Job Title: Machine Technician / Operations Technician

Job Description

The Machine Technician (Operations Technician) plays a key role in operating and optimizing highly automated cosmetic manufacturing and packaging lines. You will run production equipment, perform basic mechanical troubleshooting, and support continuous improvement initiatives to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality operations. This hands-on, floor-based position serves as a bridge between line operators and maintenance technicians and offers a strong entry point into a maintenance-focused career path within the facility.

Responsibilities

• Operate and oversee assigned production and packaging lines to consistently meet output, quality, and safety targets.
• Monitor equipment performance and product quality, making adjustments as needed to maintain optimal production flow.
• Perform basic mechanical troubleshooting on production machinery and resolve routine equipment issues within defined scope.
• Diagnose equipment problems using structured methods and clearly explain the diagnostic process and findings.
• Identify emerging issues early to prevent downtime and minimize production interruptions.
• Escalate complex or advanced mechanical issues to Maintenance Technicians with clear, detailed problem descriptions.
• Support and apply lean manufacturing concepts, including 5S and basic Statistical Process Control (SPC) practices, to improve line performance.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce waste, increase efficiency, and enhance equipment reliability.
• Assist with machine set-ups, changeovers, and change-outs to support different products and formats, including filling and injection molding equipment as applicable.
• Use hand tools and power tools safely and effectively to support routine adjustments and basic maintenance tasks.
• Collaborate closely with production, maintenance, and quality teams to ensure smooth, reliable operations.
• Train and mentor line operators on equipment operation, basic troubleshooting, safety practices, and standard operating procedures.
• Demonstrate ownership and accountability for assigned lines, including housekeeping, organization, and adherence to 5S standards.
• Work effectively in a fast-paced, team-driven manufacturing environment, adapting to changing priorities and production needs.
• Contribute to root cause failure analysis by providing accurate observations, data, and feedback on recurring issues.

Essential Skills

• Ideally 5 years of relevant machine operating experience in manufacturing or a closely related environment, with flexibility depending on overall skill set.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and proven problem-solving ability in a production setting.
• Hands-on experience operating production equipment and working with basic mechanical systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment issues, perform basic mechanical diagnostics, and clearly explain the diagnostic process.
• Experience with continuous improvement practices, including 5S and basic lean manufacturing concepts.
• Demonstrated experience working with production machinery such as filling machines, injection molding machines, or similar equipment.
• Familiarity with change outs, change overs, and machine set-up activities in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in manufacturing, automotive, military, or similar environments that involve mechanical systems and structured processes.
• Comfort using hand tools and power tools safely and effectively on the production floor.
• Strong root-cause problem-solving skills and an understanding of when to troubleshoot independently versus when to escalate.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented manufacturing environment and maintain focus on safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Demonstrated ownership, accountability, and reliability in previous roles.
• Ability to communicate clearly with operators, maintenance technicians, and supervisors about equipment status and issues.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or other cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practice) environments.
• Exposure to highly automated production lines and advanced packaging equipment.
• Experience with root cause failure analysis and basic reliability-focused practices.
• Familiarity with filling machines, injection molding machines, and other specialized production equipment used for containers, lids, and cosmetic products.
• Experience supporting continuous improvement initiatives, including 5S implementation and process optimization.
• Comfort working with ba