Operations & Equipment Specialist

Michigan Bread; Taylor (MI); On-site; USD 28,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan Bread Company is seeking an Operations & Equipment Specialist to operate and optimize high-speed bakery equipment. You will manage start-up, changeovers, and monitoring to meet quality and production targets, while advancing through a structured certification program.

Ideal candidates bring mechanical aptitude and reliability, with a willingness to learn multiple production systems and participate in ongoing improvement initiatives in a hands-on manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Mechanical aptitude required.
• Manufacturing experience preferred but not required.
• Ability to learn multiple production systems.
• Strong attendance and reliability.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate high-speed production and packaging equipment.
• Perform product changeovers and adjust machine settings.
• Monitor machine performance and ensure quality and production goals.
• Troubleshoot basic equipment issues and escalate maintenance as needed.
• Participate in the Michigan Bread Company Certification Program and continuous improvement projects.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Learning ability

Teamwork

Reliability

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Position SummaryThe Operations & Equipment Specialist is responsible for operating, mastering, troubleshooting, and continuously improving high-speed manufacturing and packaging equipment throughout the bakery.This position is designed for individuals who enjoy working with machinery, solving problems, learning complex production systems, and building a long-term career in manufacturing. Operations & Equipment Specialists are expected to become equipment experts within their department while progressing through Michigan Bread Company’s certification program.This is not a traditional machine operator position. It is a skilled manufacturing career with defined certification levels, pay progression, and opportunities to advance into leadership.Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesEquipment OperationSafely operate high-speed production and packaging equipment.Start up, shut down, monitor, and operate assigned production lines.Maintain product quality while meeting production goals.Monitor machine performance and production flow.Operate multiple equipment types as certification levels increase.Machine Setup & ChangeoversPerform product changeovers.Install and remove change parts.Adjust machine settings for various products.Verify equipment is operating within established specifications.Prepare equipment for sanitation and production startup.TroubleshootingIdentify production and equipment issues quickly.Perform basic operational troubleshooting.Escalate maintenance concerns appropriately.Assist with minimizing downtime and increasing equipment reliability.Support continuous improvement initiatives.Quality & Food SafetyFollow all GMP, SQF, HACCP, food safety, and sanitation requirements.Perform quality inspections throughout production.Complete required production documentation accurately.Ensure products meet all customer specifications.Operational ExcellenceReduce waste through proper equipment operation.Improve production efficiency.Maintain organized and clean work areas.Participate in continuous improvement projects.Demonstrate ownership of assigned equipment.Certification ProgramAll Operations & Equipment Specialists participate in the Michigan Bread Company Certification Program.Advancement and compensation are based on demonstrated competency—not tenure alone.Career Progression:Operator I ($20–23/hr)Department Certified Operator ($24–28/hr)Senior Operations & Equipment Specialist ($29–31/hr)Operations & Equipment Master Specialist ($32–34/hr)Lead OperatorSupervisorProduction ManagerOperations LeadershipMinimum QualificationsHigh school diploma or GED preferred.Mechanical aptitude required.Manufacturing experience preferred but not required.Ability to learn multiple production systems.Strong attendance and reliability.Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.Ability to read and follow work instructions.Basic math and problem-solving skills.Willingness to cross-train and learn multiple departments.Preferred BackgroundIdeal candidates may come from:Automotive manufacturingFood manufacturingSkilled tradesVocational or technical schoolsFarm or agricultural operationsMilitary experienceWarehouse and distribution operationsMechanical or maintenance backgroundsNo bakery experience is required. We will train individuals with strong mechanical aptitude and a desire to learn.Knowledge, Skills & AbilitiesTechnical SkillsMechanical aptitudeEquipment operationMachine adjustmentsChangeoversBasic troubleshootingProduction documentationProcess improvementEquipment inspectionsSoft SkillsTeamworkCommunicationAccountabilityAttention to detailAdaptabilityContinuous learningLeadership potentialTime managementPhysical RequirementsAbility to stand and walk for extended periods.Frequently lift up to 50 pounds.Bend, stoop, reach, twist, and climb stairs.Work in hot, cold, noisy, and fast-paced production environments.Wear required PPE at all times.Success MeasuresSuccessful Operations & Equipment Specialists consistently demonstrate:Safe work practicesHigh-quality productionEquipment ownershipAttendance and reliabilityLow waste and downtimeAccurate documentationContinuous learningPositive teamworkSuccessful completion of certification levelsCareer DevelopmentMichigan Bread Company is committed to developing manufacturing professionals through structured training, certification, and advancement opportunities.Employees who successfully complete certification levels may advance into:Department Certified OperatorSenior Operations & Equipment SpecialistOperations & Equipment Master SpecialistLead OperatorSupervisorProduction ManagerOperations LeadershipThis position offers a defined career path with skill-based pay increases, advanced equipment certifications, leadership development, and long-term growth opportunities within the company.