Lead Machine Operator

Lead Machine Operator

Pay: $22/hr – $25/hr
Schedule: Monday through Friday (Saturdays as needed) | 5:00 AM until production ends

SUMMARY

The Lead Machine Operator is a hands-on leadership role responsible for the day-to-day operations of the drinks production area. This role will train and guide team members, troubleshoot equipment issues, and ensure a safe, organized, and efficient manufacturing process. The position serves as the main support bridging communication between the production floor and management.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Core duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned by the Director of Production or Production Supervisor.

• Assign and delegate daily tasks to machine operators, coordinate break schedules, and provide hands-on training for new and existing operators.
• Enforce all company safety policies and procedures, including proper use of PPE and lockout/tagout procedures.
• Monitor machine performance and production output to ensure daily goals and deadlines are met.
• Use Redzone to track production data and report on key performance metrics.
• Address mechanical and technical issues with machinery; work with maintenance or engineering teams to resolve major malfunctions.
• Perform minor adjustments and preventative maintenance as needed.
• Conduct quality checks on finished products and in-process inspections to ensure compliance with required specifications and standards.
• Participate in and promote continuous improvement initiatives such as Lean Manufacturing or 6S organization.
• Provide status updates to leadership and supervisors on production performance, quality issues, and team concerns.
• Complete all necessary production logs and paperwork.
• Ensure equipment is properly set up according to the production schedule.
• Train other drinks machine operators on setup procedures and troubleshooting line malfunctions.
• Monitor production efficiency, OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), and minimize downtime.
• Assist with process improvement projects and company KPIs related to safety, quality, cost, and housekeeping.
• Comply with all equipment, safety, and OSHA rules and regulations.
• Maintain inventory of spare and consumable parts for equipment.
• Coordinate services of outside vendors as needed to support the drinks filling department.
• Identify operational problems and inefficiencies.
• Maintain and organize documents and procedures related to calibration, preventative maintenance, and logbooks.
• Follow company documents (BOM), GMP practices, and safety regulations during setup and throughout the shift.
• Perform quality checks to ensure all drinks meet company and customer quality standards (e.g., weights, seals, codes).

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required.

• Technical knowledge and mechanical aptitude to perform complex start-up, debugging, and repairs of packaging machinery.
• Ability to read and understand technical instructions, SOPs, and perform mathematical calculations to solve mechanical problems.
• Communicate effectively in English and Spanish with internal customers, vendors, and contractors.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English clearly and concisely.
• Team-oriented attitude; contributes to a positive team spirit and supports others’ success.
• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing or production environment, including a lead or supervisory role.
• Proficient in operating complex or computer-controlled machinery (liquid fillers).
• Knowledge of safety protocols (including OSHA), quality standards (GMP or ISO), and manufacturing processes.
• Strong leadership, motivation, and training skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent troubleshooting and critical thinking abilities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree or technical certification in a related field preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience as a maintenance mechanic or machine operator in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in pharmaceutical or food manufacturing required.
• Knowledge of process controls, digital logic systems, schematics, and symbols.
• Basic computer skills; Microsoft Office experience preferred.

COMPETENCIES

• Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; develops effective solutions.
• Quantity: Meets productivity standards; strives to increase efficiency.
• Safety and Security: Observes all safety and security procedures.
• Adaptability: Adapts to changes in the work environment and adjusts approach as needed.
• Must be flexible with work schedule.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and talk or hear. Occasionally required to sit.
• Must regularly lift and/or move 10–50 pounds, and occasionally more than 100 pounds with assistance.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.
• Regularly exposed to wet or humid conditions, outdoor weather, extreme temperatures, and moving mechanical parts.
• Occasionally exposed to high places, fumes, airborne particles, toxic chemicals, electrical shock, and vibration.
• Noise level is usually moderate to loud.

How to Apply

Apply Online: VSSILLC.com and then visit us for a face-to-face interview.
In Person: Stop by our office at 4100 Alpha Rd #200, Dallas, TX 75244, Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM.
Questions? Call us