1st Shift Bakery Machine Operator

Urban Farmer•Manteno, IL

About The Position

Urban Farmer is seeking a skilled Machine Operator to support high-volume production in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. The role involves operating food manufacturing, processing, baking, freezing, and packaging machinery; maintaining product quality and safety; troubleshooting equipment; minimizing downtime; and meeting production goals. Equipment includes VEMAG extruders, crimpers, JDD baggers, inline pressing systems, industrial ovens, freezers, Texwrap systems, ADCO packaging machines, Combi case erectors, coding and label applicators, and 3M case tapers. The operator monitors and adjusts machine settings and production flow, performs routine checks and minor repairs, verifies product and packaging quality, and completes production and quality documentation. The role also requires coordination with production, supervisory, and quality-control colleagues and compliance with workplace safety requirements, food safety regulations, and good manufacturing practices. This first-shift position is performed in office and manufacturing environments, with variable temperatures and exposure to loud machinery and equipment alarms. Physical tasks include standing or walking for extended periods, maneuvering around equipment, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Required PPE includes safety footwear, hearing protection, and safety glasses.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Strong understanding of mechanical devices and troubleshooting skills.
Ability to perform routine equipment maintenance.
Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team.
Completion of GMP and company food-safety-program training.
Good mathematical skills.
Ability to read and follow instructions.
Ability to comply with PPE requirements, including safety footwear, hearing protection, and safety glasses.
Ability to work in variable temperatures and perform physical tasks, including lifting up to 50 pounds.
Ability to stand or walk for extended periods and maneuver around equipment.

Nice To Haves

Technical certification in mechanical equipment.
Bilingual ability.

Responsibilities

Operate the VEMAG dough portioning machine to divide and deposit dough consistently and support high-volume production.
Operate the crimper machine to form and seal pizza snacks, ensuring proper filling, tight seals, and consistent quality.
Operate the JDD bagger, ensuring accurate fill weights, proper sealing, and correct coding.
Monitor and manage the inline pressing system, including line speed, pressure, temperature zones, and dough alignment; troubleshoot product and equipment issues to maintain uniformity and production flow.
Operate and monitor industrial ovens to maintain baking temperatures, product quality, and throughput.
Operate and monitor freezer systems, temperature control, and product flow while maintaining food safety and quality.
Operate Texwrap shrink-wrapping and packaging systems, including wrappers, bundlers, sealers, tunnels, infeeds, and conveyors.
Operate and troubleshoot ADCO automated packaging machines, including cartoners.
Operate Combi automated case erectors for end-of-line packaging.
Operate coding and label applicator equipment to apply accurate, legible product codes, dates, and labels in the correct locations.
Operate the 3M case taper to seal cases consistently and securely.
Conduct regular operator checks and minor repairs; troubleshoot mechanical issues to reduce downtime and maintain equipment.
Perform quality-control checks, including verifying seal integrity and code dates, and adjust machine settings when products deviate from specifications.
Record production data, machine settings, batch timings, and output; complete required quality-assurance and production-tracking documentation.
Coordinate with team members and other departments to improve production-line efficiency and communicate concerns to supervisors and quality-control teams.
Follow workplace safety guidelines, food safety regulations, and GMPs; report hazards or compliance concerns.