Job Details

Straw Machine Operator Technician

We have an immediate opportunity for a Straw Machine Operator Technician. In this function, you will operate machinery used in manufacturing high-quality food packaging products. Starting pay: $18.00 per hour and up, depending on experience and skills. Shift time: 7:00pm 7:15am (Night shift). This is a 2-2-3 Panama schedule with every other weekend off!

Responsibilities

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all plant safety procedures and guidelines.
• Know and follow emergency procedures (power outages, machine failures, workplace injuries, etc.).
• Wear and properly utilize required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Understand and apply Lock-out/Tag-out procedures.
• Immediately report safety concerns, incidents, or workplace injuries to a supervisor.
• Support the plant's food safety initiatives by completing required training and following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).

Machine Operation

• Set up, operate, and monitor straw-making machines (extrusion, cutting, printing, and packaging equipment).
• Load raw materials (e.g., plastic resin, paper rolls) into machines.
• Adjust machine settings (speed, temperature, alignment) to meet production specifications.
• Start, stop, and safely reset machines during production.
• Monitor machine performance and feed materials at appropriate speeds.
• Perform basic troubleshooting for minor issues (jams, alignment problems, overheating).
• Report major mechanical failures to the maintenance team or supervisor.

Quality Control

• Inspect products during production for defects such as cracks, uneven lengths, or color inconsistencies.
• Use measuring tools to verify dimensions and ensure compliance with product standards.
• Separate and remove defective or non-conforming products.
• Record quality checks and report nonconformance to supervisor.

Housekeeping & Teamwork

• Keep work area clean, safe, and organized.
• Perform routine cleaning and lubrication of machines.
• Assist coworkers with production tasks as needed.
• Support continuous improvement and efficiency initiatives within the plant.

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required. 2+ years in manufacturing, production, or machine operation. Experience with plastics, extrusion, or packaging machinery is a plus. Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to operate, adjust, and troubleshoot production equipment. Ability to read and follow work instructions, production schedules, and safety procedures. Knowledge of workplace safety standards and procedures. Understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and/or food safety requirements is preferred. Ability to correctly use and maintain personal protective equipment (PPE). Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift materials (typically up to 50 lbs) for extended periods. Manual dexterity and good hand-eye coordination. Willingness to work in a fast-paced, high-volume production environment. Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality. Good problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and resolve minor machine issues. Effective communication and teamwork skills. Reliability, punctuality, and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

More than a job. Grow, belong, and make a difference.

At D&W Fine Pack, we don't just make packaging, we build purpose, pride, and strong teams. Whether you're launching your career or bringing years of experience, this is a place where you can grow, be supported, and make a real impact. Our culture is built on four core values that guide everything we do:

• Dedicated to Excellence We hold ourselves to high standards in safety, sustainability, quality, and service.
• Winning with Success We keep improving to deliver more for our customers and community.
• Focused on Service We listen, act fast, and support both our customers and each other.
• People with Purpose We work as one team, showing respect, integrity, and care for all.

Benefits That Matter

Taking care of our team is a priority. Our benefits include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Payday is every Friday
• Wellness program
• 401K with company match
• Short & Long-Term Disability (STD/LTD)
• Company-paid Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Medical & Dependent Care
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) including counseling, legal advice, childcare referrals and financial planning support
• Safety shoe subsidy and prescription safety glasses discount
• Cancer Expert Now access to expert consultations for cancer diagnosis and treatment guidance
• And much more!

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.