Machine Operator - Sticks & Squares - 1st Shift

Lindt & Sprüngli (USA) Inc.; Stratham (NH); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Starting pay $20/hr

Job summary

Lindt & Sprüngli (USA) Inc. is seeking a Machine Operator to manage daily setup and operation of manufacturing equipment. The role ensures adherence to safety and quality standards while supporting production goals on the line.

The position requires the ability to perform simple maintenance, monitor processes, and participate in root-cause analysis to minimize downtime. Candidates should be able to lift limits as needed and work rotating shifts.

Qualifications

• Ability to demonstrate strong operating knowledge of manufacturing equipment.
• Active participation in group discussions is expected.
• Basic written and effective communication skills.
• Technical skills related to machinery and ability to troubleshoot.
• High school diploma required.

Responsibilities

• Set up assigned machines to meet daily production goals.
• Coordinate product changeovers for line efficiency.
• Monitor machine and material flow to ensure quality and production standards; report issues promptly.
• Participate in 5 Why analysis to solve problems and minimize downtime.
• Assist with basic preventative maintenance to prevent downtime.
• Ensure quality and safety standards are met and enforce proper safety gear.

Skills

Machinery operation

Mechanical skills

Troubleshooting

Basic computer skills

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma

Tools

None

Job description

Who We Are At Lindt, we are a global fast-growing consumer goods company, enchanting the world with premium chocolate. We are driven by our passion for excellence and go the extra mile ensuring that every Lindt experience is nothing short of exceptional. Our collective efforts are geared towards making a positive impact, not only in the world of premium chocolate but also in the lives of our employees, customers, and communities. Our company embraces a culture defined by the core values of Excellence, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Responsibility, and Collaboration, fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment where these principles drive our success.

Position Purpose:

The individual in this position is responsible for the daily set-up and operation of manufacturing machines. In addition, this individual ensures that all L&S safety and quality standards are consistently met.

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities:

• Machinery Responsible for set-up of assigned machine(s) to ensure daily production goals are met.
• Responsible for coordination of product changeovers to maximize line efficiencies.
• Responsible for monitoring the machine and material running through machine to ensure product meets quality and production standards; report problems to line operator in a timely manner.
• Participate in 5 Why analysis to problem solve and ensure minimal down time.
• Assist with performing simple preventative maintenance tasks on machinery to prevent down time.
• Ensure quality and safety standards are met
• Responsible for visual inspection of materials and products used to ensure that L&S productivity and quality standards are met or exceeded; may be required to taste product as part of daily quality audits.
• Ensure all health and safety guidelines are followed; consistently report issues in a timely and accurate manner to the Line Operator.
• Follow proper lockout/tagout procedures.
• Using 5S methodology ensures equipment and surrounding area is maintained in a clean and orderly fashion.
• Required to use proper safety gear when performing assigned tasks.

Administrative duties

• Monitor and record production run quantities, job orders, product and wrapping materials used, pallet tags, waste and machinery down times on the work order and directly in the computer system.
• Establish and communicate material stocks availability to meet daily production requirements.
• In partnership with Facilities, responsible for establishing and maintaining accurate record keeping logs that will communicate downtime, resolutions and preventive maintenance conducted on machine.
• Maintain accurate machine logs to identify efficiencies, trends, benchmark problems, issues and resolutions.
• Communicate consistent issues to the supervisor in a timely manner.
• Attend daily and weekly technical meetings to report and discuss productivity and safety issues, participate in identifying resolutions to problems and making recommendations to management.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Education: The ability to demonstrate strong operating knowledge of manufacturing equipment Basis mechanical skills Actively participate in group discussions Skills & Knowledge: Basic Computer Skills (windows-based software) Basic written and effective communication skills Ability to take direction and execute in a fast-paced environment Technical skills as it relates to machinery, and ability to troubleshoot Understand Total Productive Management to include Autonomous Management, Preventative Maintenance & Safety and be able to perform basic maintenance on the machine to include inspection, lubrication, and basic repair. Education: High school diploma

Other Requirements: Regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 40 pounds, occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds Ability to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch and reach with arms Demonstrated hand/eye coordination Flexibility to meet rotational shift changes, as required Weekend work, as required

Total Rewards:

Compensation Range: Starting pay $20.00 per hour

Applicants for this position must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. The company will not sponsor applicants for this position for work visas.

Lindt and Sprüngli is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, veteran status, or any other classification protected by state, local or federal law.

Applicants for this position must successfully pass a background screening and may be required to pass drug screenings as well.

Together, we thrive to achieve our bold ambitions, powered by our purpose and unique culture of community and mutual support – rooted in a proud tradition, yet always evolving to stay ahead and set new standards. Across our diverse local teams, we think globally and act locally – empowering people to grow, take ownership and shape a sustainable future together. We are a responsible “employer of choice” who provides an inspiring people experience. Together, we build trust, drive innovation, and grow – as individuals and as a business.

Lindt & Sprüngli has been enchanting the world with chocolate for over 180 years. The long-established Swiss company with its roots in Zurich is a global leader in the premium chocolate category. Lindt & Sprüngli produces quality chocolates today at its 12 factories in Europe and the USA. Its products are sold by 41 subsidiaries and branch offices in around 620 of its own stores as well as via a network of around 100 distributors around the globe. With around 15,500 employees, the Lindt & Sprüngli Group reported sales of CHF 5.92 billion in 2025. Our commitment to contributing to a sustainable tomorrow is a key element driving the company’s actions and ambitions. Since 2008, the Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program has been our Responsible Sourcing Standard for cocoa.