Associate Technician, Operations

MSD • Irving, TX

2d • $39,200 - $61,800

About The Position

The Level O1 Machine Operator is the foundation of the production line. The role operates a laser, laser/ink-jet, or E.I.D. marking station to mark, label, and package Livestock Identification tags in 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 the daily output required for the assigned machine. The operator is expected to know and follow standards and immediately stop and escalate when something deviates. This is the entry point in an operator progression from O1 to O2 to O3 Production Line Lead; demonstrated mastery of O1 duties is a prerequisite for advancement.

The position performs production, quality and traceability checks, documentation, housekeeping, and safety duties. It requires physical tasks such as lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling materials up to 30 pounds throughout the shift, standing for extended periods, and performing repetitive tasks. The role is classified as a second-shift evening position. The salary range is $39,200–$61,800, and the successful candidate is eligible for an annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and other insurance for employees and family, retirement benefits including a 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.

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 proficiency, 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 product 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, and confirm packaging is available and correct.
• When the workstation is shut down, promptly seek assistance to correct the malfunction and return the workstation to production.
• Perform basic troubleshooting, setup verification, and cleaning within current training and qualifications; do not operate beyond qualified tasks.
• Perform required quality checks at specified intervals and stop production immediately when nonconforming product is identified.
• Verify print and marking quality, EID programming, label accuracy, and customer requirements on every order.
• Monitor for wrong materials, incorrect EID programming, traceability discrepancies, product mix-ups, equipment abnormalities, missing documentation, and safety concerns; stop production and notify the appropriate lead, supervisor, technician, or quality technician when observed.
• Maintain traceability records and prevent suspect products from proceeding until issues are resolved.
• Complete production documentation accurately and in real time, including startup sheets, downtime logs, production records, scrap documentation, and quality records.
• Record downtime and the correct reason accurately so losses can be analyzed and eliminated.
• Perform assigned tasks according to safety procedures and work instructions, wearing required PPE and following site safety requirements.
• Maintain safe work practices, report unsafe behaviors and conditions immediately, and stop the job for any unsafe condition.
• Assist with onboarding and cross-training using approved training 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.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision healthcare, and other insurance benefits for the employee and family.
• Retirement benefits, including a 401(k).
• Paid holidays.
• Vacation.
• Compassionate and sick days.
• Annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED