Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Filling Operator

💰 $18 - $25 per hour

ManufacturingProductionOperationsSkilled Labor

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a hands-on professional with a passion for precision and a knack for machinery? We're looking for a dedicated Filling Operator to join our production team. In this pivotal role, you will be the frontline expert responsible for the setup, operation, and basic maintenance of our automated and semi-automated filling systems. You will ensure that every container is filled accurately, sealed correctly, and coded properly according to stringent quality and safety standards. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing setting and is committed to upholding Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). This is more than just a job; it's an opportunity to be a key contributor to our success, ensuring the products our customers love are produced flawlessly every single day.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Production Associate
  • Packaging Line Worker
  • Warehouse Assistant
  • General Laborer

Advancement To:

  • Senior or Lead Filling Operator
  • Production Supervisor / Team Lead
  • Maintenance Technician
  • Quality Control Inspector

Lateral Moves:

  • Packaging Machine Operator
  • Blending or Compounding Operator
  • Quality Assurance Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Proficiently operate and monitor high-speed automated and semi-automated filling equipment, including liquid fillers, powder augers, and cappers, to ensure continuous and efficient production flow.
  • Perform complete and precise machine setups and changeovers for various products, container sizes, and packaging formats, including the adjustment of guide rails, filler heads, and capper synchronization.
  • Conduct regular in-process quality control checks, such as verifying fill weights, monitoring cap torque specifications, inspecting label placement, and ensuring seal integrity, documenting all results accurately.
  • Execute thorough cleaning-in-place (CIP), sanitizing-in-place (SIP), and manual cleaning of all filling equipment, pumps, tanks, and surrounding areas in strict accordance with GMP and company SOPs.
  • Identify, diagnose, and resolve minor mechanical issues, production line stoppages, and material jams to minimize equipment downtime and maintain production targets.
  • Meticulously complete and maintain all required production documentation, including electronic and paper-based batch records, operational logs, and quality assurance forms, ensuring data integrity and product traceability.
  • Adhere strictly to all plant safety policies, OSHA regulations, and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures during all operational, cleaning, and maintenance activities.
  • Operate Human-Machine Interface (HMI) control panels to input production parameters, monitor machine performance, track efficiency, and diagnose operational faults.
  • Verify that all finished products are correctly coded with lot numbers, batch information, and expiration dates using inkjet or laser coders, ensuring full compliance.
  • Collaborate directly with the Quality Control department to collect product samples for laboratory analysis and to implement corrective actions for any identified quality deviations.
  • Observe machine operations to detect irregularities, such as defective packaging materials or signs of impending mechanical failure, and report them immediately to the shift supervisor or maintenance team.
  • Manage the staging and replenishment of raw materials, components (e.g., bottles, caps, labels), and bulk product, ensuring proper inventory levels are available to prevent line stoppages.
  • Dismantle, clean, and meticulously reassemble filling machine components and change parts during product changeovers, ensuring all parts are correctly installed and sanitized.
  • Verify that all machine safety guards, light curtains, and emergency stop mechanisms are in place and functioning correctly before initiating any production run.

Secondary Functions

  • Support maintenance technicians with scheduled preventative maintenance (PM) tasks and more complex troubleshooting and repair activities on filling and packaging equipment.
  • Actively participate in continuous improvement programs and Lean Manufacturing initiatives (e.g., Kaizen, 5S), providing valuable feedback to enhance safety, quality, and operational efficiency.
  • Assist in the training and onboarding of new operators on standard operating procedures (SOPs), machine operation fundamentals, and critical safety protocols.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and audit-ready work area by consistently applying 5S principles and good housekeeping practices.
  • Manage and document product or packaging material waste accurately, working to meet or exceed company targets for waste reduction and operational yield.
  • Participate in the validation and commissioning of new filling equipment and provide operator input during process improvement trials.
  • Effectively communicate operational status, equipment issues, and detailed shift changeover information to team members, line leads, and supervisors to ensure a smooth transition.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Machine Operation & Setup: Demonstrated experience operating and performing changeovers on complex manufacturing equipment, preferably fillers, cappers, or labelers.
  • Mechanical Aptitude & Troubleshooting: Strong ability to understand mechanical systems, diagnose common faults, make minor adjustments, and use basic hand tools.
  • Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP): In-depth knowledge of GMP and other quality standards relevant to the food & beverage, pharmaceutical, or consumer goods industries.
  • Quality Control Procedures: Proficiency in performing and documenting in-process quality checks (e.g., weight checks, torque tests, visual inspections).
  • Sanitation Protocols (CIP/SIP): Experience with equipment cleaning and sanitization procedures and a strong understanding of the importance of hygiene in a production setting.
  • Safety Compliance (LOTO): Verifiable knowledge and practical application of Lockout/Tagout and other industrial safety procedures.
  • Technical Document Interpretation: Ability to read, understand, and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), batch records, and machine manuals.
  • HMI & Computer Literacy: Comfort and experience using Human-Machine Interface (HMI) panels to control equipment and basic computer skills for data entry.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: A meticulous and precise approach to following procedures, monitoring quality, and completing documentation.
  • Problem-Solving: The ability to think critically and act quickly to resolve operational challenges and prevent downtime.
  • Teamwork and Collaboration: A proven track record of working effectively within a team to achieve shared production goals.
  • Communication: Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills for shift handoffs and reporting issues.
  • Time Management: Excellent ability to manage tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment to meet production deadlines.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to work with different products, machines, and changing production schedules.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED Equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Vocational or Technical School Certificate in a related field such as Industrial Maintenance, Manufacturing Technology, or Mechatronics.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Industrial Technology
  • Manufacturing Processes

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1-3 years of experience in a fast-paced manufacturing, packaging, or production environment.

Preferred:

  • 2+ years of direct, hands-on experience operating, setting up, and troubleshooting automated filling machinery in the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry.
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