Extruder Apprentice (Sibrian)

Mars • Fremont, NE

8d • Onsite

About The Position

As an Extruder Apprentice, you will enter a structured learning and development pathway to master the core manufacturing process of pet food production. Under the mentorship of certified Senior Extruder Operators, you will learn to set up, operate, monitor, and clean state-of-the-art extrusion, drying, and coating systems. This role is highly technical and hands-on, perfect for individuals with strong mechanical aptitude, a passion for troubleshooting, and a commitment to food safety and quality.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent education.
• Strong mechanical and technical aptitude (experience using hand tools, measuring devices, and troubleshooting machinery).
• Basic computer literacy (MS Office, email, and ability to navigate digital control screens/HMI panels).
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Ability to stand on a concrete floor for extended periods (up to 12 hours).
• Full compliance with personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements (hair net, bump cap, safety glasses, earplugs, safety shoes, and uniform).
• Physical ability to bend, stoop, twist, turn, climb stairs/ladders, work in enclosed spaces, and lift up to 55 lbs repeatedly.
• Ability to adapt to temperature and environmental extremes (hot processing environment, cold, dust, and standard food-safe sanitation chemicals).

Nice To Haves

• 1+ years of work experience in manufacturing, food processing, or a technical/trade discipline.
• Experience operating forklifts, scissor lifts, or similar industrial equipment.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment.

Responsibilities

• Learn and assist with the safe setup, startup, operation, and shutdown of extrusion equipment (including dry-ingredient feeders, pre-conditioners, extruders, dryers, fat-coaters, and coolers) according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Monitor processing parameters (such as temperatures, pressures, feed rates, steam, and water addition) and collaborate with the operator to make adjustments.
• Assist in production changeovers, including die plate changes, knife alignment, and formula adjustments based on the production schedule.
• Work closely with surrounding departments (such as the Mill/Grinding and Liquid/Meat Room teams) to maintain steady product flow and process consistency.
• Perform regular in-process quality testing of extruded kibble (including bulk density, moisture levels, water activity, size, and shape) to ensure it meets strict recipe specifications.
• Conduct finished product sampling (including micro-sampling) and prepare documentation for submission to internal and offsite/external laboratories.
• Adhere strictly to Food Safety, Quality, and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) guidelines, quickly reporting any process deviations to Quality & Food Safety (Q&FS) leadership.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant product logs, quality sheets, and production records.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance, equipment verifications, and first-level diagnostics on extrusion line machinery.
• Safely operate material handling equipment, including forklifts and pallet jacks, to move raw materials, additives, or packaging within the extrusion area.
• Strictly follow Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) protocols during all changeovers, maintenance tasks, and deep cleanings.
• Execute detailed cleaning and sanitation of extrusion machinery, work platforms, and surrounding processing areas to maintain high site GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) standards.
• Perform sanitation duties as required by the Master Sanitation Schedule (MSS) with particular focus on biological, microbiological, and allergen controls.
• Participate actively in site sanitation, pest control, and general housekeeping projects.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance.
• Financial Security: Short & Long-Term Disability and an industry-leading 401(k) match.
• Paid Time Off: Up to 3 weeks of vacation (accrued based on hire date), 11 Paid Holidays per year, and Sick Pay.
• Family Support: Paid Maternity & Parental Leave.
• Performance Incentives: Annual bonus earning potential based on site and individual success.
• Professional Development: Best-in-class learning support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.

What This Job Offers

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