Operations Filler Operator I

SunOpta; Allentown (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative and sustainable manufacturer is seeking a dedicated individual to operate and maintain processing equipment for aseptic beverage products. This role involves ensuring product quality and efficiency while adhering to safety and GMP standards. The ideal candidate will possess strong troubleshooting and mechanical skills, a high school diploma or equivalent, and a passion for teamwork and excellence. Join a forward-thinking company committed to creating a healthier future through its diverse range of organic and plant-based products. This opportunity offers a dynamic work environment where your contributions will make a significant impact.

Qualifications

• Strong troubleshooting and mechanical skills are essential.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; higher education preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain aseptic filling equipment efficiently.
• Perform quality checks and ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Communicate effectively with the production team for smooth operations.

Skills

Troubleshooting skills

Mechanical skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Team player

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate's degree or higher preferred

Tools

Forklift

Computer

Job description

Allentown Facility, Allentown, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 4:00 AM | Expires Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 3:59 AM

SunOpta Overview:

SunOpta (Nasdaq:STKL) (TSX:SOY) is an innovative and sustainable manufacturer fueling the future of food. With roots tracing back over 50 years, SunOpta drives growth for today’s leading brands by serving as a trusted innovation partner and value-added manufacturer, crafting organic, plant-based beverages, fruit snacks, nutritional beverages, broths and tea products sold through retail, club, foodservice and e-commerce channels. Alongside the company’s commitment to top brands, retailers and coffee shops, SunOpta also proudly produces its own brands, including SOWN, Dream, and West Life. For more information, visit SunOpta and LinkedIn.

SunOpta is looking for talented individuals that demonstrate our most valued behaviors: Passion, Dedication, Speed, Entrepreneurship, Customer-Centricity, and Problem-Solver, to help create a brighter, healthier, and sustainable future of food!

Schedule: 5:30pm - 6:00am

Reports to: James Grider

Summary:
This position is responsible for all functions relating to operating the processing equipment used to package and manufacture aseptic beverage products as well as cleaning (CIP) and sanitizing.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Coordinate all functions related to cleaning (CIP), sterilizing, and operating the aseptic filling equipment and supporting systems, while maximizing the quality of the product and efficiency of the department.
2. Monitor and fix faults as well as clear any material jams in equipment.
3. Maintain communication within the production team ensuring smooth shift transitions.
4. Full ownership of required quality checks to assure standards are met.
5. Relieve other production team members for breaks and absences as required.
6. Maintain a clean and organized area around equipment.
7. Troubleshoot and resolve basic to moderate operating difficulties involving area equipment.
8. Perform routine maintenance on all DE machines.
9. Support mechanics in appropriate maintenance activities.
10. Monitor raw material and supplies to ensure efficient production.
11. Understand the continuous process flow of the aseptic system.
12. Accurately prepare and maintain all area paperwork in a neat and professional manner.
13. Must be able to work independently as well as professionally with other team members.
14. Proficient and comfortable using a computer.
15. Perform a variety of quality and food safety checks to ensure standards and specifications are met.
16. Communicate to all other facility personnel regarding any delays or problems that would hinder production.
17. Must follow all employee safety, food safety, and quality procedures and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
18. Responsible for proper shift handoff with incoming/outgoing operators.
19. Must wear all required PPE; such as protective gloves, aprons, face shields, and safety glasses.
20. Leadership and ownership of the department, job responsibilities, and job function.
21. All other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
None

Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Forklift certification
• Passing of background and drug screens.
• Strong troubleshooting and mechanical skills
• A desire to succeed and good work ethics are required
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• High energy, flexible, self-starter, hands-on, comfortable with little or no administrative support.
• Attention to detail is a must.
• Team player with a sense of urgency and a self-accountability mentality.

Education:
High school diploma or equivalent required. Associates degree or higher preferred; or two years related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience:
Preferably at least two years’ experience in food manufacturing.

Knowledge and Skills:

Candidate must possess the knowledge and understanding of basic math skills including weight calculations, averages, and percentages. Must be able to read and write in English.

Travel Requirements:
None as part of normal job requirements; but travel may occur per management due to training needs.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:
Approximately; 100% of work is performed in a manufacturing facility which is not climate controlled and may contain allergens. Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds, climb stairs, and stand for long periods of time.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED

Allentown Facility, Allentown, Pennsylvania, United States of America