Rapid Pak Packaging Technician

Johnsonville; Denmark (WI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Health coverage

Paid time off

Job summary

Johnsonville, LLC. is seeking a Rapid Pak Operator in Town of New Denmark, Wisconsin. This role involves operating packaging line equipment, conducting quality checks, and ensuring compliance with safety and food safety regulations. Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and 6 months of relevant experience.

The position requires strong mechanical aptitude and effective communication skills. Full-time benefits include health, dental, vision coverage, and a 401(k) plan with company match.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 months experience as a Backup Rapid Pak Operator is required.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules and instructions.
• Must be able to work in fast-paced environment with changing conditions.

Responsibilities

• Perform setup and monitoring of packaging line equipment.
• Conduct quality checks and equipment maintenance.
• Maintain compliance with safety and quality standards.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Verbal communication skills

Basic math skills

Basic computer proficiency

Troubleshooting and problem-solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Certification in Industrial Maintenance or related field

Tools

Basic computer skills

Job description

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Job Posting Date: Oct 23, 2026

Shift: First Shift

Requisition ID: 52928

We are a leading manufacturer of premium, ready-to-eat link sausages and hot dogs. The company was founded in 2004 by four brothers, Chris, Joe, Mark, and Pete Salm. They partnered their individual talents together to create our organization, using the “partnership” concept as the cornerstone for our success. Since then, we have expanded and have two production plants with over 1,000 partners in Denmark, WI. In 2023, Johnsonville purchased Salm Partners to help grow not only its own ready-to-eat sausage business, but the ready-to-eat sausage category as a whole. The combination of the country’s most trusted retail sausage brand (Johnsonville) with the industry leading manufacturer (Salm Partners) has created a world class organization. We are committed to growth as a company and to our partners! Apply today and discover your opportunity to grow with us.

Position Overview

1st Shift 6AM - 2PM Monday - Friday; Saturdays as needed

2nd Shift 2PM - 10PM Monday - Friday; Saturdays as needed

3rd Shift 10PM - 6AM Sunday- Monday; Fridays as needed

Position Overview

Performs all Rapid Pak packaging line equipment set-up and monitoring to ensure optimal machine performance to meet production needs, conducts in-process product quality checks and equipment maintenance, and completes sanitation activities Maintains compliance with all safety, food safety, quality, SQF, GMP and USDA requirements.

Responsibilities

• Verify the product specifications using the Operational Parameters and standard work check sheets.
• Ensure all material from previous production run is removed from the area prior to setting up the equipment with labels and film for the next run.
• Set up the Rapid Pak packaging machine line per the product specifications in the Operational Parameters.
• Adjust the pocket size, temperature and vacuum settings, trim knives, code date, label placement, film and film registration.
• Verify the code dates are correct and in the proper format prior to production run.
• Secure start-up verification of setup and code date by the Facilitator or QA representative as required.
• Complete Perfect Package checks to ensure good quality packages.
• Monitor quality concerns during production, making adjustments to the equipment and components as needed to ensure high quality packages throughout the production run.
• Conduct time, temperature and weight checks per the established standard procedure.
• Take hourly HACCP temperatures and ensure they are within specifications; enter the data into the HACCP Log.
• Periodically check for leakers and low vacuum packages, and make adjustments and corrections to the process to address deviations in a timely manner.
• Work with Case Pack to confirm any unacceptable packages they are receiving and make equipment adjustments as needed to correct the issue.
• Communicate with all departments concerning production quality issues as appropriate and in a timely manner.
• Work effectively and cooperatively with the Rapid Pak Line Workers.
• Monitor rework product to ensure they do not remain on the production floor beyond the permissible time limit.
• Assist Production Stagers with resolving MAS 500 system inventory discrepancies with packaging materials utilized in the production process and returned to inventory at the end of the production run.
• Tear down the packaging machinery and components for sanitation at changeover, mid-week sanitation and end of week.
• Perform sanitation duties that include the following: ; sweep, mop and squeegee floors; wipe down equipment, foam clean and rinse belts and conveyors; wash parts and walls; empty and clean bins and barrels; remove and dispose of all waste; mop and clean the stuffing room, coolers and/or the tower.
• Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) as required.
• Exercise safety precautions when using chemicals; use the appropriate cleaning chemicals designated for the task.
• Follow Lockout/Tagout procedures without fail.
• Follow all safety rules and regulations per established company policies.
• Provide backup assistance in all areas of the packaging line as necessary.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Education

A minimum of a high school diploma or GED equivalency and minimum of 6 months experience as a Backup Rapid Pak Operator is normally required Certification in Industrial Maintenance, Mechanical Technology or related field is preferred Previous experience operating packaging equipment is also strongly preferred.

Experience

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and with changing environmental conditions, including heat, cold and wet Must have strong mechanical aptitude.

Skills

Communication Skills
Must possess effective verbal and interpersonal communication skills Must have the ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals Must be able to read and understand written and spoken English language.

Computer Skills
Must possess basic computer proficiency.

Mathematical Skills
Must have basic math skills.

Reasoning Ability
Must have the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, verbal, or diagram form Must have strong trouble shooting and problem solving skills, and the ability to apply root cause problem solving methodology to problem resolution.

Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the partner is required to stand for long periods and frequently walk; and talk or hear. The partner is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach and lift with hands and arms. The partner must regularly lift up to 40#, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50# Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and depth perception.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a partner encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. There is a wide variation of temperatures, ranging from 35° F to 100° F in the various work areas The work environment is wet and slippery most times Rapid Pak Operators are required to wear composite-toed slip-resistant footwear The noise level in the production work environment is usually loud Partners are required to wear frocks, hairnets and hearing protection at all times on the production floor Gloves, goggles, face shield, rain suits, and rubber boots will be required at different times in the course of the work being performed.

Other Requirements

Benefits and Compensation

Full-time Partners at Salm have access to a wide range of benefits designed to support their well-being and future. This includes a 401(k) with a company match, health, dental, and vision coverage, as well as an optional Health Savings Account (HSA). Salm also provides company-paid short-term disability and life insurance policies. Full-time Partners enjoy paid time off (PTO) and the opportunity to grow within a values-driven and team-focused environment. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and position.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the country where this job is located, without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

Salm Partners is an equal opportunity employer, including Vet/Disability.

We embrace the principles of Equal Opportunity Employment and do not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic, including protected veteran and disability status.

At Salm, we're committed to being a good partner in our co-manufacturer relationships and in our community. That's why we call our employees "Partners."

When you work for Salm Partners, we work with you to create an avenue of growth for your career.