Aseptic- Production Operator II

Niagara Bottling•Hazle Township, PA

About The Position

The Aseptic Production Operator II is responsible for 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 provides guidance, training, and support to junior operators. The operator prepares, sets up, operates, monitors, cleans, and sterilizes aseptic block equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures, current Good Manufacturing Practices, Niagara’s Food Safety Plan, Quality Policies, and applicable regulatory requirements. The position monitors critical control points through a Human Machine Interface, identifies contamination risks, performs quality checks and tests, documents production activity, and works with supervisors and Quality and Maintenance teams to address issues. It also includes routine cleaning, inspection, and lubrication under Maintenance Technician supervision, equipment troubleshooting, and work across production areas with minimal supervision. This position requires the ability to work 12-hour shifts, days or nights, on a rotating 2-2-3 schedule. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function.

Requirements

At least 2 years of experience in a field or similar manufacturing environment; experience may include a combination of work experience and education.
At least 2 years of experience in the position; experience may include a combination of work experience and education.
Experience operating aseptic machines.
Technical High School Diploma or GED.
Ability to work 12-hour shifts, day or night, on a rotating 2-2-3 schedule.
Ability to understand aseptic production concepts, including basic microbiology and pH, low-acid and high-acid products, and causes of sterility loss.
Knowledge of chemicals used in Aseptic Block Equipment and their critical interactions, including GHS and SDS.
Ability to perform titrations and quality tests, including torque, top load, bottle section weights, and cleaning or sterilization chemical concentration testing.
Ability to use production documentation software such as Presage and Infinity and computer systems such as Oracle/MES or the current order management system.
Ability to work across multiple production areas with minimal supervision and communicate issues clearly and concisely.
Required certification or license: None.

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, preferably in microbiology, chemistry, or engineering.
Yellow Belt certification.
Aseptic Processing and Packaging certification.
Better Process Control School certification.

Responsibilities

Execute aseptic manufacturing processes according to SOPs and cGMP, including preparation, setup, operation, monitoring, cleaning, and sterilization of aseptic block equipment.
Monitor Aseptic Block Equipment critical control points using an HMI to maintain product sterility; identify 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 related equipment; detect malfunctions or out-of-tolerance machining, adjust controls, and respond 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, and quality tests, including torque, top load, bottle section weights, and cleaning or sterilization chemical concentrations using titrations; identify deviations and take corrective action.
Accurately document production activities in production logs, machine reports, quality reports, and downtime reports using software such as Presage and Infinity; maintain compliance with Niagara Quality Systems and external regulatory requirements.
Follow safety protocols, including Lock out Tag out, use of appropriate PPE, housekeeping, and participation in safety training; report incidents, near misses, and hazards to the Supervisor.
Comply with Niagara’s 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 the manufacturing process to maximize throughput.
Communicate issues clearly and concisely.
Provide junior operators with guidance, training, and support.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance and work 12-hour day or night shifts on a rotating 2-2-3 schedule.

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 an accident plan.
Special discount programs, including pet plans, prepaid legal services, identity theft services, car rental, and airport parking.
Tuition reimbursement, college savings plan, and scholarship opportunities.