Packaging Specialist

Essenhaus, Inc.; Middlebury (IN); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Essenhaus, Inc. in Middlebury, IN is seeking a Packaging Specialist to finish products through packaging, boxing, palletizing, and shipment preparation. You will ensure case counts and pallet patterns are followed, inspect seals, and operate pallet-wrapping equipment on the production floor.

The role requires strong attention to detail, the ability to lift up to 50 lbs, and reliable teamwork in a fast-paced environment with a focus on safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in food manufacturing or packaging is a plus.
• Ability to stand, lift up to 50 lbs during shift.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify packaging defects.
• Understanding of production line operations and safety procedures.
• Reliable, punctual and able to work independently or in a team.

Responsibilities

• Inspect finished bags for quality, seal integrity, and labeling.
• Place finished bags into cases according to case count standards.
• Ensure cases are sealed and neatly palletized per pallet pattern requirements.
• Operate pallet wrapping equipment and label pallets.
• Load case erector and maintain consistent case supply.
• Record and track daily scrap and damaged product in logs or digital systems.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area daily.
• Assist with line changeovers, start-up and shutdown as directed.
• Follow safety, food safety, and quality policies and procedures.
• Communicate equipment malfunctions, material shortages, or quality concerns to the Production Lead/Manager.
• Perform additional tasks to support the production team.

Skills

Attention to detail

Defect identification

Production safety

Physical stamina

Reliability

Production knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Title: Packaging Specialist

Department: Production

Reports To: Production Lead / Production Manager

Location: Middlebury, IN

Position Summary:

The Packaging Specialist responsible for the final stages of the production process, ensuring all products are packaged, boxed, palletized, and prepared for shipment in a safe, consistent, and efficient manner. This role requires strong attention to detail, the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, and a commitment to maintaining Essenhaus Foods’ high standards of quality and cleanliness.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Inspect finished bags of product for quality, seal integrity, and proper labeling.
2. Place finished bags into cases accurately and efficiently according to case count standards.
3. Ensure all cases are sealed properly and stacked neatly on pallets following pallet pattern requirements.
4. Operate pallet wrapping equipment and ensure all finished pallets are securely wrapped and labeled.
5. Load case erector with corrugated materials and monitor its operation to ensure consistent case supply.
6. Record and track daily scrap and damaged product using company log sheets or digital systems.
7. Maintain a clean and organized work area, including sweeping, wiping surfaces, and cleaning equipment daily.
8. Assist with line changeovers, start-up, and shutdown as directed by the Production Lead.
9. Follow all safety, food safety, and quality policies and procedures.
10. Communicate any equipment malfunctions, material shortages, or quality concerns to the Production Lead or Production Manager immediately.
11. Perform additional tasks as assigned to support the production team.

Qualifications:

1. High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
2. Prior experience in food manufacturing or packaging is a plus but not required.
3. Ability to stand, lift, and move up to 50 lbs throughout the shift.
4. Strong attention to detail and ability to identify packaging defects.
5. Basic understanding of production line operations and safety procedures.
6. Reliable, punctual, and able to work both independently and as part of a team.

Work Schedule:

1. Monday–Thursday, 32–40 hours per week
2. Occasional Fridays as needed

Work Environment:

1. Manufacturing floor environment with moderate noise and movement of machinery.
2. Frequent standing, bending, lifting, and repetitive motions required.