Operations Filler Operator I (Nights)

SunOpta•Midlothian, TX

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Operations Filler Operator I operates aseptic filling machines and associated equipment while meeting product quality, efficiency, safety, and yield standards. The position is responsible for filling-area operations, following GMP and PPE requirements, communicating relevant information, and covering for absent employees or vacations as needed. The operator coordinates, sets up, cleans in place (CIP), swab tests, monitors, and operates filling equipment. The role includes performing quality checks, completing FDA-required paperwork, troubleshooting equipment, assisting with routine maintenance, and working with management to improve operational efficiency, yields, and scrap loss. The work area must remain clean, organized, and audit-ready, with supplies prepared for the next shift. This position works in a production and manufacturing environment at the SunOpta plant in Midlothian, Texas. The schedule is a night shift on a 2-2-3 pattern, from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Some flexibility may be needed on occasion. The position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Basic math skills.
Ability to work effectively in a team-based environment, set priorities, meet deadlines, handle multiple tasks, and make decisions under pressure.
Ability to stand for 12 hours for long periods.
Ability to frequently lift up to 30 pounds and frequently push or pull pallet jacks and lifts with heavy loads.
Ability to repeatedly ascend and descend stairways throughout the shift in a timely manner.
Ability to maintain good attendance.
Accurate, detailed record keeping and legible handwriting.
Ability to troubleshoot and resolve moderate to complex issues.
Understanding of procedures involving all allergens and ability to work around major allergens.
Ability to assess situations and make quick, accurate decisions that support production.
Ability to follow management-established GMP and safety procedures.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of business, computers, and math.
Mechanical and troubleshooting skills.

Responsibilities

Coordinate, set up, perform CIP cleaning and swab tests, monitor, and operate aseptic filling machines to support product quality and departmental efficiency.
Maintain a clean, organized, stocked, and audit-ready work area and prepare it for the next shift.
Assist with routine maintenance on filling machines and communicate with Maintenance and Management.
Assist Maintenance Technicians with repairs in the work area and promptly report equipment in disrepair.
Relieve other production team members for breaks and absences as required.
Perform weight, machine, sterility, and package-integrity checks.
Troubleshoot and resolve basic to moderate equipment operating difficulties, and resolve moderate to complex issues as needed.
Accurately prepare and complete required area paperwork with legible handwriting.
Work with management to monitor efficiency, yields, scrap loss, and other indicators and identify productivity improvements.
Follow plant safety rules, report near misses and accidents, participate in monthly safety inspections, and report potential hazards.
Follow quality assurance guidelines, SOPs, SSOPs, GMP, HACCP, and SQF requirements; identify critical control points relevant to filling.
Assist with general plant housekeeping and cooperate with other shifts and management on housekeeping efforts.
Communicate effectively with other operators and support groups, including professional and respectful use of handheld radios.
Contribute to team development and assist with coaching and training employees when requested.
Continuously improve knowledge of the aseptic filling process, become familiar with SunOpta 360, and complete and follow the Annual Alchemy Schedule.
Wear required PPE and perform other duties as assigned.