Sanitation / Packaging Line Operator - Dry Powder Division

Fortress Nutrition, LLC; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 27,552 - 30,307; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO with carryover option

9 paid holidays per year

Medical, dental & vision coverage

401(k) with match

Life and AD&D insurance

Job summary

Fortress Nutrition, LLC in Milwaukee, WI is seeking a reliable Sanitation / Packaging Line Operator for our Dry Powder operations. This dual-role position covers sanitation duties after production runs and supports packaging line operations during active production.

Key responsibilities include cleaning equipment, sanitizing production areas, performing quality checks, and maintaining accurate documentation.

Qualifications

• 1+ year of sanitation experience in an industrial setting.
• Knowledge of GMPs, food safety standards, and sanitation procedures.
• Ability to read, write and communicate in English.
• Ability to perform basic shop math.
• Ability to work overtime/weekends as needed.

Responsibilities

• Perform complete wet cleaning of dry powder blending and packaging equipment after production runs.
• Remove debris, dust and residue from equipment, floors and surfaces before cleaning.
• Disassemble, deep clean, sanitize and reassemble machinery and food-contact surfaces.
• Manually scrub equipment and hard-to-reach areas to ensure thorough cleaning.
• Use food-grade chemicals and sanitation equipment per procedures; rinse completely.
• Ensure equipment dries to prevent recontamination; follow GMPs and SSOPs.
• Set up, operate, and maintain packaging equipment (filler, sealer, x-ray, etc.).
• Perform quality checks: seal integrity, coding accuracy, weight verification; GDP-compliant docs.

Skills

Sanitation experience

Packaging equipment experience

English communication

Basic math

Overtime availability

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Packaging machinery

Job description

Fortress Nutrition is growing and we're looking for a reliable, detail-oriented Sanitation / Packaging Line Operator to support our Dry Powder operations. This is a dual-role position, where you will perform critical sanitation duties following production runs and support packaging line operations during active production.

This role is essential to maintaining food safety, preventing cross-contamination, and ensuring equipment and production areas are properly cleaned and ready for the next run. You will also ensure products are packaged accurately, safely, and efficiently to meet our quality and customer specifications before heading to consumers!

Schedule

1st Shift | Monday - Friday: 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM

• Overtime and weekends may be required based on production needs; weekends paid at DOUBLE PAY

What You’ll Do

Sanitation Responsibilities (as needed):

• Perform complete wet cleaning of dry powder blending and packaging equipment following production runs
• Remove debris, dust, and product residue from equipment, floors, and surfaces prior to cleaning
• Disassemble, deep clean, sanitize, and reassemble machinery and food-contact surfaces
• Manually scrub equipment, complex parts, and hard-to-reach areas to ensure thorough cleaning
• Use food-grade chemicals and sanitation equipment following proper procedures
• Rinse and ensure all cleaning agents are fully removed to prevent contamination
• Allow equipment to air dry to avoid recontamination
• Clean and sanitize full processing areas, including floors, walls, and contact surfaces
• Follow all GMPs, SOPs, and SSOPs to ensure compliance with food safety standards
• Identify and report any sanitation issues, equipment damage, or contamination risks immediately
• Complete all required sanitation logs, checklists, and documentation accurately

Packaging Line Operator Responsibilities:

• Set up, operate, and maintain packaging equipment (filler, sealer, x-ray, metal detector, scale, coder, etc.)
• Make adjustments to equipment to ensure product and packaging meet specifications
• Perform quality checks, including visual inspections, seal integrity, coding accuracy, and weight verification
• Complete all documentation (MMRs) accurately and in real time following Good Documentation Practices (GDPs)
• Act with a strong sense of urgency to quickly address equipment faults, errors, or slowdowns
• Follow all safety procedures, GMPs, and sanitation requirements at all times
• Communicate production concerns to leadership promptly for resolution
• Support team operations through overtime as needed
• Perform all other duties as assigned by leadership

What We’re Looking For

Required:

• High School Diploma or GED
• 1+ year of previous experience in an industrial sanitation role, with experience cleaning equipment/machinery following production runs
• Strong understanding of food safety practices, including proper use of cleaning chemicals on food-grade equipment to prevent contamination
• Working knowledge of GMPs, food safety standards, and sanitation procedures, including safe handling of chemicals and awareness of allergen exposure (e.g., dairy, soy, etc.), cross-contamination, etc.
• Ability to work in environments with exposure to food allergens (e.g., dairy, soy), dust and wet conditions
• Ability to perform basic shop math
• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English
• Reliability, accountability, and strong work ethic
• Ability to work overtime/weekends as needed

Preferred:

• Experience operating packaging equipment in a manufacturing environment
• Experience in sanitation, food manufacturing, or packaging operations in food, dietary supplement, or pharmaceutical or other regulated/controlled working environments
• Knowledge of GMPs, food safety, and sanitation procedures
• Experience working with industrial cleaning equipment and chemicals, and understanding of water only cleaning

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand/walk for extended periods (up to 10 hours per shift)
• Frequent lifting, pushing, pulling up to 50lbs
• Regular use of hands to finger, grasp, pinch, touch, or operate equipment/controls, and handle materials/objects
• Bending, kneeling, climbing (stairs/platforms), and operating machinery
• Ability to work at heights (mezzanine or scissor lift up to 20 feet)

Work Environment

• Exposure to dust, dry powder, and wet processes
• Exposure to food allergens (e.g., dairy, soy, etc.)
• Climate-controlled facility; optional PPE (such as dust masks) available but not required

Pay & Benefits

• Starting Pay: $20.00-$22.00 per hour, with higher starting rates offered based on experience and qualifications*
• Double Time Pay for 50+ hours/week + any weekend work

Benefits Include

• PTO Package with Carryover Option
• 9 Paid Holidays Per Year
• Medical, Dental & Vision (Affordable Family Coverage)
• HSA Option with Quarterly Company Contributions
• Company-Paid Life, AD&D, Short- & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) with strong company match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Referral Bonuses
• ...and more!

Fortress Nutrition is an Equal Opportunity Employer.