Packaging Machine Operator-12hr Days

Mars Incorporated; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) match

Paid vacation

Holiday pay

Parental leave

Training & education assistance

Job summary

Mars Incorporated is hiring a Day Shift Machine Operator for our Topeka, Kansas plant. You will operate food-safe production lines safely and efficiently, becoming a system expert in your area while supporting quality and safety standards.

This full-time role offers on-site work, comprehensive onboarding, training, and benefits designed to help you grow within a global leader in pet care and confectionery brands. You’ll join a team dedicated to high performance and pet nutrition.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; on-site training provided.
• Ability to stand and lift up to 50 lbs; willingness to wear PPE.
• OSHA forklift certification obtainable; Mars provides training.

Responsibilities

• Operate food-safe machinery and production lines safely and efficiently.
• Perform routine repairs, adjustments, and root-cause troubleshooting.
• Conduct preventative maintenance tasks with Maintenance team as needed.
• Perform metal detection and date-code checks for QA purposes.
• Keep accurate shift logs and use production tracking systems.
• Safely operate a forklift to move materials and manage inventory.

Skills

Forklift operation

Safety mindset

Problem solving

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

SAP

GCSS

Job description

Job Description:

Job Title: Machine Operator - Day Shift

Location: Topeka, KS (Mars Petcare)

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

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Mars is looking to hire a highly motivated Machine Operator for our state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Topeka, Kansas.

Whether you are an experienced manufacturing professional, someone looking to transition into a technical field, or a military Veteran transitioning to the civilian workforce, Mars offers the structured training, tools, and supportive team environment you need to build a long-term, rewarding career.

As a day shift Machine Operator, you will become a system expert in your assigned production area. You will be responsible for the safe, efficient operation of advanced equipment, ensuring our products meet the high standards our consumers and pets deserve.

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What We Offer (Benefits & Perks)

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance starting on day one.
• Financial Security: Competitive base pay, annual performance-based bonus potential, and a highly competitive 401(k) company match.
• Work-Life Balance: Immediately eligible (based on hire date) for up to three weeks of paid vacation, 12 Paid Holidays per year, and Sick Pay.
• Family Support: Paid Maternity & Parental Leave, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability.
• Career Growth: Access to world-class technical training, clear pathways for promotion, and educational assistance.

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Key Responsibilities

• Equipment Operation: Safely and efficiently operate food-safe machinery and production lines to meet daily operational targets.
• Problem Solving & Troubleshooting: Assess equipment operating reliability and perform routine technical repairs, adjustments, and root‑cause troubleshooting.
• Preventative Maintenance: Perform routine maintenance tasks and partner with the specialized Maintenance team on complex equipment upkeep.
• Quality Assurance: Execute critical food safety and quality checks (e.g., metal detection, inspecting date codes, monitoring dump logs) and maintain a high level of product ownership.
• Detailed Record Keeping: Keep highly accurate logs and digital shift support documentation using basic desktop and production tracking computer systems.
• Material Handling: Safely operate a forklift to manage material flow and inventory control principles in your production area.

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What You'll Bring (Qualifications)

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: High School diploma, GED, or equivalent civilian/military education.
• Physical Capability: Ability to stand on concrete floors for extended periods, bend, stoop, twist, turn, reach, climb stairs, and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Safety Mindset: Willingness to wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including hair net, bump cap, ear plugs, safety shoes, and uniform.
• Certifications: Ability to obtain and maintain OSHA forklift certification (Mars will provide full on‑site training and licensing).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience: 1+ years of manufacturing experience operating industrial machinery OR equivalent technical military experience (such as equipment maintenance, operations, or mechanical repairs).
• Technical Skills: Basic understanding of inventory control systems or experience utilizing enterprise asset management systems (e.g., SAP, GCSS, or equivalent databases).

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Military & Veteran Technical Equivalency Guide

At Mars, we highly value your military service. If you served in any of the following fields (or a related occupational specialty), your military training maps directly to the technical, safety, and leadership demands of this role:

• U.S. Army: Allied Trade Specialist (91E), Wheeled Vehicle Repairer (91B), Motor Transport Operator (88M), Unit Supply Specialist (92Y), Horizontal Construction Engineer (12N).
• U.S. Navy: Machinist's Mate (MM), Machinery Repairman (MR), Engineman (EN), Equipment Operator (EO), Logistics Specialist (LS).
• U.S. Air Force: Aerospace Propulsion Specialist (2A6X1), Aircraft Metals Technology (2A7X1), Materiel Management (2S0X1), Pavements & Construction Equipment (3E2X1).
• U.S. Marine Corps: Machinist (2161), Metal Worker (1316), Engineer Equipment Operator (1345), Supply Chain/Logistics Specialist (3043), Motor Vehicle Operator (3531).
• U.S. Coast Guard: Machinery Technician (MK), Damage Controlman (DC), Storekeeper (SK).

About Mars, Incorporated

Mars is a family‑owned business with more than a century of history making diverse products and offering services for people and the pets people love. With almost $35 billion in sales, the company is a global business that produces some of the world's best‑loved brands: M&M's®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5™, SKITTLES®, UNCLE BEN'S®, and COCOAVIA®. Mars also provides veterinary health services that include BANFIELD® Pet Hospitals, Blue Pearl®, VCA® and Pet Partners™.

The Mars Five Principles - Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom - inspire our more than 100,000 Associates to create value for all its partners and deliver growth they are proud of every day.