Senior Packaging Machine Operator
Reports to: Packaging Operations Manager
Job Type: Full-time
Shift: First shift — [7:00 AM – 3:30 PM]; overtime as needed
Expected Hours: 40 per week
About NOBL Beverages
NOBL started the way most good things do: someone cared too much about their craft to keep it to themselves. What began as a passion for cold brew has grown into one of New England's most versatile beverage manufacturers and contract packagers, producing some of the most innovative canned drinks on the market today.
We've built NOBL around a simple belief: what goes into a product matters as much as what comes out of it. That means no artificial flavors, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, and processing methods that let the natural character of each product shine through.
A decade in, we're still driven by the same curiosity that started it all. If you're someone who takes pride in doing things right and wants to be part of a team that actually means it, we'd love to hear from you.
Position Overview
The Senior Packaging Machine Operator is the experienced hand who sets the standard on the packaging line and keeps first shift running at its best. This person owns the efficient throughput and quality of can sleeving and tray packing from the pasteurizer outfeed through the end of the tray packer conveyance, not just operating the equipment, but leading changeovers, resolving problems quickly, and coaching other operators along the way.
As the most experienced operator on the line, this role carries real ownership: setting the pace for the shift, making sound real-time decisions on minor issues, knowing when and how to escalate larger ones to the facilities team, and serving as the technical go-to who ensures every run, whether to internal or customer specifications, comes out right.
Key Responsibilities
Shift Leadership & Mentorship
- Act as the senior operator and point person on first shift, keeping the line at target throughput and quality
- Train, coach, and support other operators, sharing best practices for setup, changeover, and troubleshooting
- Lead SKU and size changeovers to minimize downtime and prevent product mixing
- Make sound real-time decisions on minor issues, and know when to escalate to facilities/maintenance
- Communicate proactively with the team and the incoming shift; ensure a clean, well-documented shift hand-off
- Help set the standard for safety, quality, and organization across the packaging area
Traypacker (SMI) Operation
- Set up, operate, and maintain the SMI tray packer for efficiency and quality on every run
- Maximize throughput of cans from the pasteurizer outfeed through the end of the SMI conveyance
- Troubleshoot flow issues and correct problems such as poor can flow, loose shrink wrap, bad tray folding, and damaged cans
- Escalate larger equipment problems to the facilities team promptly
- Confirm all tray-packing materials are staged ahead of each run and flag shortages immediately
- Package all product according to internal and customer specifications
- Monitor product quality throughout each run and report issues to the packaging manager right away
Sleever Operation
- Set up, operate, and maintain the sleever machine and steam tunnel for consistent, high-quality sleeve application
- Maximize throughput from the pasteurizer outfeed through the exit of the Heuft X-ray unit
- Change sleeve rolls and dial in adjustments to ensure correct sleeve cuts and can placement
- Hand-apply sleeves to missed cans and re-sleeve cans with defects or missing sleeves
- Inspect the line for damaged product before sleeving
- Set up and monitor the Heuft X-ray machine, and configure the packout date coder for backup date codes when needed
- Manage SKU changeovers and ensure product is never mixed
- When the sleever is idle, help maximize product flow from the pasteurizer through the start of the SMI
Quality, Safety & Sanitation
- Lead with a safety-first mindset and coach others to do the same
- Report machine malfunctions and safety concerns to management immediately
- Keep tools, supplies, and the work area clean, organized, and audit-ready
- Participate in sanitation duties and uphold sanitation standards throughout the shift
- Help minimize waste and defects through proactive communication and problem-solving
General
- Be at work and on time every scheduled day
- Perform assigned tasks in a timely, organized manner
- Obtain a forklift certification (if not already held) and operate a forklift as needed
- Use team chats and communication tools to stay coordinated
- Participate in continuous-improvement activities
- Support cross-functional projects and jump in wherever the shift needs help
- Other duties as directed by the department manager
Physical Requirements
- Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally
- Prolonged periods of standing and working on your feet
- Must be able to access and navigate all areas of the facility and equipment
- Must be able to stoop, crawl, twist, turn, lift, kneel, and climb ladders and stairs
- Must be able to regularly lift and carry heavy supplies in an environment that may be loud, slick, humid, or hot
Qualifications
- 3–5+ years in a production, manufacturing, or warehouse environment, including hands-on packaging machine operation
- Proven experience operating and troubleshooting high-speed packaging equipment such as tray packers, shrink sleevers, and steam tunnels; experience with SMI and Heuft systems is a plus
- Demonstrated ability to train and mentor other operators and to work independently with minimal supervision
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills
- Forklift certification preferred; willingness to obtain one required
- Reliable, punctual, and team-oriented
Benefits
- 401(k) with company matching
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Employee discount
- Professional development assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
Pay: $28.00 - $34.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
Work Location: In person
