Production Technician, 1st Shift

Job Description

Job Description

At Apex International , we pride ourselves on being a high-quality manufacturer of over-the-counter personal care and household products. We create collaborative partnerships with customers ranging from global Fortune 100 companies to entrepreneurial start-ups.

We are currently seeking a Production Technician  to join our team based in Eden Prairie, MN. This onsite role is responsible for setting up, operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining production equipment to ensure output meets production schedules, quality standards, and safety requirements.

This is a 1st shift position working from 6:00AM to 2:00PM, Monday through Friday. Hours may vary and include Saturday work based on business needs.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

1. Equipment Operation & Changeovers

• Set up, change over, troubleshoot, and operate production equipment to meet daily production schedules.
• Assist Set-Up team with RCOs and cleaning activities as needed.
• Operate a variety of equipment including fillers, cappers, labelers, pumps, coders, case erectors, and more.
• Ensure timely and effective changeovers with a focus on first-pass quality.
• Hook up totes, tanks, and pumps as required.
• Maintain clean and organized work areas at all times.

1. Maintenance & Line Support

• Perform and accurately document operator preventative maintenance (PM) activities, including belts, gaskets, lubrication, and routine tasks.
• Perform minor maintenance repairs and report major issues promptly.
• Clean, sanitize, inspect, and stage parts and equipment for production changeovers.
• Ensure all sanitation and cGMP standards are followed.

1. Production Coordination & Communication

• Assist in coordinating line activities to maintain optimal line speed and efficiency.
• Communicate effectively with team members, leads, maintenance, and set-up teams.
• Participate in shift hand-offs to ensure smooth transitions between shifts.
• Utilize a "line stop" mentality when addressing equipment, quality, or safety concerns.
• Ensure all procedures are followed consistently.

1. Continuous Improvement

• Support Lean manufacturing initiatives and 5S practices (Sort, Straighten, Shine, Standardize, Sustain).
• Assist in identifying and implementing process improvements to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 3–5 years of manufacturing experience preferred, ideally on high-speed packaging lines.
• 1–3 years of maintenance, repair, or set-up experience preferred.
• Demonstrated mechanical and electromechanical skills.
• Experience working with hand tools and fasteners (standard and metric).
• Ability to learn or operate machine programs using an HMI (e.g., REB, Shorewood).
• Strong communication skills and ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Basic math skills including fractions, decimals, and measurements.
• Vo-tech training in mechanics, machine repair, or related field preferred.

Work Environment & Schedule

• Indoor manufacturing environment; may be seasonally hot, humid, and wet.
• Exposure to fragrances and materials used in personal care manufacturing.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting (up to 50 lbs.).
• 3rd shift schedule with flexibility based on production needs.
• Overtime may be required depending on business demands.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits
• 401(k) with company match
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Short-Term Disability
• Hourly wage of $23 - $30 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience.

Apex International is an equal opportunity employer.