Packaging Operator
2 days ago
Paterson
Job Description Job Title: Packaging Operator Job Description The Packaging Operator operates and monitors continuous cooking and packaging systems in a food manufacturing environment, ensuring safe, efficient, and consistent production of high-quality products. This role controls high-temperature and vacuum-based processes, maintains strict compliance with GMP and HACCP standards, and collaborates closely with maintenance, quality, and production teams to support smooth operations and process improvements. Responsibilities • Operate and monitor continuous cooking systems and related packaging equipment in a food manufacturing environment., • Control high-temperature and vacuum-based processes to meet defined product and process specifications., • Track and document process conditions using HMI, PLC, and SCADA systems, ensuring accurate and timely data entry., • Perform equipment startups, shutdowns, cleaning, and changeovers according to established procedures., • Identify, diagnose, and troubleshoot process deviations and equipment issues to minimize downtime and maintain product quality., • Respond promptly to equipment alarms and take appropriate corrective actions., • Coordinate daily activities and issue resolution with maintenance, quality, and production teams to support continuous operations., • Maintain strict compliance with GMP, HACCP, and all applicable safety and food safety standards., • Support process improvement initiatives and contribute to optimizing equipment performance and production efficiency., • Train, mentor, and support junior operators to ensure consistent adherence to procedures and best practices., • Follow labeling, packing, picking, and filling procedures on the packaging line as required., • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in accordance with cleanroom and GMP expectations. Essential Skills • Hands-on experience operating packaging and production equipment in a food manufacturing environment., • Proficiency in operating continuous cooking systems and related processing equipment., • Experience with high-temperature processing and vacuum systems operation., • Ability to monitor and control processes using HMI, PLC, and SCADA systems., • Strong process control skills, including adjusting parameters to maintain product and process specifications., • Mechanical troubleshooting skills to identify and resolve equipment issues., • Ability to respond effectively to equipment alarms and abnormal operating conditions., • Demonstrated knowledge and application of GMP and HACCP compliance in a production setting., • Experience working on packaging lines, including packing, picking, filling, and labeling., • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented production environment., • Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety and food quality. Additional Skills & Qualifications • Vacuum cooking experience, particularly in food or confectionery applications., • Experience in fruit processing or confectionery manufacturing., • Experience with pectin-based product processing., • Knowledge of PLC systems and basic industrial automation concepts., • Familiarity with industrial automation and controls in a manufacturing environment., • Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills., • Leadership or operator experience, including training and supporting junior team members. Why Work Here? You will join a growing consumer packaged goods manufacturer with a strong national brand presence and a focus on better-for-you products that align with health and wellness trends. The organization offers a stable production environment with consistent demand and the opportunity to work on advanced processing equipment, including vacuum and thermal systems. You will have clear pathways for career growth and internal advancement, supported by a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, and holidays. Work Environment This role is based in a food manufacturing facility in Totowa, NJ, featuring a clean, organized production floor that adheres to strict GMP standards. You will work directly with high-temperature and vacuum processing equipment in a fast-paced, hands-on, team-oriented environment. The position involves regular interaction with machinery and process systems and requires close collaboration with maintenance, quality, and production leadership to maintain safe, efficient, and compliant operations. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Totowa, NJ. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $32.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision, • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital, • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available, • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents), • Short and long-term disability, • Health Spending Account (HSA), • Transportation benefits, • Employee Assistance Program, • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Totowa,NJ. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jun 26, 2026. About Aerotek Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK. Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools. Company DescriptionWe know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.