Machine Operator (2nd and 3rd shift)

Salary Range

$20.00 per hour (plus Shift Differential for 2nd and 3rd Shift)

Benefit Eligible: Yes

• Location: Onsite in Mesa, AZ
• Classification: Non-exempt, full time
• Reports to: Production Manager

About the Opportunity

The Machine Operator plays a critical role in ensuring our production processes run safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with food safety standards. By operating and maintaining key processing equipment such as kettles, dehydrators, and packaging systems, this role directly supports the consistent production of high-quality products our customers trust. Through attention to detail, sanitation excellence, and operational reliability, the Machine Operator helps protect product integrity and keep our production goals on track.

What You’ll Do

• Operate and monitor food-grade processing and packaging equipment including kettles, dehydrators, separators, mills, labelers, and date coders to ensure efficient and consistent production.
• Execute machine setups and changeovers accurately and efficiently to support production schedules and minimize downtime.
• Perform Clean-in-Place (CIP) and sanitation procedures to maintain food safety standards and ensure equipment is audit-ready at all times.
• Maintain proper production flow by monitoring materials, removing finished goods, and adjusting machine settings as needed.
• Inspect finished products for correct labels, seals, net weights, and date codes to ensure compliance with specification sheets.
• Document batch, LOT, and production data accurately to maintain full traceability and regulatory compliance.
• Troubleshoot minor equipment issues and escalate mechanical concerns promptly to reduce downtime and protect product quality.
• Collaborate with QA, Production Leads, and Maintenance teams to ensure smooth operations and adherence to GMP, FDA, and USDA standards.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and proactively communicate recommendations that enhance efficiency and quality.

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment by consistently following PPE requirements and safety protocols.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

• 1+ year of experience in a food, beverage, supplement, or pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
• Experience operating production or processing equipment in a regulated manufacturing setting.
• Ability to follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), SOPs, and food safety regulations (FDA/USDA).
• Ability to perform equipment cleaning and sanitation procedures, including adherence to safety protocols.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot minor equipment issues.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand/walk for the duration of a shift in a manufacturing environment.
• Flexibility to work assigned shifts, including evenings or overtime as needed.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States

Bonus Points

• Experience operating kettles, dehydrators, milling equipment, or other food-grade processing systems.
• Familiarity with Clean-in-Place (CIP) systems and advanced sanitation procedures.
• Experience performing equipment changeovers, labeler/date coder adjustments, and production line setups.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) communication skills.
• Experience in CPG, nutraceutical, or regulated food manufacturing environments with batch/LOT traceability systems.

Benefits & Perks

Our Commitment to You

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% employer-paid dental/vision and a small monthly medical premium for employees; dependents may be added at employee cost
• Generous Paid time off to support balance and rest
• Paid sick time for when you need it
• Six (6) company-paid holidays each year & two (2) floating holidays
• Paid parental leave after 6 months of service for eligible employees
• 100% company-paid Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Referral bonuses up to $1,500 when you refer great people who join our team
• 401(k) or Roth Plans with up to a 4% company match after one year of service
• $300 Paleovalley Monthly product stipend for employees

Work Environment & Physical Demands

This role takes place in a manufacturing/warehouse environment and may involve exposure to varying temperatures, noise, and airborne particles. Employees must follow all safety guidelines and use required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Compliance & Employment Practices

• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer. At this time, Paleovalley and Wild Pastures are unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas, including but not limited to H-1B, TN, or OPT.
• This role is open until filled.