Machine Operator 4 (1st Shift)

Ajasianfoods; Illinois; On-site; Full time

Job summary

Ajinomoto Foods North America is seeking a Machine Operator 4 to join our team in Toluca, Illinois. You will be responsible for operating packaging machines, ensuring product quality, and adhering to safety regulations. If you are passionate about a fulfilling career in food manufacturing, we invite you to apply.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience with SOPs in food manufacturing helpful.
• Strong English communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Safely set up and operate packaging machines.
• Inspect and monitor packaged products for quality.
• Communicate with Team Leader regarding production issues.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Self-motivation

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Position Summary

About Ajinomoto:

Welcome to Ajinomoto Foods North America in Toluca, Illinois—a place where we’re not just leading the way in food manufacturing but also proudly embracing our role within this close-knit community. As our team rapidly expands, we’re dedicated to offering quality jobs that reflect our passion for community, collaboration, and a positive workplace culture. We’re looking for individuals who share our commitment to making a meaningful impact both within our plant and in the surrounding areas.

Ajinomoto Foods North America is a global leader in frozen foods, renowned for delivering nutritious and delicious meals to households everywhere. With a rich history of diverse ethnic brands, we’re on a mission to contribute to healthier lifestyles through our innovative and balanced Umami foods. Our commitment to excellence is evident not just in the quality of our products but in our dedication to our employees and our community.

Here in Toluca, our investment in expanding our facility and adding a new production line reflects our belief in growth and innovation. If you’re passionate about building a fulfilling career, being part of a great team, and helping to transform the way the world eats, we invite you to join us. Together, we can make a real difference—one meal at a time.

Job Description:

The Machine Operator 4 will be responsible for safely setting up and operating the packaging machines to ensure product is bagged in the correct packaging with the correct coding. The MO4 will use computer-controlled equipment to select, position, and secure automatic or semi-automatic machines. They are also responsible for ensuring all company quality specifications are met on the final packaged product. Essential functions include inspecting and monitoring packaged products and communicating issues with packaging equipment or product quality to the shift Team Leader or Manager.

Hourly rate for this position starts at $25.20/hr plus a $1/hr shift differential, with regular pay increases at 3, 6, and 12 months provided attendance and performance are in good standing.

Position Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Retrieve daily paperwork from the Production office and check the schedule for the product being produced.
• Retrieve correct film tubes from the warehouse and install into Hayssen machine, ensuring codes are correct and film is threaded properly.
• Make adjustments to the programming for proper codes, seals, alignment of bags, and weights.
• Periodically inspect bags and make adjustments if needed.
• Communicate with the relief person any situations that have or may impact production.
• Call maintenance if needed.
• Report all problems to the Team Lead and/or QA (if needed), including extraneous matter, broken or missing pieces from belts, mechanical problems, and film issues documented on the deviation form.

• Follow all safety guidelines, including:

• Lockout/Tagout
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
• Reporting unsafe conditions
• Immediately reporting any near miss, injury, or accident to Team Leader or Manager

• Direct packers on the assigned line to ensure proper product packaging according to company procedures.
• Ensure all preliminary machine setups and line adjustments are completed prior to scheduled start-up.
• Set machine controls/adjustments according to standards and specifications.
• Monitor packing equipment to ensure proper operation.
• Record packaging reports accurately, including downtime, HACCP, and SSOP documentation.
• Verify all codes on packaging materials and paperwork are correct.
• Ensure proper stacking and placement of finished cases on pallets.
• Transport completed pallets to the freezer with necessary paperwork.
• Communicate with relief personnel or during shift changes about production-impacting situations.
• Oversee training of new temporary workers per the Sorter-Packer training manual.
• Adhere to company quality standards and report excessive defect levels.
• Demonstrate knowledge of GMP and GSP practices.
• Report unsafe conditions or acts.
• Practice 5S and maintain cleanliness.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Follow GMP and GSP guidelines outlined by Ajinomoto.

Position Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience with SOPs in food manufacturing helpful.
• Strong English communication skills (reading, writing, speaking).
• Team-oriented, self-motivated, able to work independently.