POSITION SUMMARY
As a Manufacturing Machine Operator III, you’re the go-to technical expert on the production floor. You’ll run and troubleshoot equipment across all of our cleansing bar and chocolate lines, lead problem-solving when complex issues come up, and serve as the shift’s first point of contact for equipment problems when the supervisor isn’t available.
You’ll train and coach Operator 1 and 2 team members and work with Leadership, Quality, and Learning & Development on training, safety, and continuous improvement. This role is designed to prepare you for technical lead and supervisory positions.
Requirements
WHAT YOU BRING (MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS)
High school diploma or GED, plus one of the following: an associate degree in mechanical or electrical engineering or technology with 1–3 years of relevant experience, OR 3–5 years of manufacturing experience operating automated production equipment in a regulated environment.
At least 2 years on continuous-process, extrusion, or complex multi-machine production lines.
Advanced mechanical aptitude: able to independently take apart, inspect, reassemble, and verify equipment.
High adaptability: able to step into any station on any line and keep production on track when plans change.
Experience troubleshooting electrical systems, controls, and machine software.
Proven ability to train, coach, and share knowledge with other operators.
Strong organization and clear communication in English, including written batch records, deviation reports, and handover notes.
Comfortable using computers and touchscreen machine controls (HMI).
Willing to work overtime and weekends as needed.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Vocational or technical training in manufacturing, mechanical systems, or industrial maintenance.
Senior operator or technician experience on extrusion or continuous-process forming equipment.
Experience as an informal team lead or go-to resource on a multi-machine production line.
Experience in GMP, ISO, or FDA-regulated environments, including HACCP, CCP management, or audit readiness.
Experience with SOP writing, process audits, or change control documentation.
Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methods.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and basic data analysis and reporting.
Cleanroom or aseptic handling experience.
WHAT YOU'LL DO (OTHER ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES)
Technical Lead on the Floor
Run, troubleshoot, and maintain equipment on all lines without direct supervision.
Serve as the shift’s first point of escalation for complex equipment and process issues when the supervisor isn’t available.
Verify equipment and lines are ready to run after cleaning and reassembly.
Watch quality trends across the full production run and adjust before problems occur.
Lead root cause investigations with leadership and cross-functional teams.
Step in at any station to cover breaks and keep production moving.
Lead and Develop People
Train and coach Operator 1s and 2s on setup, operation, troubleshooting, documentation, and safety.
Assist with documenting on-the-job training observations and skills assessments; report training gaps to Leadership and L&D.
Set the example for safety, quality, and GMP every shift.
Quality and Continuous Improvement
Review batch records throughout the shift and guide operators on correct documentation practices.
Work with Quality Assurance to resolve documentation errors.
Complete clear deviation reports and shift handover notes.
Take part in continuous improvement projects that improve safety, quality, and efficiency.
Safety Leadership
Monitor safety and PPE compliance across the lines.
Lead multi-person lockout/tagout (LOTO) and identify gaps in LOTO practices.
Encourage near-miss reporting and take part in safety walks.
Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and housekeeping standards.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work takes place in a GMP-regulated manufacturing plant with food-grade and cleansing bar production…