Assoc. Tech, Operations

MSD•Irving, TX

18h

About The Position

The Level O1 Machine Operator is the foundation of the production line and operates a laser, laser/ink-jet, or E.I.D. marking station to mark, label, and package Livestock Identification tags in strict accordance with SOPs, work instructions, and customer requirements. Success is measured by safe behavior, right-first-time quality, accurate real-time documentation, and consistent attainment of required daily output. The operator is expected to follow established standards and stop and escalate immediately when deviations occur. This role is the entry point in an operator progression of O1 → O2 → O3 Production Line Lead. Demonstrated mastery of O1 duties is a prerequisite for advancement. The position includes production execution, quality and traceability checks, real-time documentation, safe work practices, housekeeping, and participation in cross-training and continuous improvement activities. The salary range is $39,200–$61,800. The successful candidate will be eligible for an annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable. The company offers medical, dental, vision, and other insurance benefits for employees and their families; retirement benefits including a 401(k); paid holidays; vacation; and compassionate and sick days. The role is a regular employee position, 1st shift/day, with no relocation, visa sponsorship, or travel required.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience operating a computer, including using a mouse and retrieving a file, and demonstrated ability to learn basic computer skills.
Ability to accurately enter and retrieve production information using manufacturing systems, production databases, and electronic documentation systems, and to learn and use SAP, MES, Galaxy, or other production-related software as required.
Basic math skills, including counting, handling numbers, addition, and subtraction, sufficient for production calculations, quantity verification, traceability reconciliation, and inventory counts.
Good manual dexterity and ability to safely handle production materials, packaging components, livestock identification tags, trays, pallets, and related equipment.
Ability to read, comprehend, and follow SOPs, Work Instructions, Job Sheets, Production Orders, Quality and Traceability Records, and Customer Requirements.
Ability to identify, communicate, and escalate safety, quality, equipment, and traceability issues in a timely manner.
Attention to detail and a quality-focused mindset.
Strong safety awareness.
Basic troubleshooting skills.
Effective communication skills.
Ability to maintain accurate, real-time production documentation.
Reliability, punctuality, and ownership of the assigned workstation.
Willingness to learn, cross-train, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials weighing up to 30 pounds throughout the shift.
Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks with sustained attention to detail.
Ability and willingness to wear and maintain required PPE, including safety glasses and steel-toe safety footwear, and comply with site safety requirements.

Responsibilities

Operate a laser, laser/ink-jet, or EID marking station to mark livestock identification tags according to SOPs, and label and package finished products to specification.
Maintain the required daily output for the assigned job and machine, and promptly notify the Line Lead when the target is at risk.
Verify materials, work orders, and packaging components against the production order before running; confirm packaging is available and correct.
When a workstation shuts down, promptly seek help to correct the malfunction and return it to production as quickly as possible.
Perform basic troubleshooting, setup verification, and cleaning within current training and qualifications; do not perform unqualified tasks.
Conduct quality checks at the required frequency and immediately stop production when nonconforming product is identified.
Verify print and marking quality, EID programming, label accuracy, and customer requirements for every order.
Watch for material, programming, traceability, product, equipment, documentation, and safety issues; stop production and notify the appropriate Line Lead, Supervisor, Technician, or Quality Technician immediately.
Maintain traceability records and prevent suspect product from continuing down the line while an issue remains unresolved.
Complete production documentation accurately and in real time, including startup sheets, downtime logs, production records, scrap documentation, and quality records.
Record downtime accurately with the correct reason to support analysis and loss elimination.
Follow safety procedures and work instructions, wear required PPE, and immediately report unsafe behaviors and conditions; stop work for any unsafe condition.
Assist with employee onboarding and cross-training using approved methods and SOPs when qualified.
Maintain housekeeping in the assigned area and participate in 5S, Lean Manufacturing, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Follow established conduct, procedures, and safety rules for the area.
Perform other duties as assigned.