Machine Operator I

Job Summary

The Machine Operator I is responsible for safely operating and maintaining assigned production equipment to meet daily production targets. This role supports the team’s success by taking ownership of machine performance, performing basic troubleshooting, and keeping accurate production records. The operator plays an active role in helping achieve output goals and is expected to contribute to continuous improvement, including assisting in training newer team members on safe and efficient machine operation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate Production Equipment: Run machines safely and efficiently, ensuring product quality and equipment uptime. Monitor performance and adjust machine settings as needed to maintain steady operation.
• Own Equipment Performance: Take full responsibility for the performance and condition of your assigned machine(s). Conduct basic checks and cleaning, monitor for issues, and communicate concerns to leads or maintenance promptly.
• Achieve Production Goals: Work with the team to meet or exceed daily and shift production targets. Understand your role’s impact on the line’s overall efficiency, and proactively reduce downtime or delays.
• Support Training & Knowledge Sharing: Assist with onboarding and hands-on training of new or less experienced operators by sharing knowledge of machine operation, safety protocols, cleaning procedures, and shift expectations.
• Troubleshoot Minor Issues: Quickly identify minor mechanical issues, make basic corrections, and escalate problems outside your scope to the supervisor or maintenance team.
• Maintain Logs and Documentation: Accurately track and report production data, including output counts, machine downtime, and any abnormalities during operation.
• Support Sanitation & Maintenance: Complete daily cleaning tasks using appropriate tools (e.g., clean rags, brushes, ISO as needed—no ISO on sensors). Maintain a tidy work area and report needed repairs via Hippo or directly to maintenance when required.
• Follow All Safety Standards: Always wear required PPE. Follow Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) procedures during cleaning or when working on machinery. Help maintain a culture of safety across the department.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; vocational or technical training preferred
• At least 1 year of machine operating experience in a manufacturing, packaging, or production environment
• Ability to meet physical demands (lifting, standing, repetitive movement)
• Mechanical aptitude with a basic understanding of machine operations and troubleshooting
• Able to follow written instructions, SOPs, and communicate clearly
• Willingness to support team goals and help others succeed
• Open to working various shifts, overtime, and weekends as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Production-focused: Consistently aims to hit or exceed output goals
• Ownership mindset: Takes responsibility for the performance and upkeep of assigned machines
• Team player: Supports others and contributes to group success
• Training support: Willing and able to guide and assist new operators
• Detail-oriented: Tracks performance data and watches for small problems before they become big ones
• Strong communicator: Reports clearly and works well with leads, maintenance, and QA
• Safety-first attitude: Follows all safety rules, policies, and procedures without shortcuts

Physical and Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to remain in a stationary position, move and/or position oneself, communicate, operate and/or prepare, place, position objects, tools, or controls. The employee must occasionally move packages weighing up to 50 lb. Able to stand for 90% of the time. Comfortable with heights, occasionally ascends/descends a ladder to service the lights, filters, trellis netting and ceiling fans up to 25ft. Comfortable working atop and traversing scaffolding, when required. Comfortable with changing environment temperatures and humidity. Exposure to pollen, dust, dander, and other nature elements. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close observation and the ability to adjust focus. The mental and physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual, with or without reasonable accommodation, to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

Working Environment

Work is performed in a warehouse environment. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and the risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.