Aseptic- Production Operator II

Niagara Water•Hazleton, PA

About The Position

The Aseptic Production Operator II ensures the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of aseptic manufacturing processes and equipment, primarily the Aseptic Block Equipment, including the blowmolder, filler, and peripheral devices. The role focuses on maintaining sterile conditions and producing high-quality beverage products. As a senior production team member, the operator also guides, trains, and supports junior operators. The operator prepares, sets up, runs, cleans, and monitors aseptic equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures, current Good Manufacturing Practices, and Niagara quality and food safety requirements. The role includes monitoring critical control points through a Human Machine Interface, identifying contamination risks, operating and troubleshooting equipment, performing routine cleaning, inspection, and lubrication under Maintenance Technician supervision, and conducting in-process quality checks and tests. The operator accurately records production, machine, quality, and downtime information using production software and computer systems. This position requires work across multiple production areas with minimal supervision, relief duties when needed, clear communication of issues, and regular, predictable attendance. The schedule consists of 12-hour day or night shifts on a rotating 2-2-3 schedule. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time, with or without prior notice.

Requirements

At least 2 years of experience in a field or similar manufacturing environment.
At least 2 years of experience in the position.
Experience operating aseptic machines; experience may include a combination of work experience and education.
Technical High School Diploma or GED.
Ability to work 12-hour shifts, days or nights, on a rotating 2-2-3 schedule.
Knowledge of chemicals used in Aseptic Block Equipment and their critical interactions, including GHS and SDS.
Knowledge of aseptic production, including basic microbiology and pH, low-acid and high-acid products, and causes of sterility loss.
Ability to perform titrations to test cleaning and sterilization chemical concentrations.
Ability to work in multiple production areas with minimal supervision and perform relief duties when required.
Ability to use computer systems such as Oracle/MES or the current order management system.
Ability to understand production line flow, bottlenecks, and manufacturing processes to maximize throughput.
Ability to communicate issues clearly and concisely.
Regular and predictable attendance.

Nice To Haves

6 years of experience in a field or similar manufacturing environment.
6 years of experience working in the position.
2 years of experience managing people or projects.
Associate's degree in Microbiology, Chemistry, or Engineering.
Yellow Belt certification.
Aseptic Processing and Packaging certification.
Better Process Control School.

Responsibilities

Execute aseptic manufacturing processes according to standard operating procedures and current Good Manufacturing Practices, including preparation, setup, operation, cleaning, and sterilization of Aseptic Block Equipment.
Monitor Aseptic Block Equipment critical control points using a Human Machine Interface to maintain final product sterility.
Identify potential contamination risks and work with the Supervisor and Quality and Maintenance Teams to mitigate or eliminate them.
Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot filling and blow molding machines, sterilizers, filtration systems, and other Aseptic Block Equipment.
Detect equipment malfunctions or out-of-tolerance machining and adjust machine controls; respond promptly to alarms to prevent unnecessary downtime.
Perform routine cleaning, inspection, and lubrication of Aseptic Block Equipment under Maintenance Technician supervision.
Perform in-process checks, sampling, inspections, visual inspections, measurements, and other quality control tests; identify deviations or defects and take appropriate corrective actions.
Test torque, top load, bottle section weights, and cleaning and sterilization chemical concentrations, including titrations.
Accurately document production activities in production logs, machine reports, quality reports, and downtime reports using software such as Presage and Infinity.
Follow cGMP guidelines and regulatory requirements to maintain compliance with Niagara quality systems and external regulatory bodies.
Maintain a safe working environment by following safety protocols, including Lock out Tag out, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, maintaining housekeeping, and participating in safety training.
Report safety incidents, near misses, and hazards to the Supervisor.
Comply with Niagara cost control, yield, employee safety, equipment handling, food safety, and quality policies.
Work in multiple production areas with minimal supervision and perform relief duties when required.
Use computer systems such as Oracle/MES or the current order management system.
Understand line flow, potential bottlenecks, and manufacturing processes to maximize throughput.
Communicate issues clearly and concisely and maintain regular, predictable attendance.
Provide guidance, training, and support to junior operators.

Benefits

Paid time off for holidays, sick time, and vacation time.
Paid parental and caregiver leaves.
Medical coverage, including virtual care options.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
401(k) with company match.
Health Savings Account with company match.
Flexible Spending Accounts.
Expanded mental wellbeing benefits, including free counseling sessions for team members and household family members.
Family Building Benefits, including enhanced fertility benefits for IVF and fertility preservation, plus adoption, surrogacy, and Doula reimbursements.
Income protection, including Life and AD&D, short- and long-term disability, critical illness, and accident coverage.
Special discount programs, including pet plans, prepaid legal services, identity theft, car rental, and airport parking.
Tuition reimbursement, college savings plan, and scholarship opportunities.