Production Machine Operator

Production Machine Operator Location: Jacksonville, FL Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire Conversion Timeline: Eligible for conversion after 90 days Pay: $24.50/hr Pay Increase: Increase expected in August 2026, amount to be confirmed Openings: 4 Long-Term Schedule: 2x2x3 rotating night schedule, 6:00pm-6:30am Job Overview We are seeking hands-on Production Machine Operators to support a high-speed food and beverage manufacturing environment in Jacksonville, FL. This is a machine operation role working directly with production, filling, sanitation, and packaging equipment. This is not a forklift-only, warehouse-only, or monitoring-only position. The right candidate will be mechanically inclined, dependable, comfortable working around industrial equipment, and able to help keep production lines running safely and efficiently. This is a strong opportunity for candidates with production equipment experience, strong mechanical aptitude, good work tenure, and a willingness to learn a fast-paced food and beverage manufacturing environment. Schedule Training is expected to last approximately 2-3 months and will take place on 1 of the current Monday-Friday shifts: 6:00am-2:30pm 2:00pm-10:30pm 10:00pm-6:30am After training, candidates are expected to move to a 2x2x3 rotating night schedule from 6:00pm-6:30am . The 2x2x3 schedule follows this rotation: 2 days on 2 days off 3 days on 2 days off 2 days on 3 days off Candidates must be comfortable with 12-hour night shifts long term. Key Responsibilities Operate ESL filling and down-line packaging equipment. Monitor production equipment and keep lines running safely and efficiently. Clean, sanitize, and sterilize tank lines and filling equipment according to established procedures. Perform sanitation duties according to the master sanitation schedule. Verify and maintain correct chemical concentrations during cleaning. Inspect equipment for leaks, jams, product issues, and mechanical concerns. Clear jams and make minor mechanical adjustments as needed. Sanitize fillers during startup, changeovers, and as required. Read and follow production sheets, specifications, and work instructions. Verify product location and instructions with the processing team. Discard initial product at startup and during product changeovers. Perform weight checks at startup and every 30 minutes during production runs. Verify coding accuracy and product quality on a routine basis. Conduct dye checks to help prevent leaking cartons. Minimize downtime during carton and product changeovers. Maintain cleanliness and organization of machine surfaces and work areas. Remove waste throughout the shift and at the end of the shift. Operate down-line equipment as required. Complete required documentation accurately, including startup, downtime, HACCP, and production paperwork. Follow all food safety, GMP, sanitation, quality, and safety requirements. Required Qualifications Prior hands-on experience operating production, manufacturing, packaging, filling, or other industrial equipment. Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort working around industrial machinery. Ability to troubleshoot basic equipment issues, clear jams, and keep production lines moving. Strong attendance, reliability, and work tenure. Ability to follow detailed work instructions, production sheets, quality standards, and sanitation procedures. Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy. Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment. Ability to stand, walk, lift, bend, reach, and work hands-on throughout the shift. Willingness to train on 1 of the current Monday-Friday shifts before transitioning to the 2x2x3 night schedule. Ability to work 12-hour night shifts long term. Preferred Qualifications Experience in food, beverage, dairy, packaging, consumer packaged goods, or another regulated manufacturing environment. Experience operating high-speed filling, packaging, or down-line production equipment. Experience with sanitation, chemical concentration checks, GMPs, HACCP, or regulated production documentation. Experience performing product quality checks, weight checks, code checks, or leak/dye checks. Experience with changeovers, startup checks, and production line troubleshooting. Military mechanical experience, industrial maintenance-adjacent experience, or other mechanically focused backgrounds may be considered with strong tenure and hands-on aptitude. Work Environment This is a hands-on production role in a food and beverage manufacturing environment. Candidates should expect to work around high-speed production equipment, sanitation processes, packaging lines, quality checks, and required PPE. Why This Role This position offers a contract-to-hire path with a well-established food and beverage manufacturing operation. Candidates who are dependable, mechanically inclined, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a high-speed production environment can build long-term stability in this role. Benefits Contract employees have access to benefits through CRG during the contract period. Additional benefits may become available if converted to a full-time employee after the contract-to-hire period. Eligible to apply for Healthcare, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life Insurance after 30 days of employment.