Filler Production Operator

Job Title:

Filler Operator (ESL/UHT)

Department:
Production

Classification:
On-site, hourly position

Reports to:

Production Supervisor/Production Manager

Shift Responsibilities:
All shifts

Job Summary

As a Filler Operator, you will play a key role in the production of ESL (Extended Shelf Life) and Aseptic dairy products (Ultra-High Temperature ~ UHT). You will be responsible for setting up, operating, monitoring, and maintaining high-speed filling equipment to produce safe, high-quality products in a clean and efficient manufacturing environment. You'll also actively record established parameters ensuring line validation, operational performance, and all quality documentation is completed at the required times and standards.

This position shares responsibility for maintaining Suntado's food safety, quality and legality program under the BRC/GFSI/PCQI guidelines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operate and monitor filler machinery and related production equipment according to SOPs and safety standards.

• Perform startup, operational checks, initial run testing, and equipment cleanliness verification.

• Conduct quality tests on finished products, ensuring compliance with specifications.

• Follow production guidelines, document deviations, and ensure accuracy via ERP systems.

• Perform routine maintenance on processing and filling equipment.

• Identify and report equipment malfunctions, assist with minor repairs, and escalate issues to appropriate departments.

• Support troubleshooting of bottlenecks and quality issues; offer proactive solutions to improve uptime and efficiency.

• Adhere to all safety protocols including confined space, PPE usage, chemical handling, and sanitation practices.

• Maintain accurate and timely production records, including materials usage and cleaning logs.

• Support audit readiness for HACCP, ISDA, SQF, and customer inspections.

• Collaborate with maintenance, quality, and other production staff to resolve issues in real-time.

• Support onboarding and training of new operators in filler operations and SOPs.

• Participate in cross-functional teams and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Follow all company policies related to attendance, sanitation, quality, and safety.

• Other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.

• Previous experience in a food, dairy or beverage manufacturing environment preferred.

• Knowledge of dairy processing, aseptic systems, or ESL/UHT filling equipment is a plus.

• Familiarity with pumps, mix-proof valves, control systems, and Clean In Place (CIP) systems is desirable.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot machinery.

• Able to follow detailed procedures and maintain precise, legible records.

• Excellent communication skills-verbal and written.

• Ability to multitask and work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

• Basic math and reading comprehension skills required.

• Ability to read, write and speak English.

• Willingness to learn and follow food safety and regulatory systems including HACCP, GMPs, SQF, and PMO

• Strong attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to speak and listen. The employee frequently is required to walk within the site. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, bend and climb; use hands feel; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 lbs. repeatedly for periods of up to one hour. Stand, walk, bend, and move continuously throughout a 12-hour shift in a fast-paced production environment.

COMMITMENT TO ETHICS AND EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

Our Company is firmly committed to conducting business in…