Operator 1

ASR Group • Chicago, IL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Operator is responsible for safely operating, monitoring, and maintaining production equipment to support consistent, high-quality manufacturing output. This role ensures that products are packed accurately, safely, and in compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards while completing required documentation. Operator I Essential functions Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions listed in all tiers. Leveling summary: Works from SOPs under direct supervision; performs basic operating tasks and minor adjustments; escalates issues promptly. Operator II Essential Functions (Includes Operator I Essential Functions, Plus) Leveling summary: Operates independently; completes changeovers; performs intermediate troubleshooting; coordinates material flow; supports training and continuous improvement. Operator III Essential Functions (Includes all Operator II Essential Functions, Plus) Leveling summary: Serves as a technical resource; supports multiple lines; leads advanced troubleshooting and root-cause support; trains/mentors others; supports audits and standardization.

Requirements

• Ability to follow instructions, safety rules, and standard procedures
• Ability to learn new tasks, equipment, and processes through training
• Ability to work safely and maintain attention to detail in a production environment
• Ability to use basic tools and equipment safely
• Ability to observe conditions, recognize when something is not normal, and report issues
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members and supervision
• Ability to maintain accuracy, reliability, and focus during routine and repetitive work
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, assignments, and production needs
• Ability to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as business needs require
• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent experience required
• Manufacturing or food production experience preferred
• Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn technical skills

Responsibilities

• Operate assigned machine(s) or production equipment under supervision and according to SOPs
• Perform startup, shutdown, operation, and changeovers with some oversight according to procedures
• Learn emergency procedures, E-stop locations, and basic Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) awareness
• Ability to understand and follow assigned production schedules.
• Feed materials to equipment and remove finished product as required
• Perform basic operational adjustments, including clearing jams, cleaning sensors, and making minor part positioning corrections
• Performs quality control by inspecting equipment, critical control points (e.g. metal detector, magnets, screen, etc. and perform weight checks)
• Accurately complete required production documentation (e.g. quality, and food safety documentation, production counts, downtime, and scrap/reject reporting to support OEE tracking)
• Use and understand production and equipment systems to support equipment operation and efficiency.
• Knowledge in technological applications (e.g. RedZone, Beyond Trucks, Access, Sage etc.) to evaluate line performance/OEE and record production data
• Basic understanding of HMI/PLC screens indicating operational efficiency
• Operate forklifts and material-handling equipment once trained and authorized, as needed
• Use basic hand tools safely as required for assigned tasks
• Identify and report abnormal equipment operation, quality/packaging defects, material issues, or unsafe conditions
• Immediately report equipment damage, spills, accidents, near-misses, injuries, downtime, or any food safety/quality concerns to supervision
• Perform assigned cleaning, sanitation, and housekeeping tasks
• Follow all company safety rules, food safety programs, GMPs, and sanitation requirements
• Demonstrate correct use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times
• Maintains a positive, professional, and team-oriented approach; is approachable and works effectively with others to support production needs.
• Participate in required classroom, on-the-job, and cross-training activities
• Follow assigned work and break schedules
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of production operations
• Independently operate assigned production equipment with minimal to no supervision
• Perform startup, shutdown, and changeovers independently according to procedures
• Perform intermediate troubleshooting and mechanical/operational adjustments to maintain production efficiency
• Monitor OEE drivers (availability, performance, quality) and process stability; take corrective action within scope and escalate when needed
• Advanced understanding of HMI/PLC screens indicating operational efficiency
• Safely use advanced hand tools and power or pneumatic tools as required
• Assist with sanitation coordination and production transitions
• Support training and on-the-job guidance of new or less experienced operators
• Verify all required production, quality, and food safety documentation is complete, accurate, and submitted on time
• Communicate and coordinate downtime, quality concerns, material shortages, and equipment issues; escalate recurring issues with recommended actions
• Maintain accurate inventory counts for materials used in assigned areas.
• Demonstrate flexibility in supporting multiple lines or areas based on production needs
• Support and participate in continuous improvement efforts related to safety, quality, and efficiency
• Maintain strong attendance and reliability in support of operational needs
• Demonstrate mastery of assigned equipment, processes, and operational standards
• Operate, support, and troubleshoot multiple lines or functions to maintain production continuity
• Lead advanced troubleshooting; partner with Maintenance during breakdowns and chronic issues to restore operations and prevent recurrence
• Serve as a technical resource and trainer for new or less experienced operators
• Support root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA) for recurring operational, safety, food safety, or quality issues
• Provide advanced equipment adjustments to optimize performance within defined limits
• Support material flow, staging, and operational readiness across assigned areas
• Ensure tools, equipment, materials, and documentation are available and in proper condition
• Identify and report systemic safety, quality, or reliability risks
• Drive OEE improvement by identifying top losses, helping implement countermeasures, and coaching standard work to reduce downtime and defects
• Support standardization efforts (standard work, visual controls, and training reinforcement) to sustain improvements
• Participate and lead continuous improvement, efficiency, waste reduction, and standardization efforts
• Support audits, inspections, and verification activities related to safety, food safety, and quality
• Serve as a flexible operational resource to support staffing gaps or production demands
• Maintain high standards of safety, accountability, and operational discipline

What This Job Offers

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