Job Description:
Job Title: Machine Operator - Technician (Making/Packing)
Location: Aurora, NE (Mars Petcare)
Shift: Nights - Monday to Friday - 10:00 PM to 6:30 AM
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Join Our Team in Aurora, NE
Are you a hands-on technical problem solver looking for a stable, high-paying career with a global industry leader? Mars Petcare is seeking a Machine Operator - Technician (Making/Packing) to join our night shift production team in Aurora, Nebraska.
Whether you are an experienced manufacturing professional, a skilled industrial technician, or a transitioning military Veteran, Reservist, or National Guard member, we welcome your technical expertise! At Mars, we highly value the safety-first mindset, technical diagnostics, and team coordination developed during military service. We provide comprehensive, industry-leading training and development to help you translate your mechanical and operational skills into a successful civilian career.
What We Offer (Total Compensation & Benefits)
Mars Petcare offers a highly competitive and comprehensive benefits package starting on your very first day:
Health & Wellness: Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance.
Financial Security: Competitive base pay, annual company bonus potential, and an exceptional 401(k) company match.
Work-Life Balance: Immediately eligible (based on hire date) for up to three weeks of paid vacation, 12 Paid Holidays per year, and accrued Sick Pay.
Family Support: Paid Maternity & Parental Leave, plus Short-Term and Long-Term Disability.
Career Growth: Best-in-class learning and development support, including access to our in-house Mars University.
Key Responsibilities
As a technical Machine Operator, you will serve as the system expert for our high-speed making and packing equipment.
Equipment Operation: Safely and efficiently operate advanced packaging and processing machinery to meet daily production goals.
Diagnostics & Maintenance: Assess equipment reliability, perform routine preventative maintenance (PMs), make mechanical adjustments, and troubleshoot malfunctions to the root-cause level.
Product Quality Ownership: Conduct standard quality control checks, including metal detection, date code verification, item number checks, and critical control point (CCP/oPRP) audits.
Operational Execution: Load packaging materials, clear equipment jams, reset machine faults, and lead seamless product changeovers.
Data Management: Utilize basic computer systems to record production metrics and maintain clean, accurate shift documentation.
Safety & Sanitation: Maintain a safe work environment by strictly adhering to personal safety practices and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
Position Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: High school diploma, GED, or equivalent civilian/military education.
Experience: Passion to work and learn in a fast-paced manufacturing environment (2+ years of manufacturing machinery operation preferred, but equivalent mechanical/technical military experience is highly valued).
Professional Skills: Strong communication, interpersonal, and team-building skills.
Physical Requirements:
Ability to stand on a concrete floor for extended periods.
Physical mobility to bend, stoop, twist, turn, reach, and climb stairs.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Ability to obtain and maintain OSHA forklift certification (Mars will provide full on-site licensing and training for forklift assignments).
Willingness to wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including hair net, bump cap, ear plugs, safety shoes, and uniform.
Military & Veteran Technical Equivalency Guide
At Mars, your technical training and mechanical expertise are highly respected. If you served in any of the following fields (or a related occupational specialty), your background maps directly to this technician role:
U.S. Army: Allied Trade Specialist (91E), Wheeled Vehicle Repairer (91B), Track Vehicle Repairer (91H), Bradley Fighting Vehicle System…