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TITLE:

Sr. Form Fill Seal Production Technician (Powder & Liquid)

SUMMARY:

The Senior Form Fill Seal Production Technician is the senior hands-on equipment expert for form fill seal packaging for LaCore's form fill seal packaging lines, covering powder production (auger-fed sachet/pouch lines) and liquid form fill seal production. This role combines the mastery expected of a Machine Operator III, the dedicated form fill seal expertise of the FFS Machine Operator, and the line-ownership and preventive-maintenance discipline of a Maintenance Technician into one position: a highly skilled operator-technician who sets up, runs, troubleshoots, and maintains packaging equipment and its components — film, sealing systems, fillers, and coding — at expert level. This is a collaborative role by design. The Senior Production Technician works as the bridge between

Production and Maintenance:

partnering with maintenance technicians on preventive maintenance, complex troubleshooting, and repairs; coaching and developing machine operators on the equipment; and sharing ownership of line reliability, changeover performance, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) with both departments. Neither department succeeds with this equipment alone — this position exists so they succeed together.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Accurately, efficiently, and safely operate all form fill seal and packaging equipment in the assigned production area, including multi-lane vertical and horizontal FFS systems (e.g., HMC, Bartelt, SolPac), auger fillers for powder products, and liquid filling systems for liquid FFS production. Perform setups, breakdowns, and changeovers on all machines within the production area without assistance, including mechanical adjustments for product type and packaging format changes; work with the team to optimize product/material sequencing to minimize changeover time. Apply expert knowledge of packaging components: film handling and tracking, seal jaw setup and seal-integrity verification, fill accuracy and weight control, embossing/inkjet coding setup from the batch record lot number, filling nozzles, pneumatics, and related accessories. Using the batch record and pick list, accurately identify and verify all components and materials required for the production run; accurately return unused materials and calculate waste using waste-reduction techniques and practices. Troubleshoot mechanical and basic electrical issues, complete operator-level repairs, and resolve equipment problems proficiently to maintain continuous production flow and minimize downtime. Partner with maintenance technicians on complex mechanical problems: aid in diagnosis, assist with parts replacement and repairs, and support engineering initiatives that improve long-term equipment effectiveness. During designated maintenance windows, execute scheduled work orders and perform preventive maintenance inspections and corrective work on assigned line equipment to prevent mechanical and/or electrical breakdowns. Work within the

FIIX CMMS

software to document and track mechanical work performed, review equipment history, and support the preventive maintenance schedule within the production area. Maintain ownership of assigned lines and escalate machinery breakdowns effectively and early, communicating and coordinating with Production and Maintenance leadership on any activity required to ensure optimum line efficiency and product quality. Serve as the day-to-day technical link between Production and Maintenance on the FFS lines: joint troubleshooting, shared PM planning, and clear handoffs on equipment condition at shift change. Mentor, train, and coach Machine Operators I-III and FFS operators on equipment operation, setup, adjustments, and maintenance and operational best practices, helping them master their technical understanding of equipment and process controls; train others in mechanical skills and problem solving/troubleshooting as qualified. Provide support to operators on troubleshooting and operator interface setup; fill in for Leads and take ownership of production performance across assigned areas as needed. Maintain a good working relationship with all employees and communicate in a professional manner with other line technicians, departments, and management, notifying them of any problems or concerns that may restrict the efficiency of production. Conduct operator quality inspections as required by SOPs — visual and weight-based checks for fill accuracy, seal integrity, and product coding — and collect required samples for Quality Assurance testing; perform all mandatory quality testing/checks and complete related documentation for department operations. Using Good Documentation Practices (GDP), record production data, downtime, and equipment adjustments accurately in batch logs, and ensure all paperwork is filled out in a clear, legible, and accurate format in accordance with SOPs. Adhere to all Company Policies, SOPs, and Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs), and conform to LaCore policy and procedures including Lock Out/Tag Out, HACCP checkpoints, Quality Standards, Fall Protection, Hot Work, and OSHA regulations. Follow all required work safety practices, including wearing all required PPE in designated areas, confined space safety, safe chemical handling, and fall restraints. Support all food safety and quality systems requirements by committing to meet all pertinent regulatory, customer, certifying body, GFSI, and company requirements; report any food safety and/or food quality related issues, including unsafe acts/conditions, to management immediately. Follow Clean-In-Place (CIP) procedures and line cleaning protocols during changeovers (liquid lines) and maintain a clean, sanitary, and safe work environment. Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Expert-level mechanical aptitude with demonstrated mastery of packaging equipment and components — FFS systems, auger fillers, liquid fillers, sealing systems, film handling, and pneumatics — and working knowledge of mechanical, pneumatic, and basic electrical systems. Proven ability to diagnose root causes, not just symptoms, and to balance running production today with protecting equipment reliability long term. Ability and willingness to train, mentor, and coach fellow operators and to work side-by-side with maintenance technicians; communicates technical tasks to team members in a professional manner. Proficient with hand tools, the FIIX CMMS, and Microsoft Office Suite / computer-based applications for documenting production and maintenance activities. Skill in organization and prioritization, and attention to detail; works well in a fast-paced and always-changing manufacturing environment. Basic understanding of c

GMP, HACCP, FDA

standards, and OSHA regulations. Must be able to work in wet/dry environments where exposed to sensitive food ingredients and allergens, airborne powders, and moderate noise. Possess basic math skills including counting, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Effective verbal and written communication skills. (English is preferred; bilingual is a plus.) Willing to work flexible hours including overtime, weekends, and holidays. Required to pass all pre-employment screens (including drug, background, and criminal checks).

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High School Diploma or equivalent required. Associate degree, technical certificate, or equivalent trade training in a related field preferred. Minimum of five (5) years of experience operating and maintaining packaging equipment in a food, supplement, or pharmaceutical manufacturing environment, including at least three (3) years on form fill seal equipment for powder and/or liquid products. Experience equivalent to Machine Operator III mastery plus maintenance technician line coverage: independent setups and changeovers, mechanical troubleshooting and repair, and preventive maintenance execution. Experience with multi-lane vertical/horizontal FFS systems, auger fillers, and general pneumatics required; experience with HMC, Bartelt, or SolPac equipment strongly preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Constantly (minimum of 8 hrs. but up to 10 hrs.) stand, walk, and use hands/fingers to handle/feel. Frequently (up to 6 hrs.) walk, climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and reach (above and below shoulder level) throughout the shift. Constantly (minimum of 8 hrs. but up to 10 hrs.) lift/carry up to 50 pounds. Occasional (up to 3 hrs.) push/pull up to 50 pounds. Production environment with exposure to airborne powders, allergens, and moderate noise.

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching AD&D insurance Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Vision insurance People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply Application Question(s): Do you have 3 or more years of Form-Fill-Seal (FFS) machine operating experience?

Experience:

Maintenance Technician:

3 years (Required)

Work Location:

In person