Relief Machine Operator - 1st Shift

Tandem Foods; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Tandem Foods is expanding its Omega facility with a new SL6 production line and is building a team across all three shifts. The Relief Machine Operator will support packaging equipment, covering breaks, and helping maintain uptime and quality on high-speed lines.

The role emphasizes safety, food safety (GMPs, HACCP), and collaboration with Management, Engineering, and Maintenance to enhance equipment performance. Two shifts available onsite.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 5+ years of machine operating experience in a high-speed manufacturing environment.
• Experience with packaging or bagging equipment preferred.
• Knowledge of LOTO, PPE, and machine guarding.
• Strong English communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate packaging equipment to maximize uptime and minimize scrap.
• Provide coverage for Machine Operators during breaks and lunches.
• Maintain standard bagger settings through routine checks.
• Train and develop Operators on safety and operational skills.
• Ensure food safety practices (GMPs, HACCP, allergen controls).
• Perform preventive maintenance on bagging and packaging equipment.
• Monitor performance and identify reliability and quality improvements.
• Communicate with management and maintenance on performance and issues.
• Follow safety procedures including LOTO and PPE.

Skills

Machine operation

Quality control

Safety compliance

Team collaboration

English proficiency

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Tandem Foods is expanding operations at our Omega facility with the launch of our new SL6 production line. As part of this exciting growth, we are building out our team across all three shifts and are looking for skilled talent to support our expanding operation.

The Relief Machine Operator is responsible for operating and supporting packaging equipment to maximize machine uptime while minimizing scrap, rejects, and rework. This role provides coverage for Machine Operators during breaks and lunches while ensuring packaging equipment continues to operate safely and efficiently. The Relief Machine Operator also supports the training and development of Machine Operators, performs assigned preventive maintenance, and partners with Management, Engineering, and Maintenance to improve equipment performance. Success in this role requires a strong focus on safety, food safety, equipment reliability, and operational excellence.

Essential Functions & Key Responsibilities

• Operate packaging equipment to maintain optimal performance, maximize machine uptime, and reduce scrap, rejects, and rework.
• Run and maintain packaging equipment while providing coverage for Machine Operators during scheduled breaks and lunches.
• Manage and maintain standard bagger settings through routine equipment checks.
• Train and develop Machine Operators on critical job skills, including safety, food safety, equipment operation, and operational excellence.
• Ensure established food safety practices are consistently followed in accordance with company and customer requirements, including GMPs, HACCP, and allergen controls.
• Ensure all established workplace and equipment safety practices are followed in accordance with company requirements.
• Perform assigned preventive maintenance activities on bagging and packaging equipment.
• Monitor equipment performance and identify opportunities to improve machine reliability, efficiency, and product quality.
• Communicate regularly with Management, Engineering, and Maintenance regarding machine performance, equipment concerns, and improvement opportunities.
• Follow proper Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), PPE, machine guarding, and other established safety procedures.
• Maintain compliance with company policies and procedures, including attendance, break schedules, safety regulations, and workplace conduct expectations.
• Follow established plant traffic patterns and safety requirements while working on the manufacturing floor.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years of machine operating experience within a high-speed manufacturing environment.
• Experience operating packaging or bagging equipment preferred.
• Working knowledge of key manufacturing safety practices, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), PPE, and machine guarding.
• Good command of the English language, both written and verbal.
• Basic mathematical aptitude.
• Ability to work effectively in close proximity to other employees in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Ability to stand for up to 8 hours per day.
• Ability to regularly lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to regularly bend, stoop, twist, turn, and use ladders and stairs.
• Ability to work Saturdays and/or Sundays as business needs require.
• Ability to comply with all plant safety policies, PPE requirements, and procedures.

Tandem Foods is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Shift

7am-3:30pm

Pay Range

$20.33

Work Setting

Onsite

Location(s)

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