Production Machine Operator

Job Description Job Description Job Title: Production Machine Operator at a Chocolate Factory!! Job Description The Production Machine Operator safely operates and monitors production and packaging equipment in a food manufacturing environment to ensure consistent product quality, efficiency, and compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP, and food safety standards. This role sets up and adjusts machinery, performs routine quality checks, maintains accurate documentation, and supports continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives while working collaboratively with cross-functional teams. Responsibilities Operate production and packaging equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) to meet established production goals. Set up, monitor, and adjust machinery to maintain consistent product quality, efficiency, and minimal downtime. Perform routine quality checks on products and processes and document results accurately and in a timely manner. Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP, food safety, and sanitation requirements at all times. Complete required production, downtime, safety, and sanitation documentation with accuracy and attention to detail. Identify and report equipment issues, product defects, or safety concerns to leadership promptly. Assist with changeovers between products or lines, including minor troubleshooting and routine equipment cleaning. Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area before, during, and after production runs. Adhere to all company safety policies, procedures, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements. Work collaboratively with team members, maintenance, quality, and supervision to achieve production and quality targets. Support continuous improvement initiatives and lean manufacturing efforts by suggesting and implementing process improvements. Lift and move materials and products weighing up to 50 pounds as needed to support production activities. Follow written and verbal instructions accurately to ensure proper setup, operation, and documentation. Perform other duties as assigned to support overall production and operational needs. Essential Skills Experience operating production and packaging machinery in a manufacturing or production line environment. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately and consistently. Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality and food safety. Basic math, reading, and documentation skills to complete production, downtime, safety, and sanitation records. Mechanical aptitude with the ability and willingness to learn and operate production equipment. Ability to identify and report equipment issues, product defects, or safety concerns to leadership. Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment and collaborate with production, maintenance, quality, and supervision. Safety-focused mindset with strong accountability and adherence to PPE and safety procedures. Dependable and punctual with the flexibility to adapt to changing production needs and schedules. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform tasks that may require standing, bending, and repetitive motions during 12-hour shifts. Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP, and food safety and sanitation requirements in a production setting. Additional Skills & Qualifications Prior food manufacturing experience, including working in a GMP environment, is preferred. Experience with inventory control/scanning, mixing, and basic troubleshooting of production equipment. Exposure to lean manufacturing and continuous improvement practices. Comfort working with scanning equipment and basic production tracking tools. Ability to support multiple production lines and work effectively in both independent and group-oriented roles. Interest in long-term growth, including advancement into roles such as mixer, team lead, supervisor, or other departments. Why Work Here? Employees join a growing, forward-looking organization that continues to invest in new production lines and advanced processes. The company offers clear opportunities for career advancement into roles such as mixers, team leads, supervisors, and other departments, supported by a culture of continuous improvement and on-site engineering expertise. Team members can earn overtime, with the potential to work up to 60 hours in a week, and enjoy a rotating 12-hour schedule that provides regular days off in the middle of the week. Upon transition to a permanent role, employees gain access to comprehensive benefits, including medical, vision, dental, retirement savings options, holidays and holiday pay, and a monthly vending card allowance. High-performing permanent employees may also qualify for an incentive trip to Italy to learn advanced production processes, providing unique professional development and international exposure. The company supplies steel-toed shoes and all required PPE, reflecting a strong commitment to safety and employee support. Work Environment This role is based in a cGMP food manufacturing environment with both day and night shift options. The day shift typically runs from 6:30 a.m. to 6:50 p.m. on an AWS 2-2-3 schedule, and the night shift runs from 6:30 p.m. to 6:50 a.m. on the same 2-2-3 pattern, with a greater need for night shift coverage. Candidates assigned to the north building must train on the day shift before moving to their designated shift. The facility operates multiple production lines, with team sizes of approximately 56 people per line and up to 7 different lines running on a single shift, offering a mix of independent and team-based work. The environment follows strict cGMP standards, including the use of lab coats, hair nets, shoe sanitizing, and regular handwashing procedures. Jewelry and facial piercings are not permitted, and employees must wear pants that cover the ankles and shirts with sleeves. The company provides steel-toed shoes and all necessary PPE. The culture emphasizes continuous improvement, with engineers on-site in both buildings to upgrade and enhance processes, and offers strong potential for upward movement for individuals who perform well and embrace process improvement. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Affton, MO. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $21.50/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending