Machine Operator I
Classification: Non-Exempt
Position: Packaging Machine Operator
Reports to: Silicone Supervisor
Date: 6/122/2026
JOB DESCRIPTION
Summary/Objective
The Machine Operator is responsible for packaging finished silicone products into cartridges, tubes, drums, pails, or other containers in accordance with work order instructions and quality standards. This role operates at the final stage of the manufacturing process and is critical to ensuring product quality, traceability, and customer satisfaction. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong attention to detail, a solid work ethic, accountability, and the ability to follow procedures while working safely in a team‑oriented environment.
Essential Functions
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Package finished product mixes into labeled cartridges, tubes, drums, pails, or other containers
- Read, understand, and execute work order instructions and production schedules
- Prepare the shift by staging required raw materials and packaging components
- Load and unload totes from packaging press machines
- Set up dosing systems and press parts according to product requirements
- Operate all assigned presses and packaging equipment safely and efficiently
- Operate drum scales and ensure accurate fill weights
- Perform visual inspections of product and packaging to verify proper fill, labeling, and conformance
- Set up and operate label printers (Bartender and cartridge printers)
- Verify labels on tubes, cartridges, drums, and pails for accuracy
- Properly stack cases on skids and correctly place 55‑gallon drums on skids
- Stage skids according to product and shipping requirements
- Accurately complete work orders and record production totals in NetSuite
- Use NetSuite data scanners effectively and calculate and document scrap
- Distinguish between scrap, twilight material, and conforming material
- Identify and report nonconforming material or potential scrap
- Follow QA Hold notification and deviation/waiver processes
- Understand and perform purge procedures during order transitions
- Clean and organize the work area at shift end in accordance with 6S standards
- Support chase pump filtering and packaging requirements when applicable
Competencies
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
- Ability to follow SOPs, work instructions, and safety procedures
- Knowledge of QA Hold, deviations, and waiver processes
- Understanding of case packaging inspection requirements
- Ability to identify scrap and nonconforming material
- Good math skills for filling weight verification and scrap calculation
- Proficient computer skills, including use of NetSuite
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and as a strong team player
- Commitment to safety, housekeeping, and 6S culture
- Willingness to learn continuous improvement concepts
Supervisory Responsibility
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee maybe exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment can be loud at times due to running of machines
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Regularly required to stand, walk, bend, and reach throughout the shift
- Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds
- Ability to load and unload totes, cases, and drums
- Exposure to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, and elevated noise levels due to machine operation
- Ability to safely work around industrial equipment
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
- This is a full-time position. Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with overtime as required based on production needs. (Subject to change based on business demands)
- Schedule:
Travel
No travel is expected for this position.
Required Education and Experience
- High School Diploma or GED required
- Previous experience in packaging, manufacturing, or production operations preferred
- Prior Quality Control experience (desired)
- Knowledge of continuous improvement concepts (desired)
- Strong math and computer skills
- Ability to read, understand, and follow written instructions
- Demonstrated safe equipment operation and tool usage
Benefits Include
- Medical, dental and vision coverage
- 401k plan with generous company match
- Company paid Short & Long-term disability and Life Insurance
- 10 Company holidays
- Paid-time off (PTO)
EEO Statement
Novagard Solutions is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, military and/or veteran status, genetic information, or on any basis which would be in violation of any applicable federal, state or local law.Novagard Solutions will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities or religious needs unless doing so would result in an undue hardship to Novagard Solutions.
Any employee with questions or concerns about this Equal Employment Opportunity Policy and its implementation in the workplace is encouraged to bring the matter to the attention of the Human Resources Department.Novagard Solutions takes this policy seriously and will not retaliate against any employee who, in good faith, raises questions or concerns with respect to equal opportunity or any form of discrimination, or who assists in the investigation of such matters.Employees found to be engaging in conduct in violation of this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including termination, regardless of whether the conduct violates applicable law.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
