Entry Level Cnc Machine Operator Jobs in Columbia, SC

Schedule: 2-2-3 schedule, with additional overtime based on production needs, open hours include:

*2nd Shift- 5:45pm to 6:00am

Work Location: 2000 American Italian Way, Columbia, SC

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with match, STD/LTD/AD&D/Life, HSA, FSA, EAP, Hospital indemnity, Accident Insurance, Identity and Fraud Protection Plan, Legal, and Critical Illness.

Salary, based on experience and other qualifications: $33.61 per hour plus a shift differential of a $1.00.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time.

What a Maintenance Team Member Does:

• Troubleshoot, repair, and perform preventative maintenance on mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
• Assist with machine setup, equipment modifications, and rebuilds to ensure optimal performance.
• Maintain accurate documentation and update records in CMMS systems.
• Follow all safety protocols and uphold GMPs and food safety standards.
• Collaborate with team members and leadership to resolve equipment issues and minimize downtime.

Skills a Maintenance Team Member Demonstrates:

• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot complex systems.
• Commitment to safety and compliance with GMPs and OSHA standards.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Problem-solving ability and attention to detail in fast-paced environments.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and learn new technologies.

Safe Equipment Operation & Maintenance

• Support the organization and inventory of spare parts for maintenance tasks.
• Assist in performing preventive maintenance and minor modifications on machinery such as packaging equipment and HVAC systems.
• Learn basic maintenance welding, minor fabrication, and millwright activities, such as cutting, grinding, and simple assembly.
• Assist with basic building upkeep, including plumbing, HVAC, and water treatment system tasks.
• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
• Perform equipment modifications, rebuilds, and preventive maintenance tasks on production and packaging machinery.
• Conduct millwright activities, including cutting, grinding, welding, and fabrication.
• Diagnose and resolve complex mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic issues to component level.
• Perform preventive, predictive, and planned maintenance, including cleaning, inspecting, testing, and process improvements.
• Fabricate components as needed using tools such as a lathe, grinder, and drill to repair or create jigs, fixtures, and tools.
• Operate and maintain all production equipment in assigned areas, including conveyors, motors, gearboxes, and packaging machinery.
• Troubleshoot and repair 3-phase electrical systems, AC/DC components, and control voltage issues.
• Proficiently perform welding (stick, MIG, TIG) and millwright tasks to minimize downtime.

Food Safety & Sanitation Compliance

• Adhere to all safety protocols, including LOTO, confined space, and hot work practices, while proactively identifying and mitigating risks.
• Follow GMPs, company policies, and OSHA regulations to maintain a safe and clean work environment.
• Support and ensure compliance with quality standards for safe, legal, and high-quality product manufacturing.
• Monitor production lines, proactively address downtime issues, and support equipment changeovers.

Team Collaboration, Leadership & Training

• Mentor and train Maintenance Mechanics Level 1, Operators, and production employees on equipment operations and maintenance.
• Lead Root Cause Analysis (RCA) activities and contribute to process improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate positively with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and solve operational challenges.
• Communicate effectively with team members to support production and learn from senior staff.
• Engage in on-the-job training to develop skills in equipment assembly, repair, and troubleshooting.
• Work closely with maintenance leadership, production teams, and other mechanics to complete projects and support production goals.
• Provide feedback to improve preventive maintenance programs and mentor less experienced team members.

Documentation, Communication & Continuous Improvement

• Accurately complete work orders, preventive maintenance records, and time tracking in CMMS and Kronos systems.
• Use advanced software tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SAP) for documentation and reporting.
• Ensure all equipment documentation, schematics, and manuals are up to date and accessible.
• Train under senior mechanics to diagnose and repair basic mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Accurately document maintenance activities, complete work orders, and ensure all equipment documentation is current and accessible.
• Support equipment monitoring, identify parts needed for repairs, and contribute to maintaining a clean and organized workspace.
• Stay current on training expectations and assist in troubleshooting automation systems (e.g., PLC-based).

Education & Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 1 year of work experience, preferably in manufacturing or food production.
• Forklift certification preferred (required for Advanced Level); willingness to obtain certification if not already held.
• 18+ years of age.

Technical & Mechanical Skills:

• Ability to follow verbal and written instruction as well as perform accurate math functions.
• Understands and abides by Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Good Manufacturing Principles (GMPs).
• Experience working with manufacturing equipment preferred.
• Demonstrate mechanical aptitude.

Safety & Compliance:

• Knowledge of GMPs, SQF, HACCP, FSMA, and other food safety regulations.
• Commitment to following all company safety policies and procedures.
• Must wear all required personal protection equipment (PPE) associated with specific manufacturing work environment and job duties as stated in the Employee Handbook, posted policies, or as assigned by leadership personnel. To include, wearing Blue Nitrile Gloves in production Zone 1 areas.
• Follows all safety policies and procedures, such as lock out/tag out, safe lifting techniques, and all others as instructed.

Teamwork, Communication & Leadership:

• Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers,supervisorsand others at the worksiteregardingwork matters, which are mostly conducted in English. This includes the ability to understand and respond to oral communications; understand written information, communications, and safety information; and communicate in writing as needed.
• Assumes leadership role and sets a positive example for team members.

Personal Attributes & Work Ethic:

• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated accountability for work quality, attendance, and continuous improvement.
• Must be dependable, reliable, and handle equipment safely and sensibly.
• Able to work mandatory overtime, including Saturdays/Sundays as determined by business needs.

Physical Demands:

• Employees must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time. Tasks may involve frequent climbing, pulling, pushing, carrying, grasping, reaching, twisting, turning, and stooping.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs frequently.
• Must have good hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and 20/20 corrected vision.
• Must have normal hearing and vision (with correction if needed), including the ability to distinguish colors for color-coded containers in production areas.
• Employees must wear all required PPE according to the specific manufacturing environment, as outlined in the Employee Handbook, posted policies, or as directed by leadership.
• Must adhere to all safety policies, including lock-out/tag-out, safe lifting techniques, and others as instructed.
• Exposure to wet, humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, high areas, fumes, airborne particles, extreme temperatures, electrical risks, and vibrations depending on the area assigned.
• Must maintain a clean and safe work environment and report any food safety or quality issues immediately to management.