Company Overview:
SunDance is a commercial printing and flexible packaging company based in Orlando, FL. We produce commercial print, labels, flexible packaging, and bulk mail from a modern, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility equipped with advanced equipment. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality, cost-effective results backed by outstanding customer service. If you take pride in your craft, work well under pressure, and want to be part of a team that values skill and attention to detail, SunDance is the right place for you.
Position Overview:
SunDance is seeking an experienced, hands-on Pouch Machine Operator to join our flexible packaging production team. Openings are available on the 2nd shift. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 2 years of experience running pouch-making or bag-making equipment and will be comfortable setting up a machine from a job ticket, running zipper application, and making in-process quality adjustments. You will be assigned a machine, either the SunCentre 600 XLDR or the Hudson-Sharp Ares 400 SUP, and cross-trained on additional equipment over time. This role requires mechanical aptitude, hands-on problem-solving, and a commitment to quality and food safety standards.
Key Responsibilities:
- Set up and operate pouch-making machinery (SunCentre 600 XLDR or Hudson-Sharp Ares 400 SUP) to produce stand-up, three-side seal, and two-side seal flexible packaging according to job specifications.
- Read job tickets to determine pouch size, film structure, zipper type, gusset depth, seal temperatures, and finishing requirements.
- Retrieve and install components: bag and gusset formers, side seals, zipper crush die sets, zipper application dies, seal bars, and zipper spools.
- Set up zipper types: standard reclosable (Style 106 DS), child-resistant (Style 8511), and powder-proof multiplex (Style 8555).
- Configure machine settings for pouch width, height, gusset depth, and cut type (single or double cut); perform changeovers between jobs.
- Conduct quality checks throughout each run: visual inspection, dimensional measurement, seal integrity, burst test, drop test, and water table test.
- Monitor film registration, seal temperatures, and zipper alignment; make in-run adjustments to minimize scrap and maintain quality.
- Identify and quarantine defective product; communicate defects to packagers before product is packed.
- Perform preventive maintenance per schedule: changing seal bars, dies, zipper cloth, and punches; report mechanical or electrical issues via written work order.
- Maintain accurate production records: output counts, downtime, scrap, and adjustments.
- Keep The machine and work area clean and organized per 5S standards.
- Ensure all machine safety guards and interlocks are operational before and during production.
- Ensure finished product is correctly labeled and documented for traceability.
- Support training of new operators as needed.
- Follow all safety protocols, SOPs, GMP requirements, and company procedures.
Qualifications:
- Minimum 2 years of experience operating pouch-making, bag-making, or flexible packaging converting equipment required.
- Hands-on experience with stand-up pouches, zipper application, and gusset forming.
- Demonstrated ability to set up a machine from a job ticket, not just run an already running machine.
- Knowledge of flexible film structures: PET/PE, BOPP/PE, PA/PE, metalized films, and co-extruded PE.
- GMP knowledge and experience working in a food-grade production environment required.
- Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to diagnose and resolve seal, zipper alignment, and registration issues.
- Ability to read and interpret job orders, machine specs, and technical documents.
- Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced production environment.
- Willingness to work overtime and flex between shifts as needed.
Required Skills:
- Machine setup and operation: stand-up pouches, zipper types (standard, CR, powder-proof), gusset forming, single and double cut.
- Quality testing: burst test, drop test, water table test, dimensional measurement, and visual inspection.
- Preventive maintenance: seal bars, dies, zipper cloth, punches, and the grease machine.
- Ability to read and interpret technical documents, job tickets, and machine manuals.
- Attention to detail and commitment to producing a defect-free product.
- Basic hand tool use and measuring instrument proficiency.
Education:
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Technical training or certification in packaging, manufacturing, or a related trade is a plus.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to stand and walk for up to 8–12 hours per shift.
- Ability to lift and maneuver rolls and materials up to 50 lbs.
- Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to operate machinery at production speed.
- Visual acuity to inspect products for seal quality, dimensional accuracy, and color consistency.
The successful candidate will:
- Have 2+ years of hands-on experience running pouch or bag-making machines in a flexible packaging environment.
- Be able to set up a machine cold from a job ticket, zipper application, gusset forming, seal bars, and all.
- Know their film structures, zipper types, and quality tests by name.
- Take ownership of their machine, their output quality, and their work area.
- Demonstrate GMP compliance and a commitment to food safety standards.
- Work well within a production team and communicate issues clearly and promptly.
- Operate all equipment with a consistent commitment to quality and safety.
Benefits:
- Competitive pay based on experience.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- 401(k) with company matching.
- Paid time off and paid holidays.
- Opportunities for advancement and cross-training on additional machines and production processes.
Join Us:
At SunDance, you’ll find more than a job. You’ll work with skilled people on real equipment, producing packaging that ends up on shelves across the country. If you have experience, take pride in your setup work, and want to grow in the flexible packaging industry, we want to hear from you. Please email your resume to [email protected].
Work Location: In person
Pay: $18.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Profit sharing
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
