Machine Operator II - 1st shift (pre-weight)

The Operator II is responsible for operating machines such as filling equipment, cappers, labelers, sealers, and other related equipment, to meet customer order driven production schedules. The Operator II may also be assigned to work in the pre-weigh room to ensure the accurate and timely weighing, preparation, and staging of ingredients for production. These assignments are performed independently and not concurrently. This role requires a higher level of technical skill and problem-solving, including the ability to manually operate pre-weigh equipment and apply basic math skills to accurately weigh spices and raw ingredients in accordance with batch specifications.

General Responsibilities

· Follow all safety, environmental, and workplace rules and regulations.

· Adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), HACCP, food safety, and quality requirements.

· Properly wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).

· Accurately complete all required production, quality, downtime, and traceability documentation.

· Identify and report safety hazards, quality concerns, or process deviations to the Production Supervisor.

· Work collaboratively across Production, Quality, Sanitation, and Warehouse teams to meet daily production goals.

· Assist other production areas as needed to support business requirements.

When assigned to production line operations, the Operator II will:

1. Operate filling equipment, cappers, labelers, sealers, and related production machinery.

2. Determine and perform machine adjustments based on product specifications and material requirements.

3. Set stops, guides, and machine parameters according to specifications.

4. Monitor machine operations to detect product defects or equipment malfunctions.

5. Actively identify mechanical issues that may lead to downtime and report them promptly.

6. Stop, reset, and clear equipment jams; report impairments to the Production Supervisor.

7. Record downtime reasons accurately in the CDC system.

8. Supports production line operations during Leader absences by maintaining equipment operation, monitoring quality, and promptly escalating issues as needed.

When assigned to pre-weigh room operations, the Operator II will:

1. Accurately weigh and prepare spices and raw ingredients according to batch sheets, formulas, and production schedules.

2. Ensure ingredients are properly labeled, sealed, stored, and staged to prevent cross-contamination.

3. Record lot numbers, weights, and required traceability information accurately and timely.

4. Operate scales, blenders, dispensing equipment, and related tools safely and accurately.

5. Perform basic quality checks of raw materials (visual inspection, odor, and condition).

6. Maintain cleanliness and organization of the Pre-Weigh Room in accordance with GMP and sanitation requirements.

7. Assist with allergen clean-outs when switching between products or formulas.

8. Coordinate with Mixers and Operators to ensure timely delivery of pre-weighed ingredients.

9. Assist with inventory counts and notify supervision of shortages or discrepancies.

10. Assist with receiving and storing raw materials and help verify deliveries against specifications.

11. Identify and report out-of-specification materials, documentation errors, or safety hazards.

12. Work collaboratively across departments to meet daily production goals.

13. Additional duties as required by direct Supervisor or Manager.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED

• Ability to perform basic math necessary for accurate weighing, measuring, and documentation in a food manufacturing environment.

• Experience operating in a fast paced, ready to eat food facility a plus

•  Ability to be self-guided and motivated to operate independently

•  Strong multi-tasking skills

• Ability to work well under pressure

• Bi-Lingual (English/Spanish) preferred

• 2-3 years of experience in a similar role and industry

Additional Information

Additional Information:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds, climb stairs, bend, kneel, stand for extended periods, work in confined spaces, and work at heights

Working Conditions:
The job is performed in a manufacturing plant environment. Exposure to loud noises, dust, dirt, heat, sparks, oil, and smoke will occur. Personal protective equipment (safety glasses, steel-toed shoes, appropriate clothing) is required in manufacturing plants.

Sensory: Ability to hear, see, speak, smell and touch well is necessary to perform basic essential task.

Pay Range: $18.79

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision

Stratas Foods is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee in any manner prohibited by law, including but not limited to, on the basis of race or color, religion, gender, age, genetic information, national origin/ancestry, mental or physical disability, family status/marital status, military/veteran status, and any other legally protected status.

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision-The Employer will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the Employer’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Stratas Foods Applicant Request for Accommodation Form: https://www.stratasfoods.com/compliance

Stratas Foods California Privacy Rights Act Policy: https://www.stratasfoods.com/compliance