Machine Operator - 1st Shift

Perdue Farms; Georgetown (DE); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Perdue Foods in Georgetown, DE is seeking a Machine Operator to keep production moving by maintaining, servicing, and repairing production equipment and electrical systems. Your work directly supports product quality, equipment reliability, and daily output.

If you enjoy working with machinery, solving problems, and making a visible impact on the production floor, this role offers steady responsibility and a path to technical skills development.

Qualifications

• High School or equivalent.
• 2 - 4 years of experience.
• Reading, writing and analytical skills are required.
• Must always have personal tools and be able to use and operate hand tools and industrial shop equipment.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret equipment manuals, PM task sheets, and safety policies.
• Perform adjustments, repairs, and preventative maintenance.
• Handle emergency breakdowns in production and non-production hours under safety rules.
• Monitor equipment performance and report issues to supervisors.
• Maintain logbooks and calibrate machinery to performance standards.
• Provide hands-on coaching to junior mechanics and techs.
• Keep equipment clean during and after shifts.

Skills

Reading

Writing

Analytical skills

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Personal tools

Hand tools

Industrial shop equipment

Job description

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive.

Summary

This position is located in the Leg Debone Deparment. Be a key player in keeping production moving. As a Machine Operator, you’ll maintain, service, and perform repairs on production equipment and electrical systems to ensure smooth, safe, and efficient operations. Your hands on work directly supports product quality, equipment reliability, and daily production success. If you enjoy working with machinery, solving problems, and making a visible impact on the production floor, this role offers steady responsibility and the opportunity to build valuable technical skills.

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm. Weekends/Saturdays as business needs dictate.

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Read, interpret and understand manufacturers' equipment manuals, preventative (PM) task sheets and safety policies.
• Perform equipment adjustments and repairs, preventative maintenance and emergency breakdowns.
• Perform specific duties during both production and non-production hours in a timely manner with OSHA Lockout/Tagout and Company safety regulations.
• Monitor performance of equipment and informs maintenance and production supervisors of potential problems.
• Maintain logbooks by applying math skills through the equipment PM stages to calibrate machinery to performance standards.
• Provide "hands on" training and direction to lower-level mechanics and techs in properly servicing, repairing and maintaining the equipment operated by the Company.
• Keep equipment clean throughout the shift and deep clean after shift. (if applicable).

Minimum Education And Experience

• High School or equivalent.
• 2 - 4 years of experience.
• Reading, writing and analytical skills are required.
• Must always have personal tools and be able to use and operate hand tools and industrial shop equipment.

Physical Requirements And Environmental Factors

• Position is active.
• On the plant floor activities such as troubleshooting and re-design of existing systems are routine.
• May need to move equipment occasionally.
• May need to access files, supplies and equipment.
• Position requires an associate to have the ability to move throughout the complex and all facilities.

When In a Plant Environment

• Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which include metal and plastic grating surfaces.
• May be exposed to temperatures of 28 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with both ambient and 100% humidity.
• May handle products from 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
• May be exposed to noise ranges of 50 db to 110 db.
• May be exposed to all chemicals used in poultry, food, and a processing facility.
• Must wear and use protective and safety equipment required for the job as directed by the Company.

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.