Machine Operator Trainee - Mozzarella Packaging - 3rd shift

Lactalis USA; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Lactalis USA is seeking a Machine Operator Trainee based in Buffalo, New York. This role covers the 3rd shift with weekend work required and focuses on operation and maintenance of the mozzarella packaging system.

Qualifications include a High School Diploma or GED and mechanical aptitude; prior food manufacturing experience is preferred, with on-the-job training and growth opportunities offered by a global dairy leader.

Qualifications

• Must be mechanically inclined and able to troubleshoot equipment.
• Basic computer knowledge for line monitoring and data entry.
• Previous food manufacturing experience preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain mozzarella packaging systems on 3rd shift.
• Set up packaging machine and line for product runs.
• Monitor machine performance and resolve mechanical issues promptly.
• Perform changeovers and preventative maintenance as scheduled.
• Maintain clean, organized work area and communicate with team.

Skills

Mechanical inclination

Computer knowledge

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Job description

Ready for more than just a job? Build a career with purpose.

At Lactalis in the USA, we're committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our people to learn, grow, and thrive-whether you're just starting your journey with us or looking to take the next step in your career. From day one, we offer the tools and support to help you succeed.

As the world leader in dairy, Lactalis is a family‑owned company with over 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals across the globe. Each day, we’re proud to produce award‑winning dairy products that bring people together.

In the US, we proudly offer an unrivaled house of beloved brands, including Galbani Italian cheeses and ricotta, President specialty cheeses and butters, Kraft natural and grated cheeses, Breakstone’s cottage cheese, Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond cheddar, and Parmalat milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi’s, Stonyfield Organic, Brown Cow, Oui, Yoplait, Go-Gurt, :ratio, Green Mountain Creamery, and Mountain High, along with a growing family of ethnic favorites like Karoun, Gopi, and Arz.

At Lactalis, we live by our core values‑Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity. We foster a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone’s unique background and ideas are valued.

Even if you don’t meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We want to hear about your PASSION, your STORY, and how your EXPERTISE can help us shape the future of dairy.

From your PASSION to ours:

Machine Operator Trainee based in Buffalo, New York.

3rd shift - weekend work is required.

Summary:

Responsible for operation and maintenance of the mozzarella packaging machine system.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• 1. Perform pre-shift operational inspection to determine condition of packaging machine.
• 2. Set up packaging machine and packaging line for product to be run.
• 3. Monitors packaging machine during line operation to ensure proper operation.
• 4. Troubleshoots and resolve operational /mechanical problems in a timely basis to ensure an efficient,
• smooth flow of product.
• 5. Changes forming and non-forming film in a timely fashion to ensure a continuous, efficient flow of product.
• 6. Performs changeover(s) as needed.
• 7. Performs preventative maintenance on a daily/weekly schedule as required.
• 8. Maintains an open line of communication with casepack operators, palletizer, feeders, brine attendants, and
• Supervisor.
• 9. Continuously monitors for abnormalities or inconsistencies in the texture, shape, color, or odor of the cheese.
• 10. Continuously monitors for foreign material in or on the product, proper code and legibility of product to be packaged and of the carton.
• 11. Continuously monitors for abnormalities or inconsistencies in the print quality and construction of shipper cartons.
• 12. Ensure cartons are sealed to specification.
• 13. Continuously monitors for a proper seal and vacuum of packages being run
• 14. Ensure proper weight ticket information.
• 15. Ensure proper nutrition labels are in each pocket where required.
• 16. Always keeps work area neat and clean.

Requirements

Qualifications and/or Experience:

• Previous food manufacturing experience preferred.
• Must be mechanically inclined.
• Computer knowledge helpful.

Education:

• High School Diploma/GED

At Lactalis, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generously to retirement plans, and offer Paid Time Off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement. Join us and grow your career.

Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities. Further, any division of the Company that is an Affiliation Action Employer will comply with all related legal obligations.

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