Production Equipment Operator

Ancient Crunch Inc.•Hackettstown, NJ

174d•$19 - $28•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Production Equipment/Tortilla Line Operator leads and coordinates a small team of production equipment operators while overseeing the safe operation, monitoring, and adjustment of production equipment. The role ensures product quality, food safety, and operational efficiency standards are consistently met, and serves as the lead operator for the production/tortilla line area and the primary point of contact between the operating team and supervision. The role also guides team members, maintains compliance with established standards, and completes and oversees operational documentation and equipment monitoring tasks. The position is based at company facilities, with daily facility assignments and duties subject to change. Responsibilities may expand as the company scales, including leading new initiatives and taking on additional duties consistent with the role and the company’s evolving production strategy.

Requirements

Previous manufacturing or food production experience is required.
Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
Comfort operating industrial equipment and HMI/control systems.
Strong attention to detail and ability to identify and address product quality issues.
Ability to lead a small team and communicate expectations clearly.
Ability to make operational adjustments safely while following established procedures.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a fast-paced industrial environment.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and lift, push, pull, and carry materials throughout the shift.
Ability to use stairs and ladders safely throughout the shift.
Ability to work around moving machinery, noise, heat, dust, and varying production conditions, including hot, humid, and wet environments.
Ability to wear required PPE, including respirators, gloves, hearing protection, face shields, and protective clothing, and follow and enforce applicable safety, food safety, and company policies.
Authorized to work in the U.S. and able to commute to Hackettstown, NJ.
Good memory, follow-up skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Nice To Haves

Prior leadership or lead operator experience preferred.
Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability preferred.
Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Interest in product quality, manufacturing, or food/science environments is a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate approximately 1–4 production equipment operators within the assigned line or area.
Operate and monitor production equipment through HMI and control systems.
Evaluate product quality against established specifications and production standards.
Adjust operations and equipment as needed to maintain product quality and production efficiency.
Ensure team members follow SOPs, production schedules, process parameters, and work instructions.
Complete and verify production, quality, downtime, and operational documentation in English.
Monitor equipment performance and report mechanical or operational issues to supervision or maintenance.
Perform and oversee equipment startup, shutdown, changeover, and operational checks.
Train and support team members on operational procedures, equipment operation, and safety expectations.
Maintain compliance with food safety, GMP, sanitation, and workplace safety requirements.
Keep work areas clean and organized throughout the shift.
Collaborate with supervisors, QA, sanitation, maintenance, and other production personnel.
Promptly communicate deviations, quality concerns, and safety issues to supervision.
Support continuous improvement and operational efficiency initiatives.
Assist with cleaning, inspections, and general operational support as needed.