Extruder Operator ($1,500 Sign-On Bonus!)

Mars•Mattoon, IL

2d•$25 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

Mars is seeking a multi-skilled packing associate to join their factory team as an Extruder Operator. This entry-level role is responsible for achieving maximum efficiency of packing lines while maintaining high safety and quality standards. The operator will also identify and deliver continuous improvement projects within the packaging hall. This position offers an exciting opportunity to develop capabilities in various processing systems, including batching, extrusion, and coating, with a focus on optimizing production and ensuring product integrity.

Requirements

Associates degree or equivalent of 2-3 years’ experience (manufacturing environment preferred).
Good math, reading and writing skills.
High level of mechanical aptitude and knowledge with good skills in troubleshooting and problem solving.
Excellent housekeeping skills and knowledge of GMP's.
Good knowledge of personal computers.
Ability and willingness to develop and manage self, demonstrate self-directed workgroup leadership and contribute to efficiency, quality and cost optimization with minimal supervision and a positive attitude.
Ability to lift 50 lbs.
Ability to work 12 hour rotating shifts.
Ability to work under variable conditions such as heat, cold, high and/or confined spaces.
Ability to climb ladders.
Ability to travel up and down stairs, repetitively.
Ability to do repetitive bending and twisting.
Ability to work with hazardous chemicals (phosphoric acid) and work with exposure to pressurized steam.
Forklift certified.

Nice To Haves

Forklift experience

Responsibilities

Perform duties on a rotational basis in the processing area, operating systems, performing quality checks, maintaining conformance reports and system logs, and troubleshooting systems.
Schedule, batch, and assure accurate dispersion of commodities, controlling hardstock grinding and amounts into each recipe for the mixed meal system.
Extrude mixed meal and dry kibbles to meet quality specifications and optimize plant capacity.
Coat and blend kibbles with tallow and digest into finished product according to recipe requirements, coordinating with packaging and extrusion to optimize product stream and bunker inventory.
Manage and set strategy for five processing systems to meet or exceed production schedules efficiently.
Maintain a safe and clean work environment, promoting associate safety and product integrity.
Actively address food safety and quality concerns.
Troubleshoot processing systems, take corrective action to ensure product quality, and minimize downtime.
Improve operations through problem-solving and provide leadership in solving problems on the floor and in meetings.
Promote a high-quality team environment through teamwork, self-management, and a positive attitude.
Start and stop the extrusion system within 90 days of assignment.
Perform all testing and sampling in the extrusion area and complete conformance sheets accurately.
Demonstrate knowledge of area GMPs.
Demonstrate basic understanding of the process flow and equipment in the immediate area.
Make color, clean & assemble die plates, and operate a forklift.
Safely operate all equipment and systems in extrusion.
Complete LOTO training.
Demonstrate understanding of E-stop strategy for the area and locate all E-stops.
Perform weekly processing start-up and shut-down procedures.
Identify quality issues and make parameter adjustments to correct them.
Set up for any recipe, input initial parameters, and run effectively on any extrusion system.
Run Quality and R&D tests.
Take ownership for the area in terms of safety and housekeeping.
Understand the meat process.
Demonstrate a thorough understanding of all equipment in the area, how it operates, normal conditions, and identify abnormal conditions.
Assist in identifying solutions to problems and short-term alternatives.
Consistently run all KKM products at 95% A grade while optimizing moisture and minimizing regrind.
Optimize extruder efficiency by balancing finished product inventory, mixed meal level, and extruder rates.
Accurately troubleshoot mechanical and controls system issues.
Help maintenance/tech services find long-term solutions to problems in the area.
Cover for one other processing position and stay updated in that area.
Provide on-the-job training for new process associates on extruder operation, quality parameters, GMPs, and safety.
Understand and adjust the schedule when needed.
Demonstrate consistent application of product knowledge in solving quality issues.
Work with engineering and maintenance to make upgrades to area systems.
Work on PMs on a regular basis.
Maintain a clean, safe work environment that promotes associate safety and product integrity.
Improve operations through individual and group problem solving and provide leadership in solving problems on the floor and in meetings.
Promote a high-quality team environment through effective teamwork and self-direction with a positive attitude.
Obtain and maintain proficiency in job-specific business systems such as Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel.
Remain current with facility-utilized business systems.
May perform special non-routine tasks associated with corporate requests, projects, and tests.
Participate in site action circles and focus groups as appropriate.
Train other area associates in the operation of all areas and systems.
Perform other duties as required.