Machine Operator - Vertical Form Fill & Seal

Qualified Staffing; Courtland (VA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Qualified Staffing is hiring a VFFS Machine Operator for a direct-hire role at a food manufacturing facility in Courtland, VA. You will set up, operate, monitor, and troubleshoot vertical form fill & seal packaging equipment to produce snack products.

Responsibilities include load film, configure machines, perform changeovers, verify weights and codes, complete quality checks, and maintain clean, safe work areas while adhering to GMP/HACCP standards.

Qualifications

• Experience with vertical form fill and seal packaging equipment is preferred.
• Ability to perform basic troubleshooting and machine adjustments.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to food safety.

Responsibilities

• Set up, start, and operate vertical form fill and seal packaging equipment to produce pouch products.
• Load packaging film and configure equipment for different products, bag sizes, and production needs.
• Perform changeovers and adjust machines between productions runs.
• Monitor fill weights, seal integrity, dates, lot codes, and overall product quality.
• Troubleshoot common equipment issues and perform minor repairs to minimize downtime.
• Record production data and maintain GMP/HACCP compliance.

Skills

VFFS packaging

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Attention to detail

Safety-conscious

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

VFFS equipment

Job description

Location: Courtland, VA

Pay: $20-$25/hour, Based on Experience

Schedule: Full-Time | Shift Schedule Varies

Employment Type: Direct Hire

Now Hiring a VFFS Machine Operator!

Qualified Staffing is seeking an experienced Machine Operator - Vertical Form Fill & Seal (VFFS) for a direct-hire opportunity with a food manufacturing and packaging operation in Courtland, VA. This position is responsible for setting up, operating, monitoring, and troubleshooting automated pouch-bagging equipment used to package nut and snack products.

What You'll Do

• Set up, start, and operate vertical form fill and seal (VFFS) packaging equipment to produce finished pouch products according to specifications.
• Load packaging film and configure equipment for different products, bag sizes, weights, and production requirements.
• Complete equipment changeovers and make necessary machine adjustments between production runs.
• Monitor fill weights, seal integrity, date and lot codes, bag appearance, and overall finished-product quality.
• Troubleshoot common equipment issues involving film tracking, seal jaws, weighers, product flow, jams, and other machine functions.
• Perform minor mechanical adjustments and basic repairs to minimize production downtime.
• Conduct and document pre-operational, in-process, and quality checks according to established food safety and production procedures.
• Verify labels, lot codes, packaging materials, and finished products against work orders and specifications.
• Complete routine cleaning, sanitation, and preventive maintenance activities on assigned machinery.
• Accurately record production quantities, downtime, waste, quality checks, and other required information.
• Follow GMP, HACCP, SQF, allergen-control, food safety, and workplace safety procedures.
• Communicate equipment problems, quality concerns, material issues, and production delays to leadership.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe production area.
• Work collaboratively with production, quality, maintenance, and warehouse teams to meet daily production goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What We're Looking For

• Previous machine operation experience in packaging, food production, manufacturing, or a similar production environment preferred.
• Experience with VFFS, form-fill-seal, pouch packaging, bagging, or automated packaging equipment is highly preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to perform basic troubleshooting and machine adjustments.
• Ability to understand machine settings and recognize when equipment is not operating correctly.
• Knowledge of GMP, HACCP, SQF, food safety, or allergen-control practices is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail, particularly when monitoring product weights, seals, labels, and lot codes.
• Ability to accurately complete production and quality documentation.
• Dependable, safety-conscious, and comfortable working in a fast-paced production environment.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a production team.
• High school diploma or GED preferred.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds as required.
• Comfortable performing repetitive production and material-handling tasks.
• Ability to safely work around automated machinery and moving equipment.
• Comfortable working in a food production environment where temperatures may vary.
• Ability to wear required PPE and follow sanitation and food safety requirements.

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