Packaging Machine Operator - Snack Food Manufacturing

Pennsylvania Ag Connection; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 27,552 - 30,307; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hiring bonus

Job summary

Shearer's Foods is hiring a Packaging Machine Operator at the Waterford Plant in Waterford, Pennsylvania. The role covers setup, operation, and changeovers for 3–5 packaging machines, while maintaining safety and quality standards.

The PMO will follow precise recipes, run quality tests, collect data, and communicate plans to the team. You must be able to lift, stand for long periods, and work overtime.

Qualifications

• Lead by example and follow company policies.
• Diagnose and fix mechanical/automation issues.
• Basic computer skills to run production lines.
• Manage time to complete changeovers and verifications.
• Flexibility to work weekends and overtime.

Responsibilities

• Operate and set up packaging equipment for 3–5 machines.
• Communicate changes and plans to nearby team members.
• Perform scheduled tasks on a computer during shifts.
• Follow precise recipes and procedures; monitor variables.
• Conduct quality tests and collect data for QA.
• Respond to supervision and QA direction; use hand tools as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Troubleshooting

Computer Skills

Time Management

Flexibility

Physical Demands

Job description

Overview

Shearer's Foods, founded in 1974 and headquartered in Massillon, OH, is a leading manufacturer of salty snacks, cookies, and crackers. Specializing in private label and co‑manufacturing, Shearer's is the largest supplier of private brand salty snacks and second‑largest supplier of private brand cookies and crackers.

With a strong focus on innovation, service, quality, and sustainability, Shearer's has been awarded the food industry's highest award for environmental sustainability, as well as multiple Supplier of the Year awards.

Operating 16 locations across North America and employing more than 5000 team members, Shearer's is driven by its core values of People, Grow, Impact and Win. The company mission is to deliver exceptional products and services that make snacking a time to celebrate for our customers, colleagues, and community.

At Shearer's Foods, we believe in a skills‑first approach to recruitment and employment. This means focusing on what you can do and how you can grow, rather than traditional metrics alone. We are committed to adhering to anti‑exclusion practices, removing barriers to access, and enhancing opportunities for all individuals based on merit and potential. Your skills, experience, and perspective are valuable—and we want to empower you to make your mark here with us.

Responsibilities

Packaging Machine Operator

Waterford Plant

821 Route 97 South Waterford, Pennsylvania 16441

Days 6:45a - 3:00p (Mon-Fri) must be available for OT

Nights 10:45p-7:00a (Sun-Fri) must be available for OT

Hourly Rate - $20.50 with a $2.00/hour shift premium for nights.

$2,500 Hiring Bonus

(Hiring bonus will be paid in two installments of 50% each through the payroll system, the first paid after 90‑days employment and the second paid after120‑days of employment. Please note these earnings will be subject to withholdings applicable to bonus compensation).

Dedication, Dependability, and a Willingness to learn are a must. The PMO will be responsible for running, changing over, efficiency and quality of 3-5 packaging machines. They will have responsibility of communicating changes and plans to Team Member's in immediate area and supervision. There will be a required set of tasks to be performed on a computer at specific times throughout the shift. As a PMO, job duties include but are not limited to the setup and operation of packaging equipment, following precise recipes and work procedures, monitoring and adjusting variables and performing product quality tests and data collection. Extruded Processor must also be able to react to direction from quality assurance and management personnel. PMO's will be exposed to allergens, chemicals, extreme equipment and temperatures. They will be expected to multi‑task and prioritize throughout the day. Job duties also include use of hand tools.

Physical Demands: The PMO must be able to move, twist, or lift up to 60lbs and team lift 75 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and ability to adjust focus. Team Member must be able to be on his/her feet for twelve (12+) hours, to keep up with a fast, repetitious pace and to do repetitious lifting.

Qualifications

• Leadership - The PMO will set the example for the line, as such they will need to follow all policies/procedures set forth by Shearers Foods LLC. The PMO must have the ability to work well with others. Must demonstrate Shearer's Core Values of Respect, Teamwork, and Giving Back.
• Troubleshooting Skills - Must have ability to work through problems to find root causes and address issues for Mechanical and Automation Equipment. 2-5 years machine operator or maintenance apprentice experience preferred.
• Computer Skills - Must have basic computer skills required to run production. Verifications on computer will be done routinely throughout the day.
• Time Management - Will have to effectively manage his/her own time. Quality verifications will be performed at specific intervals throughout the day. The PMO is responsible for completing changeovers in allotted time as well as planning his/her breaks around lulls in activity.
• Flexibility - The PMO may need to be flexible for the training period and be available for pre‑shift meetings when applicable. Must be able to work weekends and overtime when needed.
• Physical Demands - The PMO must be able to move, twist, or lift up to 60lbs and team lift 75 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and ability to adjust focus. Team Member must be able to be on his/her feet for twelve (12+) hours, to keep up with a fast, repetitious pace and to do repetitious lifting.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Pay Range

Salary Range: USD $20.50/Hr. - USD $22.50/Hr.