Operations Filler Operator I

SunOpta, Inc.; Allentown (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

SunOpta, Inc. is seeking an Operations Filler Operator I - Team A to operate processing equipment for packaging aseptic beverages, perform CIP sanitation, and support production. Responsibilities include monitoring equipment, troubleshooting faults, and ensuring quality checks are completed across tasks.

The role requires forklift certification, strong mechanical and troubleshooting skills, good communication, and the ability to work independently in a 12-hour rotating shift (5:30am–6:00pm).

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree or higher preferred or two years related experience.
• Forklift certification is required.
• Strong troubleshooting and mechanical skills are needed.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Operate aseptic filling equipment and support systems.
• Perform cleaning (CIP), sterilizing, and maintenance tasks.
• Troubleshoot and fix faults; clear material jams.
• Conduct quality checks to ensure standards are met.
• Assist with shift handoffs and communicate delays or issues.

Skills

Forklift certification

Troubleshooting

Mechanical skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Team player

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associates degree or higher preferred

Tools

Forklift certification

Job description

Operations Filler Operator I - Team A

Pay Rate: $29.00

Schedule: 5:30am - 6:00pm

Shift A - 12- hour 2-2-3, rotating weekends

Reports to: Production Supervisor

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

• Coordinate all function 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.
• Monitors and fixes faults as well as clearing any material jams in equipment.
• Maintains communication within production team ensuring smooth shift transitions.
• Full ownership of required quality checks to assure standards are met.
• Relieve other production team members for breaks and absences as required.
• Maintain clean and organized area around equipment.
• Troubleshoot and resolve basic to moderate operating difficulties involving area equipment.
• Perform routine maintenance on all DE machines.
• Support mechanics in appropriate maintenance activities.
• Monitor raw material and supplies to ensure efficient production.
• Understand the continuous process flow of the aseptic system.
• Accurately prepares and maintains all area paperwork in a neat and professional manner.
• Must be able to work independently as well as professionally with other team members.
• Proficient and comfortable using a computer.
• Performs a variety of quality and food safety checks to ensure standards and specifications are met.
• Communicate to all other facility personnel regarding any delays or problems that would hinder production.
• Must follow all employee safety, food safety and quality procedures and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
• Responsible for proper shift handoff with incoming/outgoing operators.
• Must wear all required PPE; such as protective gloves, aprons, face shields and safety glasses.
• Leadership and ownership of the department, job responsibilities and job function.
• 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.