Packaging Machine Technician

Jack Link's; Alpena Township (SD); On-site; USD 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Link Snacks is seeking a Packaging Maintenance Technician to keep packaging lines running and repair issues as they arise. This role performs a broad range of maintenance tasks in a production environment and ensures compliance with GMP policies.

Responsibilities include troubleshooting, line setup, defect inspection, machine operation, and daily preventive maintenance. Candidates should have 1+ years in maintenance, basic PLC I/O knowledge, and a willingness to learn robotics.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in a maintenance or mechanical field.
• Basic understanding of motors, controllers, hydraulics and pneumatics.
• Knowledge of PLC I/O.
• Robotics maintenance experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot & repair machines.
• Set up lines correctly.
• Inspect products for defects.
• Palletize products.
• Operate ultra-vacs.
• Operate hand jacks.
• Packaging Machine operations.
• Boxing operations.
• Complete all daily preventative maintenance.
• Checkweigher operations.
• Follow GMP, HACCP, SOPs/SSOPs.
• Manage start-up to ensure equipment is in proper operating condition.
• Perform start-of-shift checks (codes, labels, film).
• Follow production schedule to meet goals.
• Ensure products meet specifications and are labeled correctly.
• Minimize rework and waste.
• Monitor workflow to maximize machine output.
• Keep records of products and materials used.
• Suggest improvements; drive quality improvements.

Skills

Diagnose equipment defects

Team player

Prioritize workload

Fast paced environment

Adapt to change

Physical stamina

Multi-tasking

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

PLC I/O

Motors & Hydraulics

Job description

AtLink Snacks, we show up hungry, roll up our sleeves, plaid or otherwise, and dive straight into the hard work. We don’t hide from challenges; we hunt them down. We push harder, move faster, and take the kinds of big swings that built this business in the North Woods of Wisconsin four decades ago.

We’re everyday people who deliver extraordinary results. Innovation, creativity, and urgency aren’t buzzwords, they’re expectations. And just like the real protein snacks we make across our global house of brands: Jack Link’s®, Lorissa’s™ Organic Snacks, Golden Island®, BiFi®, Peperami® and KOOEE!® to name a few, there’s nothing artificial about us. What you see is exactly what you get: humble, gritty, passionate people who show up every day ready to not just be a participate in the meat snack industry that the Link Family created, but to move faster, innovate harder and keep raising the bar so high, the rest of the world needs a ladder just to see it.

Dominating this space across the world takes a team. A team that runs together, succeeds together, and celebrates together. A team that’s full of relentless energy and spirit that can only be fueled by one thing: a fist full of our delicious meat snacks.

Real Meat Protein. Real People. Real Results. THAT is Link Snacks.

Job Summary

The Packaging Maintenance Technician is responsible for keeping packaging machines running and repairing any problems when they are discovered. Maintenance Technicians will usually be required to perform a wide range of repair tasks. This position will be carried out in accordance with company policies and procedures.

Job Related Skills/Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot & repair machines.
• Set up lines correctly.
• Inspect products for defects.
• Palletize products.
• Operate ultra-vacs.
• Operate hand jacks.
• Packaging Machine operations.
• Boxing operations.
• Complete all daily preventative maintenance.
• Checkweigher operations.
• Follow good manufacturing practices and HACCP training, along with company SOP’s and SSOP’s.
• Manage start-up to make sure equipment is in proper operating condition.
• Perform necessary checks at start of shift and at each new product; code date, correct label, upper/lower film, etc.
• Follow daily production schedule and achieve specified goals.
• Ensure product conforms to specifications.
• Ensure products are correctly labeled and identified for proper disposition.
• Prevent and minimize rework and/or inedible.
• Monitor workflow to maximize machine output efficiencies.
• Keep accurate records of products produced and materials used.
• Suggest improvements; continuously improve the quality of all support activities.
• Tasks will vary as situations and demands change; the lead/foreman/supervisor will assign tasks as necessary.

