Machine Operator (3961)

## Description

This document describes the role and responsibilities of the Packaging Machine Operator I (PMO) at Stellar Snacks.

**Scope**

The PMO reports directly to the Production Supervisor and is responsible for setting up and overseeing packaging machine operations to ensure proper quality and packaging of finished product. Responsibilities include maintaining and cleaning packaging equipment, assisting fellow PMOs and Supervisors to run the department efficiently, and performing troubleshooting and basic maintenance tasks, quality checks, and training.

**Roles & Responsibilities**

**Machine Operation**

• Check gram weight on operation terminal and ensure all bags run correct weights
• Ensure all bags are in registration — both cutoff and side-to-side registration
• Ensure all bags are code-dated properly with lot and date legible and in proper position on back of bag
• Change code dates in printer system; keep all code-dating supplies cleaned, organized, and stored when not in use
• Ensure bags are sealed properly on both back seal and end seal; adjust platen as needed
• Add/remove air from bags and ensure bag appearance is acceptable
• Change knife blades and adjust bag speed in packaging machines and weighers
• Clear weigher faults and perform zero and span adjustments on weigher
• Navigate through screens on packaging machines and weighers
• Replace sponge tape on former and replace pull belts
• Operate Video-Jet and Inkjet printers; change Inkjet printer ribbon as needed

**Housekeeping & Sanitation**

• Keep machines clean daily — inside and outside when not running
• Clean machine platforms during shift and before shift change
• Keep all formers off the floor, cleaned, and properly covered when not in use
• Keep the entire area under and around machines clean; assist with sweeping the packing area
• Keep all cellophane/film off the floor at all times
• Keep infeeds, dispersion table, scales, and related equipment free from buildup
• Ensure all allergens are cleaned prior to starting a non-allergen run

**Changeovers & Shift Management**

• Perform changeovers in a timely manner with minimal film waste, including ordering and returning materials and following production sheets
• Perform complete tear-down and setup of the packing machine and scale system
• Accurately weigh all cellophane not in use and place on cello shelf in proper location
• Have machines set up and cleaned for the following shift before shift end
• Empty machines of all product when shutting down
• Before going to break, ensure sufficient cellophane is on machines and another PMO has your machine covered
• Pour on bulk product before end of shift

**Equipment & Maintenance**

• Perform preventative maintenance on all machines and packing equipment
• Operate all Fastback systems via the panel view; must know how to start up and shut down all Fastback systems and packing equipment
• Perform jaw alignments
• Weigh defective film, record the defect, and place film in the designated defective area
• Rework WIP created from metal detector testing; assist QC during drop-through metal detector checks by resetting packing machines
• Troubleshoot equipment issues; document repairs and recurring issues; work with maintenance as needed

**Advanced Operations**

• Proficient in Weigh Pack operation, setup, changeover, cleaning, troubleshooting, and running the work cell
• Proficient in Auto Tub line operation, setup, changeover, cleaning, troubleshooting, and running the work cell

**Team & Leadership**

• Maintain a clean and safe work environment
• Communicate effectively with all team members including bakers, leads, packers, PMOs, QC, maintenance, and supervisors
• Train, lead, and guide other PMOs
• Complete all required training courses
• All other duties as assigned by the supervisor

## Qualifications
**Qualifications & Education Requirements**

• High school diploma or GED
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
• Ability to write correspondence and speak effectively with employees throughout the organization
• Proficiency in basic math: add, subtract, multiply, and divide across all units of measure including whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and metric-to-SAE conversions (mm to inches, grams to ounces)
• Ability to solve practical problems and handle a variety of variables in situations with limited standardization
• Ability to interpret instructions provided in written, oral, diagram, or scheduled form
• Clear understanding of how to safely operate packaging machinery
• LOTO (Lockout/Tagout) understanding and compliance
• Understanding of major packaging machine components — names and functions
• Understanding of weigher components — names and functions

**Physical Demands & Work Environment**

The physical demands described here are representative of those required by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Working conditions are normal for a manufacturing environment