Setup and Machine Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Summary and Objective:

The Setup & Machine Operator (SMO) is responsible for safely operating, setting up, monitoring, and maintaining manufacturing equipment used in pallet and custom wood packaging production. This role supports safe, stable, and efficient manufacturing operations by performing machine setup activities, verifying first-piece quality, monitoring machine performance, making operational adjustments, and conducting routine maintenance to minimize downtime and maintain consistent product quality. The SMO works with a variety of equipment ranging from cutting saws to advanced automated and robotic production systems, ensuring products meet customer specifications, quality standards, and production goals. This position requires mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, troubleshooting ability, and the ability to read and interpret production documentation, while contributing to continuous improvement and reliable manufacturing performance.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Operate pallet manufacturing and wood packaging machinery safely and efficiently according to production schedules and work instructions.

2. Perform machine setup activities including loading programs, adjusting parameters, setting offsets, changing tooling, and preparing equipment for production runs.

3. Verify first-piece production meets quality and dimensional specifications before full production begins.

4. Monitor machine performance during operation and adjust maintain stable production and product quality.

5. Inspect finished products using measuring tools, gauges, and visual inspections to ensure compliance with customer and company standards.

6. Troubleshoot minor machine malfunctions, material flow issues, and operational problems to minimize downtime.

7. Perform routine preventive maintenance tasks including cleaning, lubricating, greasing, and basic equipment upkeep.

8. Assist with diagnosing equipment issues and communicate maintenance concerns to supervisors or maintenance personnel.

9. Read and interpret blueprints, run sheets, production orders, and other manufacturing documentation.

10. Maintain accurate production, quality, and downtime records as required.

11. Follow all company safety policies, lockout/tagout procedures, and safe operating practices.

12. Maintain clean and organized work areas to support safe and efficient operations.

13. Work collaboratively with production, maintenance, and quality personnel to meet operational goals.

14. Support continuous improvement initiatives related to safety, quality, productivity, and equipment performance.

15. Train or assist less experienced operators as needed based on skill level and experience.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

§ High school diploma or GED.

§ Basic math skills including measurement calculations and counting.

§ Ability to read standard and metric measuring tapes accurately.

§ Mechanical aptitude and ability to learn machine setup and operation.

§ Ability to read and follow production documents, work instructions, and safety procedures.

§ Ability to safely operate manufacturing equipment and power tools.

§ Strong attention to detail and quality standards.

§ Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

§ Ability to stand, walk, lift, bend, and perform repetitive physical tasks throughout the shift.

§ Willingness to work overtime or flexible schedules as needed.

Desired or Preferred Qualifications:

§ Previous experience operating or setting up manufacturing equipment.

§ Experience in pallet manufacturing, wood products, packaging, or industrial production environments.

§ Familiarity with automated, robotic, or PLC-controlled machinery.

§ Experience troubleshooting mechanical or operational equipment issues.

§ Ability to read blueprints or technical drawings.

§ Forklift certification or material handling experience.

§ Preventive maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment.

§ Knowledge of production quality inspection methods and measuring tools.

§ Strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Core Competencies:

1. Humility (lacks ego, team agenda, transparent, trainable, servant orientation)

2. Hungry (extra mile, internally driven, self-starter, excellence, passionate, change agent)

3. People Smart (interpersonal, group dynamics, influential, self-aware, motivating)

4. Competent (knows and can accomplish the task at hand – job, challenges, requirements)

5. Integrity (honest, reliable, transparent, strong character, loyal, righteous)

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities. However, it requires strong influential and leadership capabilities while working with company personnel at multiple levels, customers, and outside vendors.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Employees are regularly required to stand, walk, bend, stoop, reach, twist, and perform repetitive motions throughout the work shift. The role frequently requires lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling materials, components, or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, with occasional heavier lifting assisted by team members or mechanical devices. Employees must be able to use hands and fingers to operate machinery, tools, and measuring devices, and must possess adequate vision, hearing, and depth perception to safely monitor equipment operation and inspect product quality.

**THIS JOB IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR RELOCATION - ONLY LOCAL CANDIDATES IN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OR THOSE RELOCATING ON THEIR OWN NEED APPLY. AT THIS TIME, WE ARE NOT ACCEPTING APPLICANTS OR REFERRALS FROM THIRD PARTY RECRUITING AGENGENCIES OR STAFFING FIRMS.

Work Environment:

This position works in a manufacturing and industrial production environment involving pallet and custom wood packaging equipment. Employees are regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, saws, conveyors, automated machinery, vibration, wood dust, noise, and fluctuating temperatures depending on the season and facility conditions. Required personal protective equipment (PPE) may include safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, steel-toe footwear, and other safety equipment as required. The work environment requires adherence to strict safety procedures and awareness around powered industrial equipment and automated production systems.

AAP/EEO Statement:

All recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, and other employment related decisions are provided fairly to all persons on an equal opportunity basis without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Employee Acknowledgement:

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and work responsibilities of the position. This job description and the duties of this position are subject to change, modification and addition as deemed necessary by the company. Employees are required to comply with supervisory instructions and perform other job duties, responsibilities and assignments required by company officials. This job description does not constitute an employment contract between

Tree Brand Packaging has been a leading manufacturer of custom wood pallets, crates, and packaging products for over 30 years. With eight locations across the Southeast (NC, SC, AL, TN, LA, TX), we serve a wide range of industries, including steel, automotive, telecommunications, material handling, military, aerospace, and import/export. Our innovative design solutions and commitment to exceptional customer service help meet the unique needs of our clients. We aim to build a great team, valued partnerships, address supply-chain challenges, and support customers in reducing costs and improving profitability.

Company Description

Tree Brand Packaging has been a leading manufacturer of custom wood pallets, crates, and packaging products for over 30 years. With eight locations across the Southeast (NC, SC, AL, TN, LA, TX), we serve a wide range of industries, including steel, automotive, telecommunications, material handling, military, aerospace, and import/export. Our innovative design solutions and commitment to exceptional customer service help meet the unique needs of our clients. We aim to build a great team, valued partnerships, address supply-chain challenges, and support customers in reducing costs and improving profitability.