Associate Technician, Operations

MSD•Irving, TX

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 according to SOPs, work instructions, and customer requirements. Success is measured by safe work practices, right-first-time quality, accurate real-time documentation, and consistent attainment of the required daily output for the assigned machine. The operator is expected to follow established standards and stop and escalate immediately when anything deviates from them. This role is the entry point in an operator progression of O1 to O2 to O3 Production Line Lead; mastery of O1 duties is required for advancement. The role includes production execution, quality checks and traceability, accurate completion of production documentation, teamwork, safety, and housekeeping. Operators perform only tasks within their training and qualifications, wear required PPE, maintain the assigned work area, and participate in 5S, Lean Manufacturing, and continuous improvement initiatives. The position requires physical work, including lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling materials up to 30 pounds throughout the shift, standing for extended periods, and performing repetitive tasks. The salary range is $39,200–$61,800. Eligible employees may receive an annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable. The company offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and other insurance benefits for employees and family, retirement benefits including a 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. This is a regular position with a second-shift evening schedule. No relocation, visa sponsorship, or travel is offered or 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 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.
Wear and maintain required PPE, including safety glasses and steel-toe safety footwear, and comply with all 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.
Meet 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 help 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 outside qualified tasks.
Perform required quality checks at specified intervals and immediately stop production when nonconforming product is identified.
Verify print and marking quality, EID programming, label accuracy, and customer requirements for every order.
Identify and stop production for wrong materials, incorrect EID programming, traceability discrepancies, product mix-ups, equipment abnormalities, missing documentation, or safety concerns, and notify the appropriate Line Lead, Supervisor, Technician, or Quality Technician.
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 accurately with the correct reason to support analysis and elimination of losses.
Follow safety procedures and work instructions, wear required PPE, report unsafe behaviors and conditions, and stop work for unsafe conditions.
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.