Machine Operator (1st Shift)

freshexpress; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

freshexpress is seeking an experienced Packaging Operator to operate, repair and maintain form and seal packaging machines in a fast-paced food production setting.

You will set up machines, run production, inspect quality, complete logs, and follow daily schedules. The role requires ability to work overtime, lift up to 25 lbs, and thrive in a cold, noisy environment common in fresh-cut product lines.

Qualifications

• HS Diploma, GED, or Technical School.
• Ability to multi-task in fast-paced environment.
• Experience in food manufacturing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Program machines for size, weight, codes, and dates.
• Verify machine setup after sanitation and with scales.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area.
• Ensure products meet customer specifications.
• Record hourly production updates and logs.
• Complete required logs: dump, chemical, downtime, blade, staffing.
• Follow daily production schedule and handle changes.

Skills

Basic mechanical skills

Math skills

Ability to write routine reports

Operate measuring instruments

Stand for long shifts

Lift 25 lbs

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

HS Diploma, GED, or Technical School

Tools

PLC/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.