Machine Operator (1st Shift)

Fresh Express Salads; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Fresh Express Salads is seeking a dedicated operator for packaging line maintenance and machine operation in Harrisburg, PA. The role includes setup, routine maintenance, and quality checks to ensure product integrity in a fast-paced environment.

Ideal candidates have a high school diploma and mechanical aptitude, with basic math skills and the ability to produce routine reports. Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus; physical stamina is required for long shifts in cold conditions.

Qualifications

• Mechanical aptitude and basic math skills are required.
• Ability to prepare and interpret routine reports.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Willingness to work in a cold, wet environment and stand for long periods.

Responsibilities

• Operate, repair and perform general maintenance on form and seal packaging machines.
• Set up machines for proper size, weight, codes and dates.
• Run quality checks and document results (logs, codes, dates).
• Follow daily production schedule and report hourly updates.
• Maintain a clean, safe work area and comply with sanitation rules.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Math skills

Report writing

Bilingual English/Spanish

Communication

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma

Tools

PLC knowledge

Electronics knowledge

Job description

Job Summary

The incumbent will operate, repair and perform general maintenance on form and seal packaging machines.

Job Essential Functions

• Responsible for programming machines using keyboard and terminal for the proper size, weight, codes and dates for each bag produced and run.
• Verify set up of machine; verify that the machine has been properly put back together from sanitation crew along with scales and their proper function.
• Maintain a clean and organized working environment.
• Ensure that the products are safe and meet the customer specifications.
• Communicate quality issues of raw product or finished goods to the appropriate personnel.
• Responsible for machine set-up, general machine operation and changeovers.
• Responsible for the completion of all paperwork including, but not limited to, dump logs, chemical logs, downtime logs, blade inspection sheets and line staffing sheets.
• Follow and complete the daily production schedule, including changes that may occur during the course of the day.
• Report and record hourly production updates.
• Responsible to perform the following product quality checks:
  • percent oxygen testing (salad plant only)
  • cut quality and blend ratio evaluation
  • total volume testing (salad plant only)
  • package weight monitoring
  • seal integrity (leakers testing)
  • finished package temperature monitoring
  • code date verification
  • bar code readability verification
  • documentation of all results and actions
• Perform other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications/Skills

• The incumbent must be able to work 6 consecutive days, overtime, and weekends as necessary.
• Basic mechanical and math skills.
• Posses the ability to write routine reports.
• Be capable of meeting all required testing frequencies (detailed, fast-paced work).
• Be capable of operating measuring instruments, such as the weight scale and thermometer.
• Be capable of performing basic math calculations and use a calculator.
• Able to lift 25lbs.
• Stand for the duration of the shift (8 hours or more).
• Bend continuously throughout the shift.
• Able to work in a noisy, wet and cold environment of approximately 36 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Able to stand and walk for extended period of time.
• Able to reach with hands and arms to check product.

Other Desired Qualifications/Skills

• Bagger operation experience.
• Bilingual English/Spanish.
• Some PLC/Electronics knowledge.
• HS Diploma, GED, or Technical School.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast pace environment.
• Experience meeting or exceeding high production expectations.
• Food industry experience.
• Manufacturing experience.
• Past experience working in a cold environment.
• Self-motivated individual who requires minimal supervision and direction.