Machine Operator

PetAg, Inc.•Hampshire, IL

2d•$18 - $27

About The Position

The Machine Operator operates, monitors, adjusts, troubleshoots, and maintains packaging equipment used to manufacture and package dry powder products. The role supports safe, efficient, and compliant production by ensuring products are packaged according to approved specifications, batch records, work orders, and customer requirements. The position supports equipment setup, changeovers, line clearances, in-process quality checks, accurate documentation, and verification of packaging materials, labels, lot numbers, and expiration dates. It helps maintain compliance with cGMPs, food safety programs, allergen-control procedures, HACCP requirements, USDA/FDA regulations, sanitation standards, and traceability requirements while protecting product quality and preventing contamination or allergen cross-contact. Work is performed primarily in a manufacturing and warehouse environment. The role involves operating production and material-handling equipment and requires physical activity, PPE, and the ability to work overtime, extended shifts, and weekends according to production and business needs. The estimated pay range is $17.82 to $26.73 per hour. Eligible full-time employees working at least 30 hours per week may participate in the company’s benefits program. Employment is contingent on successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug screen.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Ability to read and follow formulas, batch records, SOPs, Work Instructions, and production schedules.
Basic mathematical skills, including weights, measurements, quantities, and inventory verification.
Ability to read, write, and understand English and communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers.
Ability to safely operate required production and material-handling equipment after completing company-required training.
Strong attention to detail and organization, and ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Ability to work overtime, extended shifts, and weekends based on production and business needs.
Must comply with applicable safety, quality, sanitation, food safety, allergen-control, and Good Manufacturing Practice requirements.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug screen.

Nice To Haves

One to two years of manufacturing experience, preferably in an FDA- or USDA-regulated environment.
Forklift and skyjack operation experience.
Experience in food, dietary supplement, nutraceutical, pet nutrition, or other regulated manufacturing.
Working knowledge of food safety, cGMPs, sanitation, allergen controls, and manufacturing documentation.

Responsibilities

Operate, monitor, adjust, troubleshoot, and maintain packaging equipment, including fillers, hoppers, seamers, labelers, over-cap machines, and box erectors.
Perform equipment setup, line clearance, product changeovers, and start-up verification to ensure equipment is correctly configured and ready for production.
Package milk powder and other dry powder products according to batch records, work orders, packaging specifications, customer requirements, and production schedules while following FDA, USDA, HACCP, food safety, and cGMP requirements.
Verify product weights, lot numbers, expiration dates, labels, packaging materials, package counts, and coding information for product identity, traceability, and regulatory and customer compliance.
Follow allergen-control procedures, including material identification and segregation, equipment cleaning, line clearance, and changeover requirements.
Maintain accurate production, packaging, quality, downtime, inventory, and traceability documentation, completing records in real time and according to company requirements.
Immediately report and escalate food safety, allergen, quality, equipment, material, safety, or process deviations to supervisors and Quality personnel.
Safely operate packaging equipment, forklifts, pallet jacks, skyjacks, scanners, and other authorized production equipment in accordance with safety procedures and PPE requirements.
Maintain clean, organized, and sanitary work areas; demonstrate dependable attendance; support overtime requirements when necessary; and perform other assigned duties.
Follow company safety policies and procedures, participate in required safety training, and promptly report unsafe conditions, near misses, and incidents.
Perform other duties assigned to support business objectives.

Benefits

Medical insurance and prescription drug plan options.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Company-paid life insurance with accidental death and dismemberment coverage, with options to purchase additional coverage.
Company-paid short- and long-term disability plans.
Employee Assistance Program with up to six free counseling sessions.
Flexible Spending Account for medical reimbursement or dependent care.
Pet insurance options.
Paid holidays and paid time off, including regular PTO and personal PTO.
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), with company contributions and a six-year vesting schedule.
401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match of 100% up to 3% deferral and a three-year vesting schedule.
Fitness reimbursement of up to $300 annually.
Scholarship fund for children or grandchildren of employee-owners.
Tuition reimbursement for eligible bachelor’s-level coursework after one full year of employment.
Company-paid parental leave following birth or placement of a child.