Production Associate (Thursday to Sunday, 6AM - 4:30PM)

Job Description

Job Description

Who We Are

Spot & Tango is a pet health & wellness brand on a mission to make mealtime better for dogs, and life simpler for the people who love them. Our recipes are developed by leading animal nutritionists, and are made with only real, human-grade ingredients... and nothing artificial. Through UnKibble™ and our original fresh-frozen line, we're rethinking what feeding your dog well can look like, one bowl at a time. Since our founding in 2018, we have served over 200 million meals to happy pets across the US and Canada.

We're a team of builders, problem solvers and dog people, united by the belief that dogs deserve better. We're looking for people who want to do the best work of their career, dig into challenges with smart people, and help shape a brand that's redefining an entire category. This is a chance to join a high-growth e-commerce company and have an outsized impact in a fast-paced, ambitious environment. Plus, you get to think about dogs all day.

Who You Are

We are looking for motivated Production Associates to join our brand-new state-of-the-art freeze drying facility in Allentown, PA! In this role, you will be directly responsible for the safe, efficient production of high-quality, fresh, human-grade pet food. Production Associates are highly functional in multiple areas of the plant and are system experts in an assigned area of focus. This position requires strong communication, analytical, interpersonal, and team building skills to support site objectives.

Responsibilities

Production & Operations

• Operate in one or more production rooms (Tray Fill, Freeze Dryer, and Packaging/Washroom) after demonstrating proficiency through practical exams.
• Safely operate and monitor equipment, including freeze dryers, dishwashers, boxers, tapers, and hand trucks.
• Assist with loading, unloading, sanitizing equipment, and maintaining cleanliness in production areas.
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and maintain compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and HACCP guidelines.
  
  • Willing and able to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE: bump cap, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, hearing protection, hair net, beard guard, etc.)
  • Willing and able to comply with required GMP standards (no jewelry, piercings, false eyelashes, fake nails, nail polish, etc.)

Quality & Safety

• Prioritize personal safety, food safety, and product quality at all times.
• Complete QC checks, production reports, and inventory tracking accurately.
• Immediately report any unsafe conditions, equipment issues, or food safety concerns.

Problem-Solving & Team Support

• Assist maintenance teams in basic equipment troubleshooting and preventative maintenance tasks.
• Identify root causes of production issues and participate in problem-solving.
• Support cross-training efforts to gain competency in additional production rooms.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Production Manager or Shift Manager.

Qualifications

Must Have

• Successfully passed at least one room-specific practical exam (after training period)
• Ability to operate production equipment safely and efficiently
• Basic troubleshooting skills
• Comfortable using computers, tablets, and basic software (ERP, MES, Microsoft Excel)
• Reliable transportation to/from work

Nice to Have

• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing or Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) manufacturing principles
• Familiarity with HACCP and GMP standards
• Experience working with equipment HMIs
• Previous forklift experience
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English
• 1+ years of experience in food production or manufacturing

Physical Requirements

• Able to lift and lower up to 50 pounds
• Frequent standing, walking, reaching, bending, twisting, and repetitive motions
• Comfortable working at heights (above 6 feet)
• Ability to work in varying environmental conditions:
  • Hot: 60&degree;F to 100&degree;F
  • Cold: -20&degree;F to 60&degree;F
  • Noisy, dusty, or wet environments
• Comfortable working around allergens and chemical

Spot & Tango is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.