Machine Operator I

Mesa Lab; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Machine Operator I to join their dynamic team in a high-energy manufacturing environment. This role involves operating critical machines for spore strip packaging and labeling, ensuring quality and safety standards are met. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in machine operation, a commitment to continuous improvement, and the ability to thrive in a collaborative team setting. With competitive wages, a comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth, this position is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the scientific community.

Benefits

Tiered Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

Health savings accounts (HSA)

401(k) plan with company match

Company paid life insurance

Three weeks of accrued vacation

Paid sick leave

Four weeks paid Care Giver leave

Employee Wellness Resources

Nine paid company holidays

Overtime opportunities

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required; machine operation experience preferred.
• Ability to operate spore strip packaging machine and follow SOPs.

Responsibilities

• Operate critical machines for spore strip packaging and labeling.
• Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and team accountability.

Skills

Communication proficiency

Mechanical/machinery skills

Technical capability

Performance/time management

Problem solving/analysis

Basic computer skills

Effective communication skills

Teamwork

Continuous improvement focus

Initiative and leadership

Education

High School diploma or GED

One or more years of machine operation experience

Experience in FDA regulated industry

Job description

Are you looking for an opportunity to make a difference? At Mesa Labs we’re passionate about protecting the vulnerable by enabling scientific breakthroughs, ensuring product integrity, increasing patient and worker safety, and improving quality of life around the world.

At Mesa Labs we offer competitive wages, including bonus opportunity, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Base Compensation Range: $21/ hour

This position is eligible for an annual 10% bonus opportunity in addition to the base salary.

Outstanding Benefits and Perks:
We are proud to offer a variety of benefits that meet the diverse needs of our employees:

• Eligible for benefits the first day of the month after you start.
• Tiered Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance options.
• Health savings (HSA), healthcare & dependent care flexible spending (FSA) accounts.
• Company paid short term and long-term disability (unless covered by a state disability plan).
• Company paid life insurance and AD&D.
• 3 weeks of accrued vacation time; accruals begin on Day 1.
• Paid sick leave of 48 hours per calendar year.
• Eligible employees may receive four (4) weeks paid Care Giver leave after 1 year of service or in accordance with state leave laws.
• 401(k) plan that provides a 4% Safe Harbor company match on a 4% employee contribution that begins on Day 1.
• Employee Wellness and Financial Assistance Resources through Cigna and NY Life.
• Nine (9) paid company holidays per year.
• Overtime opportunities.

Sterilization and Disinfection Control division manufactures and sells biological and chemical indicators that assess the effectiveness of sterilization and disinfection processes for pharmaceutical, healthcare, and dental industries.

Job Summary

This position is responsible for critical machine operations in Spore Strip Packaging. A Machine Operator I can operate at least one critical machine for spore strip packaging and labeling.

Duties/Responsibilities

Core duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT:

• Model personal Lean Philosophy 5S behaviors in creating a continuously improving, clean, well-organized and self-maintaining work environment.
• Work closely with team members and others to motivate and improve 5S knowledge and implementation.
• Follow a continuous improvement approach for team accountability for achieving high performance SQDCM (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, & Morale) targets through a visual work environment.
• Comply with company ethics, code of conduct, policies, and best practices, with a commitment to safety in the workplace, valuing of diversity, and promotion of a harassment-free environment.

PRODUCTION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ability to respond to production concerns and timelines.
• Ability to perform manual inspection and packaging activities.
• Ability to follow SOPs and provide continuous feedback.
• Ability to follow Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
• Comply with all safety and regulatory standards.
• Application of the Mesa Labs Quality Policy and active monitoring of product quality during manufacturing.

MACHINERY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ability to operate one spore strip packaging machine.
• Ability to support all inspection and packaging activities.
• Assist with troubleshooting machine performance issues.
• Work closely with Manager – Manufacturing to suggest and implement machinery improvements.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Experience/Education:

• High School diploma or GED, required.
• One or more years’ of machine operation experience, required.
• One or more years’ experience in a manufacturing environment, preferred.
• Experience in a Federal Drug Administration (FDA) regulated industry, preferred.
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge and Skillsets Required:

• Communication proficiency (written and oral).
• Mechanical/machinery skills.
• Technical capability.
• Performance/time management.
• Problem solving/analysis.
• Basic computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.
• Effective communication skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to focus on continuous improvement.
• Ability to take initiative and leadership on projects and tasks.
• Ability to meet deadlines.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand or sit for extended periods of time. If reasonable, requests regarding ergonomic concerns will be considered. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations may be made to perform the essential functions. Frequent lifting up to 50 pounds may be required.

Environmental Conditions:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This is a high-volume, high-energy manufacturing facility that works to meet manufacturing deadlines. An enthusiastic, positive attitude is highly encouraged and conducive to a productive successful atmosphere. Common sense judgments and problem solving is desirable. Must have the ability to handle repetitious and tedious job functions. A typical manufacturing environment and biological laboratory environment comprise the bulk of the work environment for this position. The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

Mesa Labs is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Mesa Labs prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment against applicants or employees based on age, race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, disability, military status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law. Please note that Mesa Labs conducts criminal background checks upon offer acceptance.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.