Packaging Operator

manus; Augusta (GA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Manus is seeking a Packaging Operator to safely operate and monitor processing and packaging equipment in a GMP-regulated food manufacturing environment. You will help maintain product quality, accurate documentation, and adherence to established procedures while supporting efficient production.

Key duties include operating a Bepex Flash Dryer, managing baghouses and packaging into 10 kg boxes, reviewing batch records, and upholding GMP and safety standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required or preferred.
• Manufacturing or food production experience preferred.
• Knowledge of GMP requirements, food safety standards, and documentation practices preferred.
• Ability to accurately complete and review production records and batch documentation.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accuracy in a fast-paced production environment.
• Ability to safely operate manufacturing equipment and follow established procedures.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to lift and move materials/products as required.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor Bepex Flash Dryer; maintain 112–120°C and within specifications.
• Operate and monitor baghouses for airflow, dust collection, and system performance.
• Maintain appropriate wet cake feed hopper levels for continuous production.
• Safely operate screw conveyors, pasteurizers, and paddle conveying cooling systems.
• Package finished product into 10 kg boxes with high accuracy and consistency.
• Assemble, fill, and seal 10 kg product boxes per packaging procedures.
• Review batch records for accuracy and GMP compliance.
• Identify and communicate process deviations, equipment issues, or quality concerns to supervision promptly.
• Adhere to GMPs, food safety policies, SOPs, and safety requirements.
• Maintain daily housekeeping; clean equipment, workstations, and production areas.
• Support continuous improvement efforts and contribute to efficient production operations.
• Work effectively as part of a team to meet production goals and schedules.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Communication

Safety compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Manus works across industries and value chains to accelerate the transition to BioAlternatives – better performing and more sustainable versions of complex molecules traditionally sourced from plants, animals, or fossil fuels. Our platform is proven to work across scales, bridging the Valley of Death between lab and manufacturing more efficiently and more reliably to deliver the benefits of synthetic biology today.

Why work at Manus:

• Opportunity – For motivated, results-oriented team members, our growth creates opportunities for personal and professional advancement.
• Accountability – You are given the resources you need to succeed and the freedom to make it happen; in return, we hold each other accountable for our high expectations.
• Passion – We love what we do and enjoy working with others who feel the same way. We embrace the challenge and hard work that comes with working on the cutting edge.

Position Summary:

The Packaging Operator is responsible for safely operating and monitoring processing and packaging equipment within a GMP-regulated food manufacturing environment. This role requires maintaining product quality, ensuring accurate documentation, following established operating procedures, and supporting efficient production while maintaining high standards of safety, housekeeping, and attention to detail.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operate and monitor a Bepex Flash Dryer while maintaining process temperatures between 112–120°C and ensuring process parameters remain within specifications.
• Operate and monitor baghouses to maintain proper airflow, dust collection, and efficient system performance.
• Maintain appropriate wet cake feed hopper levels to support continuous and efficient production flow.
• Safely operate and monitor screw conveyors, pasteurizers, and paddle conveying cooling systems.
• Package finished product into 10 kg boxes while maintaining a high level of accuracy and consistency.
• Construct, assemble, and properly fill 10 kg product boxes according to established packaging procedures.
• Maintain a high level of attention to detail during packaging operations to ensure product quality and packaging accuracy.
• Complete and review batch records with a high degree of accuracy and ensure documentation is complete, legible, and compliant with GMP requirements.
• Identify and communicate process deviations, equipment issues, or quality concerns to supervision promptly.
• Adhere to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety policies, SOPs, and safety requirements.
• Maintain a high standard of daily housekeeping, including cleaning equipment, workstations, and surrounding production areas.
• Support continuous improvement efforts and contribute to efficient production operations.
• Work effectively as part of a team to meet production goals and schedules.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Manufacturing or food production experience preferred.
• Knowledge of GMP requirements, food safety standards, and documentation practices preferred.
• Ability to accurately complete and review production records and batch documentation.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accuracy in a fast-paced production environment.
• Ability to safely operate manufacturing equipment and follow established procedures.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to lift and move materials/products as required.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and perform repetitive physical tasks for extended periods.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as required.
• Ability to work in manufacturing environments with varying temperatures, equipment noise, and moving machinery.
• Ability to wear required PPE and comply with all safety standards.