Administrative Skills

• Able to organize and prioritize in a multi-tasking environment.
• Able to read and write legibly.

Safety

• Monitor Unsafe Behavior
• Follow all OSHA Guidelines
• Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  1. Earplug
  2. Hairnet
  3. Beard-net
  4. Protective eyewear
  5. Slip resistant footwear

Leadership

• Build and support a culture at LSI which values Personnel Safety and Food Safety.
• Must Demonstrate the Jack Link’s Values: Be Real – Relationship Driven – Stewardship – Speed Matters – Self Discipline – Show Awesome Character.
• Build and support a culture of openness and accountability within (and out-side) the assigned department.
• Demonstrate professionalism; encourage and insist on positive attitudes and behaviors from team members.
• Encourage team member initiative and innovation, and show recognition for effort and achievement.
• Create and cultivate positive work relationships at all levels of LSI.

Communication

• Communicate with peers, subordinates, and leaders in an effective, timely manner.
• Ability to collaborate with remote employees and work as part of a team.
• Suggest improvements; continuously improve the quality of all support activities.
• Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively with work-related-problems.

Work Status

• Full Time Team Member
• At-Will Team Member

Travel

• No Travel Required 0%

Qualifications

• High School Diploma (or equivalent).
• Must be able to speak, read, and write English.
• Worked with Trained Operator until Lead Approval.

Working Conditions

• Production Environment (normally).
• Stand and Walk Constantly.
• Sit Occasionally.
• Must be able to lift 50#.
• Will need to enter production environment where team members are exposed to moderate cold (35-55 degrees) and loud noise levels.

Training Period

As a machine operator you will subject to a training period of 4 weeks – 12 weeks depending on experience. During this time frame you will learn the skills needed to run your machine.

Required Experience

1+ years of experience in a maintenance or mechanical field.

Knowledge of the materials, tools, methods, and techniques used in the mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic trades. Basic understanding of motors, and controllers, hydraulics and pneumatics, plumbing. Basic understanding of PLC I/O. Basic understanding of TCP/IP.

Preferred

Robotics maintenance and troubleshooting experience.

Experience working in a food manufacturing environment preferred but not required

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES

• Skill in diagnosing equipment defects and making necessary repairs.
• Must be a team player that is committed to working in a quality environment.
• The ability to work independently with demonstrated ability to prioritize workload effectively.
• The ability to work in a fast paced and dynamic environment.
• Must be an agent for change and receptive to innovative ideas from others.
• The ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with other team members and departments.
• The ability to deal with multiple tasks while using good judgment.
• The ability to perform heavy physical work, exercising up to 50 pounds of strength frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Work involves stooping, crouching, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, and grasping.

Additional information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to be successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is a plant / office setting with varying degrees of temperatures and noise levels. Exposure to manufacturing equipment movement and wet / slippery floors. Travel may be required.

The salary range for this role is $22.00 - $30.00 (Hourly). Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, and candidate skill set and experience. Base pay is just one component of Jack Link’s Total Rewards package for Team Members. Other rewards may include annual incentive and program-specific awards. Jack Link’s provides a variety of benefits to eligible Team Members, including medical, dental and vision benefits, life and disability insurance, 401k participation, paid holidays, and paid time off.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Jack Link's is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

E-Verify

Jack Link's provides the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new Team Member’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. IMPORTANT: If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, we are required to provide you written instructions and an opportunity to contact SSA and/or DHS before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. We do not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants or to re-verify current employees and may not limit or influence the choice of documents presented for use on the Form I-9. In order to determine whether Form I-9 documentation is valid, we use E-Verify’s photo screening tool to match the photograph appearing on some permanent resident and employment authorization cards with the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) photograph. If you believe that Jack Link’s has violated our responsibilities under this program or has discriminated against you during the verification process based upon your national origin or citizenship status, please call the Office of Special Counsel at 1-800-255-7688 (TDD: 1-800-237-2515).

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.