Machine Operator
Location: On-Site – Duluth, MN
Classification: Non-Exempt Hourly, Overtime Available
Shift: 12-Hour Rotating Shift
Starting Pay $25.85/hour
Join Us as a Machine Operator – Be a Driving Force in Our Growth! Are you ready to play a critical role in a company that's rapidly expanding? As a Machine Operator, you won’t just run the equipment — you’ll be the key leader on your shift, setting the standard for performance, quality, and consistency. This hands-on position offers a unique opportunity to gain in-depth technical training and become a vital part of our production success. You’ll work closely with our Production Engineers and Maintenance teams, gaining valuable expertise and insight into the heart of our operations.
If you're ready to lead, learn, and grow with a team that values innovation and teamwork, this is the opportunity for you! Ideal candidates are local to the Twin Ports region, have operating or manufacturing experience, and are interested in a long-term career in a team-based environment. At Sofidel, our workforce is engaged, dependable, and committed to a collaborative, safety-focused culture.
About Sofidel America
Sofidel America, a subsidiary of the Sofidel Group, is a global leader in the manufacture of hygiene paper products. Established in the U.S. in 2012 and headquartered in Horsham, PA, we operate manufacturing facilities in ten states, including Minnesota. With operations in 15 countries and over 7,500 employees worldwide, the Sofidel Group is dedicated to producing high-quality paper for hygienic and domestic use.
Position Scope
The Machine Operator will set up, operate, and maintain converting machines that perform a variety of functions, such as rewinding, sawing, banding, wrapping, boxing, or stacking of paper goods. This individual will also monitor quality checks on each shift and provide training to Operator Assistants. This position works a Modified DuPont schedule consisting of 12-hour day and night shifts, rotating weekends, and periodic transitions between days and nights. Candidates should carefully consider the schedule before applying. Individuals in this position should possess strong communication skills and be able to lead a team of operators, packaging operators, operator’s assistants, and material handlers.
Essential Job Functions:
- Understand and apply customer specifications to the operation of the machine to ensure finished goods comply with customer requirements.
- Program and monitor computerized operating panel if applicable. Calculate mathematical conversions to ensure proper standards are met for each product.
- Initiate set up, operations, and adjustment of folding equipment and any down-stream equipment to achieve established production quota.
- Perform hourly quality checks to ensure accuracy of production run and the submittal of daily quality reports to QA department.
- Monitor and perform product changeovers in conjunction with other staff to ensure consistent production.
- Ensure regular and open communications with quality, maintenance, and supervision.
- Train and monitor the activity of the other employees on the machine.
- Demonstrate leadership skills on a regular and consistent basis.
- Keep the work area clean and organized while following the lean initiatives.
- Maintain a safe work area and comply with safety procedures and equipment operating rules keeping the work area in a clean and orderly condition.
- Support Sofidel America’s Good Manufacturing Practices and HACCP to promote a safe, sanitary and hygienically sound workplace.
- Continuously support Sofidel’s Employee Personal Practice Policy.
Other Duties
- Perform or assist with any operations, as required to maintain workflow and to meet schedules and quality requirements. Notify supervision of unusual equipment or operating problems and the need for additional material and supplies.
- Participate in any variety of meetings and work groups to integrate activities, communicate issues, obtain approvals, resolve problems and maintain specified level of knowledge pertaining to new developments, requirements, policies, and regulatory guidelines.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Job Requirements:
- High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred; or six (6) to twelve (12) months experience manufacturing inventory and purchasing and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Ability to work in a cross functionally across departments and in a team environment.
- Ability to prioritize and re-prioritize tasks as needed with strong time-management skills.
- Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and quality and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
- Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
- Ability to learn and certify in Lift and Crane operation
- Ability to use tools, measuring tape, calculators, and other common metrology instruments related to the operation of the equipment.
- Ability to identify nonconformance and notify Supervisor of issues.
- Ability to communicate in a manner that supports production- confers with managers, technicians, production personnel, and other operators regarding testing procedures and results and to resolve problems.
Ability to use computer and peripherals, standard and customized software applications and tools, and usual production equipment. Physical Demands: Lift/Carry Requirements:StandC (Constantly) 10 lbs. or lessC (Constantly)WalkC (Constantly) 11-20 lbs.F (Frequently)SitO (Occasionally) 21-50 lbs.F (Frequently))Handling /FingeringC (Constantly) 51- 100 lbs.O (Occasionally)Reach OutwardC (Constantly)) Over 100 lbs.N (Not Applicable)Reach Above ShoulderF (Frequently) Push / Pull:ClimbO (Occasionally) 12 lbs. or lessF (Frequently)CrawlO (Occasionally) 13-25 lbs.F (Frequently)Squat or KneelO (Occasionally) 26-40 lbs.F (Frequently)BendO (Occasionally) 41-100 lbs.F (Frequently)KeyN (Not Applicable)Activity is not applicable to this occupation.O (Occasionally)Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5+ hrs/day)F (Frequently)Occupation requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5+ hrs/day)C (Constantly)Occupation requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs/day) Other Physical Requirements
- Vision (Near, Distance, Color, Peripheral, Depth Perception)
- Sense of Sound (within normal range) and touch
WORK ENVIRONMENT
PPE is required in the plant and warehouse areas, including safety shoes, eye and ear protection, high-visibility vests, and hairnets or hats. Plant temperatures vary by season, and employees are exposed to paper dust and noise levels that require hearing protection.
EEO Statement
Sofidel America is an equal opportunity employer. We comply with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding equal opportunity. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. This policy applies to all aspects of employment and use of company facilities.
ADA Statement for Accommodation
Sofidel America complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and candidates with disabilities.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $25.85 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- On-the-job training
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Ability to Commute:
- Duluth, MN 55807 (Required)
Work Location: In person
