SMI Operator

Juanita's Foods•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

The SMI Operator operates, monitors, and maintains SMI shrink-wrapping and packaging equipment in the Labeling Department. The role supports efficient machine performance, quality compliance, and packaging accuracy. The operator also assists with changeovers, quality checks, material handling, and other departmental needs to support smooth production operations. The position requires frequent presence on the production floor and exposure to food manufacturing conditions, including noise, temperature variations, and moving equipment. It involves prolonged standing and walking, occasional lifting up to 50 pounds, and bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, pushing, pulling, and reaching as needed. The operator must wear required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and steel-toe shoes, and maintain alertness and focus in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED equivalent preferred.
Prior experience operating packaging equipment in a manufacturing environment strongly preferred.
Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to perform machine adjustments.
Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment.
Ability to work weekends, overtime, or during peak production as required.
Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods and lift up to 50 pounds at times.
Ability to bend, stoop, squat, kneel, push, pull, and reach as needed.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and steel-toe shoes.
Ability to maintain mental alertness and focus while managing multiple priorities.

Nice To Haves

Forklift certification, or ability to obtain it.
Bilingual English/Spanish.

Responsibilities

Set up, operate, and monitor SMI shrink-wrap equipment according to production schedules.
Perform line start-ups, changeovers, and shut-downs efficiently to minimize downtime.
Conduct routine quality checks to ensure packaging accuracy and compliance with company and regulatory standards.
Identify, remove, and rework defective or non-conforming product.
Perform basic equipment troubleshooting and adjustments.
Report equipment malfunctions or abnormalities to the Labeling Lead or Maintenance team.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment in accordance with GMPs and safety requirements.
Complete production and quality documentation accurately.
Provide departmental support as needed, including break coverage and material handling.
Follow safety policies and participate in continuous improvement initiatives.
Perform other related duties as assigned.