Machine Operator - Vertical Form Fill & Seal

Machine Operator - Vertical Form Fill & Seal (VFFS)

Location: Courtland, VA

Pay: $20-$25/hour, Based on Experience

Schedule: Full-Time | Shift Schedule Varies

Employment Type: Direct Hire

Now Hiring a VFFS Machine Operator! Qualified Staffing is seeking an experienced Machine Operator - Vertical Form Fill & Seal (VFFS) for a direct-hire opportunity with a food manufacturing and packaging operation in Courtland, VA. This position is responsible for setting up, operating, monitoring, and troubleshooting automated pouch-bagging equipment used to package nut and snack products.

What You'll Do

• Set up, start, and operate vertical form fill and seal (VFFS) packaging equipment to produce finished pouch products according to specifications.
• Load packaging film and configure equipment for different products, bag sizes, weights, and production requirements.
• Complete equipment changeovers and make necessary machine adjustments between production runs.
• Monitor fill weights, seal integrity, date and lot codes, bag appearance, and overall finished-product quality.
• Troubleshoot common equipment issues involving film tracking, seal jaws, weighers, product flow, jams, and other machine functions.
• Perform minor mechanical adjustments and basic repairs to minimize production downtime.
• Conduct and document pre-operational, in-process, and quality checks according to established food safety and production procedures.
• Verify labels, lot codes, packaging materials, and finished products against work orders and specifications.
• Complete routine cleaning, sanitation, and preventive maintenance activities on assigned machinery.
• Accurately record production quantities, downtime, waste, quality checks, and other required information.
• Follow GMP, HACCP, SQF, allergen-control, food safety, and workplace safety procedures.
• Communicate equipment problems, quality concerns, material issues, and production delays to leadership.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe production area.
• Work collaboratively with production, quality, maintenance, and warehouse teams to meet daily production goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What We're Looking For

• Previous machine operation experience in packaging, food production, manufacturing, or a similar production environment preferred.
• Experience with VFFS, form-fill-seal, pouch packaging, bagging, or automated packaging equipment is highly preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to perform basic troubleshooting and machine adjustments.
• Ability to understand machine settings and recognize when equipment is not operating correctly.
• Knowledge of GMP, HACCP, SQF, food safety, or allergen-control practices is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail, particularly when monitoring product weights, seals, labels, and lot codes.
• Ability to accurately complete production and quality documentation.
• Dependable, safety-conscious, and comfortable working in a fast-paced production environment.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a production team.
• High school diploma or GED preferred.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds as required.
• Comfortable performing repetitive production and material-handling tasks.
• Ability to safely work around automated machinery and moving equipment.
• Comfortable working in a food production environment where temperatures may vary.
• Ability to wear required PPE and follow sanitation and food safety requirements.