Position Purpose
The Machine Operator L2 is the upstream owner of the production line. Stationed closest to the machine, this role is accountable for keeping the line running through continuous, quality-driven output and proactive raw material awareness. The operator monitors feed, anticipates the next material needed based on the run, and calls out shortages early so the line never stops.
This role partners closely with the Production Line Lead, who owns downstream flow, finished goods, and system tasks. The Machine Operator stays focused on the machine and what feeds it; the Line Lead ensures material gets staged and finished pallets get out the door.
Primary Responsibilities
Machine Operation (Primary Ownership)
- Set up, start, and operate the assigned machine according to run specifications and SOPs.
- Make in-run adjustments to maintain output, quality, and target line speed.
- Perform in-process quality checks; identify defects, jams, and mis-feeds early.
- Complete startup, changeover, and end-of-run cleanup according to standard work.
- Comply with all safety, sanitation, lockout/tagout, and 5S standards.
Raw Material Awareness (Primary Ownership)
- Continuously monitor raw material feed and ensure the machine never stops because of a material shortfall.
- Know what material is needed next based on the run schedule, and call it out to the Line Lead before it is needed.
- Communicate any material quality issues (damaged, mislabeled, wrong spec) to the Line Lead immediately.
Support to Downstream / Finished Goods (Indirect)
- Keep machine output consistent so finished goods quality is protected.
- Communicate any issue at the machine that could impact finished goods (jams, mis-feeds, count discrepancies, defects) to the Line Lead.
- Support the Line Lead during changeovers and shift transitions.
Records & Reporting
- Maintain accurate run, material usage, and downtime records on the line tablet.
- Report problems and downtime causes promptly to the Line Lead and/or Production Supervisor.
Boundary — what this role is and is not:
The Machine Operator owns awareness of raw material needs — they call it out. They are not responsible for physically chasing material across the warehouse. The Line Lead and forklift/warehouse coordinate delivery. The Operator's job is to keep eyes on the machine and the next material need, not to leave the line.
Minimum Requirements
Education & Experience
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Six (6) or more months of machine operating experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
- Prior experience on the Klippenstein / ABC line, or equivalent semi-automated production line, preferred.
- Bilingual English / Spanish preferred.
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
- Strong attention to detail and a quality-first mindset.
- Ability to anticipate — sees what raw material is needed next, not just what is needed now.
- Clear, proactive communicator: comfortable calling out needs to the Line Lead in real time.
- Ability to read run schedules and basic production paperwork.
- Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations (counts, units of measure).
- Reliable, punctual, and able to work as part of a team.
- Willingness to cross-train across multiple machines and lines.
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
This role is physically active and is performed in a warehouse / production environment. The position requires:
- Standing and walking on normal surfaces for the majority of the shift (Constant).
- Repetitive hand motion, grasping, and handling materials (Constant).
- Lifting up to 20 lbs occasionally; under 10 lbs frequently.
- Bending, reaching outward, and wrist turning/twisting occasionally.
- Exposure to typical production noise, dust, and temperature variation.
- Use of required PPE at all times.
Work Schedule / Shift Requirements
- Primary schedule: Monday–Friday, with coverage during swing shifts based on business needs.
- Flexibility required during peak / busy season, including occasional evenings, weekends, or holidays.
Acknowledgment
The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, those identified above. Saxco may, at its sole discretion, add to, change, or expand the essential or marginal functions of this position.
