Production Technician (Extruder) - 1st Shift

Spectrum Brands, Inc; Bridgeton (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Spectrum Brands, Inc. is seeking a Senior Machine Operator to lead extrusion production of fish food pellets in our St. Louis area facilities.

You will set up and run extrusion equipment, verify ingredients, monitor process parameters, and ensure safety, quality, and sanitation in a HACCP/GMP environment. The role requires at least 3 years of related experience, a high school diploma or GED, and the ability to train others while supporting continuous improvement in a fast-paced pet care

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• At least 3 years of related experience and/or training.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Forklift experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate extrusion machines to produce pellets according to recipe and specifications.
• Load and verify raw ingredients based on batch sheets.
• Control and monitor temperature zones, moisture levels, screw speed, and pressure.
• Start, adjust, and stop machines during production runs.
• Maintain hygiene and sanitation standards and prevent cross-contamination.
• Record batch data and ensure traceability for audits.

Skills

Communication

Hand tools

Organizational skills

Math basics

Lifting

Stamina

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift experience

Job description

Division Information

The Pet Care business unit of Spectrum Brands is based in St. Louis, Missouri with distribution, manufacturing and sales offices throughout the US and globe. Owners of dogs, cats, birds, small animals, fish and reptiles rely on our brands for exceptional value and trusted results. Our industry-leading brands include Tetra®, Instant Ocean®, Marineland®, 8-in-1®, Dingo®, FURminator®, Nature’s Miracle®, GloFish®, DreamBone® and SmartBones®.

Job Summary

The Senior Machine Operator role is responsible for all aspects of setting up and running extrusion production equipment. This role will lead to the production of fish food pellets, considering the safety and food quality requirements typically found in a pet food manufacturing environment. The Senior Machine Operator understands the product flow process and procedures, and ensures consistent, efficient, and effective workflow through the department. This role will also perform minor to moderate mechanical work.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Set up and operate food extrusion machines to produce pellets according to recipe and specifications
• Load and verify raw ingredients (flour, starches, additives, water) based on batch sheets
• Control and monitor key parameters (Temperature zones, Moisture levels, Screw speed, and pressure)
• Start, adjust, and stop machines during production runs
• Ensure uniform pellet size, shape, texture, and density
• Always follow HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) procedures
• Support and enforce HACCP, GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), and FDA/food regulatory compliance
• Maintain strict hygiene and sanitation standards
• Preventing cross-contamination between batches
• Conduct in-process quality checks (moisture, appearance, density, etc.)
• Accurately label and segregate batches
• Meet daily production targets while minimizing waste
• Record batch data (ingredients, lot numbers, machine settings, output)
• Adjust process variables to maintain consistent product quality
• Coordinate with upstream (mixing) and downstream (drying/packaging) teams
• Perform cleaning and sanitation of equipment (CIP/COP where applicable)
• Disassemble and clean dies, screws, and feed systems as required
• Identify and report abnormalities (noise, vibration, inconsistent output)
• Assist technicians during maintenance
• Install, configure, and calibrate food extrusion equipment
• Troubleshoot process-related issues
• Ensure all equipment meets food-grade and sanitation standards
• Conduct changeovers
• Ensure proper documentation for audits and traceability
• Train operators on proper machine operation, hygiene, and safety
• Support continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives
• Assist with monthly inventories as needed.
• Comply with all Company policies and procedures.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Profile

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
• Three years (3) related experience and/or training
• Equivalent combination of education and experience
• Forklift experience preferred

Required Skills

• Ability to communicate effectively, read, comprehend basic instructions, short correspondence, and memos
• Ability to identify and use basic hand tools, measurement devices, and scale devices
• Must possess organizational and teamwork skills
• Ability to add, subtract, and multiply
• Ability to repetitively lift to 50 pounds
• Ability to stand for 8-hour shifts
• High attention to detail
• Self-motivated
• Comfortable working at elevated heights
• Knowledgeable on the Lock-Out-Tag-Out process

Work Environment

• Exposure to hot and cold climates
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts
• Exposure to a wet and dusty environment, including steam, water, and slurry