description

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!