Packaging Machine Operator-12hr Days

Mars • Topeka, KS

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Mars is hiring a Machine Operator for its manufacturing plant in Topeka, Kansas. The role is a full-time, permanent day-shift position. The operator becomes a system expert in an assigned production area and is responsible for the safe, efficient operation of advanced equipment and for ensuring products meet quality standards. Mars provides structured training, tools, and a supportive team environment.

The position operates food-safe machinery and production lines, troubleshoots equipment, performs routine maintenance, carries out food-safety and quality checks, maintains accurate paper and digital records, and uses a forklift to support material flow and inventory control.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent civilian or military education.
• Ability to stand on concrete floors for extended periods; bend, stoop, twist, turn, reach, and climb stairs; and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Willingness to wear required personal protective equipment, including a hair net, bump cap, ear plugs, safety shoes, and uniform.
• Ability to obtain and maintain OSHA forklift certification; Mars provides on-site training and licensing.

Nice To Haves

• At least 1 year of manufacturing experience operating industrial machinery, or equivalent technical military experience such as equipment maintenance, operations, or mechanical repairs.
• Basic understanding of inventory control systems or experience using enterprise asset management systems such as SAP, GCSS, or equivalent databases.
• Relevant military occupational training or experience in equipment operation, maintenance, logistics, supply, or related technical fields.

Responsibilities

• Safely and efficiently operate food-safe machinery and production lines to meet daily operational targets.
• Assess equipment operating reliability and perform routine technical repairs, adjustments, and root-cause troubleshooting.
• Perform routine maintenance tasks and partner with the Maintenance team on complex equipment upkeep.
• Perform food-safety and quality checks, including metal detection, date-code inspection, and dump-log monitoring.
• Maintain accurate logs and digital shift-support documentation using desktop and production-tracking computer systems.
• Safely operate a forklift to manage material flow and inventory control in the production area.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance starting on day one.
• Competitive base pay and annual performance-based bonus potential.
• Competitive 401(k) company match.
• Up to three weeks of paid vacation, based on hire date.
• 12 paid holidays per year and sick pay.
• Paid maternity and parental leave.
• Short-term and long-term disability.
• World-class technical training, clear promotion pathways, and educational assistance.

What This Job Offers

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