Production Equipment Operator

Production Equipment Operator

Direct Hire Opportunity | Superior Skilled Trades Location: Hackettstown, NJ Pay: $19.00–$28.00 per hour, depending on experience Employment Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance Job Overview Superior Skilled Trades is partnered with a rapidly growing food manufacturing company seeking an experienced Production Equipment Operator to join its team in Hackettstown, NJ. This position is responsible for overseeing daily production line operations, operating and monitoring industrial manufacturing equipment, and leading a small team of approximately 1–4 production operators. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in manufacturing or food production, hands-on equipment operation experience, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to lead a team while maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and production efficiency. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Machine Operator, Production Lead, or Manufacturing Team Lead looking to grow with an expanding company.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coordinate, and support a team of approximately 1–4 production equipment operators.
• Operate, monitor, and adjust industrial production equipment to maintain efficient manufacturing operations.
• Utilize Human-Machine Interface (HMI) screens and automated control systems to monitor equipment performance and production processes.
• Perform equipment startups, shutdowns, changeovers, and routine operational inspections.
• Monitor product quality and make necessary equipment adjustments to maintain established production standards.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and report mechanical or operational issues to supervisors and maintenance personnel.
• Ensure production employees follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and established production schedules.
• Train and assist team members with equipment operation, production procedures, and workplace safety requirements.
• Monitor production output, equipment downtime, and overall line efficiency.
• Maintain accurate production records, quality documentation, downtime reports, and operational logs.
• Ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), food safety regulations, sanitation procedures, and company safety policies.
• Identify and communicate product quality concerns, equipment malfunctions, and safety hazards.
• Coordinate with production supervisors, quality assurance, sanitation, and maintenance teams to minimize downtime.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe production areas.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to increase productivity, improve product quality, and reduce operational inefficiencies.
• Assist with equipment cleaning, inspections, and additional production duties as needed.

Requirements

• Previous manufacturing or production experience required.
• Hands-on experience operating industrial production machinery or automated manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to monitor equipment performance and make operational adjustments as needed.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and basic troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to lead, train, and coordinate a small team of production employees.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify product quality or equipment performance issues.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English to complete production documentation and communicate safety instructions.
• Basic computer skills and ability to accurately maintain production records.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of workplace safety procedures and willingness to follow all required PPE and sanitation guidelines.
• Ability to reliably commute to Hackettstown, NJ.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Lead Machine Operator, Production Line Lead, Manufacturing Team Lead, or similar position.
• Experience overseeing or training production employees.
• Background in food and beverage, consumer packaged goods (CPG), or related manufacturing environments.
• Experience operating equipment using HMI screens, automated controls, or similar production monitoring systems.
• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), food safety standards, and sanitation procedures.
• Experience with production line changeovers, equipment adjustments, and mechanical troubleshooting.
• Experience monitoring production efficiency, minimizing downtime, and maintaining product quality.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry materials as required.
• Ability to frequently use stairs and ladders within a manufacturing facility.
• Comfortable working around moving machinery, noise, heat, dust, humidity, and varying production conditions.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, hearing protection, face shields, respirators, and protective clothing as necessary.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Opportunity for professional growth and leadership development.
• Join a rapidly expanding food manufacturing company.
• Health and wellness-focused workplace culture.
• Supportive, team-oriented work environment.
• Employee product perks.

Superior Skilled Trades is seeking dependable, mechanically inclined production professionals with strong leadership abilities and hands-on manufacturing experience. Apply today to learn more about this direct-hire opportunity in Hackettstown, NJ!

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