Production Material Handler I

SunOpta; Modesto (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Night shift designation (6pm–6:30am)

Shift differential $2/hour for night 6

Production/manufacturing environment

Job summary

SunOpta, Inc. in Modesto, CA seeks a Fill Line Operator to manage filling machines, ensuring high-quality output and efficiency while following GMP and PPE requirements.

Responsibilities include setting up and monitoring equipment, performing quality checks, coordinating with maintenance, and maintaining accurate documentation. The role requires teamwork, stamina, and strict adherence to safety standards.

Qualifications

• Team-based environment; ability to set priorities and meet deadlines
• Stand for long periods (12 hours) and lift up to 30 pounds; occasional heavier loads
• Troubleshoot moderate to complex equipment issues and follow GMP/SOPs
• Accurate documentation and legible handwriting; allergen awareness

Responsibilities

• Coordinate, Setup, CIP, Swap Testing, Monitor and Operate filling machines to maximize quality and efficiency
• Maintain clean, stocked work area and prepare next shift for handover
• Perform routine maintenance and coordinate with Maintenance/Management
• Relieve teammates for breaks as required
• Conduct quality checks (weight, sterility, package integrity) and ensure standards
• Troubleshoot and resolve machine issues; ensure audit readiness
• Monitor operational efficiencies, yields, scrap loss, and drive productivity improvements
• Maintain compliance with HACCP, SQF and GMP requirements

Skills

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Communication

Stamina

Math skills

Problem solving

Record keeping

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Job description

Job Summary

This position is responsible for operations of filling machines and machines associated with the fillers. Ensure the quality and efficiency standards are being met through reduced scrap loss and yield improvements. Follow written and verbal procedures to ensure quality and efficiency standards are being met. Assume responsibility for the filling area efficiencies, safety, quality following all GMP and PPE requirements for the safety of others and oneself. Effectively communicates verbal and written information relevant to the position at the site.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate, Set-up, CIP, Swap Testing, Monitor and Operate the filling machines to maximize the quality of products produced and the efficiency of the department.
• Maintain a clean and organized working area keeping all supplies and materials stocked and set-up for success when the next shift comes in to relieve you.
• Perform routine maintenance on all filling machines including working with and communicating with Maintenance and Management
• Relieve other production team members for breaks and absences as required
• Perform a variety of quality checks (weight checks, machine checks, sterility checks, package integrity checks) to assure standards are met
• Troubleshoot and resolve basic to moderate operating difficulties involving area equipment
• Accurately prepares and completes all area paperwork with legible handwriting as required by the FDA.
• Work with Management team to monitor the operational efficiencies, yields, scrap loss and other key indicators to actively seek ways to improve plant productivity.
• Must maintain Audit readiness in your work area at all times

Key Accountabilities

Safety

• Follows all plant safety rules
• Reports all accidents to the production supervisor

Quality

• Adheres to all Quality Assurance System guidelines
• Follows SOP’s (standard operating procedures) to make machine adjustments, splice packaging material, and prepare laminate to insure the manufacturing of high-quality packages
• Responsible for compliance with the HACCP and SQF program
• Identifies all critical control points understanding their functions as it relates to the filling process.
• Responsible for accurate documentation

Housekeeping

• Maintains a clean and organized work area.
• Assists all areas of the plant with general housekeeping.
• Cooperates with other shifts and the management team in the housekeeping endeavor.

Communications

• As a member of the Production team, ensures the effective shift communication and teamwork with the other operators occurs each scheduled shift.
• Maintains effective communication with members of the support group.
• Communicate, Communicate, and Communicate.

Teamwork and Training

• Promotes and contributes to the development of a strong team.
• Works among co-workers as a team.
• Personal Development
• Continuously improve your knowledge of the aseptic filling area.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent.
• Must have basic math skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of business, computer and math.

Knowledge and Skills

• The candidate must be able to work effectively in a team-based environment, set priorities to meet deadlines, handle multiple tasks, and make decisions under pressure.
• Must be able to stand (12) hours for long periods of time and lift up to 30 pounds frequently and push/pull pallet jacks and lifts with heavy loads frequently
• Must be able to go up and down stairways in a timely manner repeatedly throughout the shift
• Must be able to keep a good attendance record
• Must have accurate and detailed record keeping and legible handwriting
• Must be able to troubleshoot and resolve moderate to complex issues
• Understands all procedures with all allergens.
• Must follow all GMP's and Safety Procedures established by Management
• Ability to access a situation and make quick and accurate decisions that will aid in production.
• Mechanical and troubleshooting skills.
• Must be able to work around major allergens.
• Must be able to climb/walk steps frequently.

Additional Considerations

• Location: This position will be at the SunOpta Plant in Modesto, CA.
• Shift: SunOpta currently has an opportunity on Night (D) Shift, 6pm to 6:30am on a 2-2-3 pattern.
• Availability: Some flexibility may be needed on occasion.
• Pay Rate: $24.25/hour
• Shift Differential: There is an additional $2.00/hour shift differential offered for working a 12-hour night shift on a 2-2-3 pattern.
• Work Environment: This position will be in a production / manufacturing environment.
• Physical Demands: This role may require lifting up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.