Entry Level Machine Operator Jobs in Portland, TN

Stratas Foods LLC is the leading supplier of fats and oils to the Foodservice, Food Ingredients and Retail Private Label markets in North America and is a producer of quality bulk and packaged dressings, mayonnaise and sauces. Stratas Foods was formed in October 2008 as a 50/50 joint venture between ACH Food Companies (ACH) and Archer Daniels Midland (ADM).

Manufacturing facilities are located in Dallas and Houston, TX; Decatur and Quincy, IL; Englewood, NJ; Hillside, NJ; Fresno, CA; Nashville, TN; and Valdosta, GA.  Corporate offices are located in Memphis, TN.  We are committed to maintaining a progressive workplace by utilizing the ideas, skills and talents of all of our employees.  We strive to make Stratas Foods a great place to work and are building a team capable of meeting our business goals.

Machine Operator I is an entry-level machine operator position responsible for safely operating and monitoring assigned production equipment. Under the guidance of experienced operators and supervisors, the incumbent performs basic machine adjustments, quality checks, sanitation activities, and routine equipment operation tasks while developing proficiency on assigned equipment. This role supports the production of high-quality products by adhering to safety, food safety, quality, and operational standards.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Safety and Compliance

• Follow all company safety policies, GMPs, food safety requirements, and quality standards.
• Wear required PPE and comply with all safety procedures.
• Follow Lockout/Tagout procedures when performing equipment cleaning, maintenance support, or troubleshooting activities.
• Handle cleaning chemicals safely and according to established procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

Equipment Operation

• Set up, start up, operate, monitor, and shut down production equipment according to established standards.
• Perform machine adjustments based on product specifications, packaging requirements, and operating conditions.
• Monitor machine performance and product flow throughout production runs.
• Detect and respond to machine malfunctions, equipment abnormalities, and product defects.
• Stop, reset, and restart equipment safely following established procedures.
• Clear jams and minor equipment issues while minimizing downtime.
• Perform product changeovers efficiently while maintaining quality and food safety standards.

Quality Assurance

• Perform required quality checks, inspections, and product evaluations.
• Verify fill weights, package integrity, coding accuracy, and product appearance.
• Identify, communicate, and assist in resolving quality concerns.
• Complete all required quality documentation accurately and on time.
• Ensure products consistently meet customer and company specifications.

Sanitation and Cleaning

• Perform equipment teardown, cleaning, sanitization, and reassembly activities.
• Clean pumps, sanitary piping, fillers, conveyors, and associated production equipment.
• Operate CIP systems as required.
• Verify equipment cleanliness and readiness prior to production startup.
• Report any sanitation or quality concerns immediately.

Equipment Care and Maintenance

• Perform routine inspections of equipment and identify potential mechanical issues.
• Complete assigned autonomous maintenance activities and MSS tasks.
• Assist maintenance personnel with preventative maintenance and repair activities as needed.
• Communicate equipment performance concerns to supervisors and maintenance teams.
• Help reduce downtime through proactive equipment monitoring and troubleshooting.

Production Documentation

• Accurately complete all production records, downtime reports, quality checks, sanitation records, and operational documentation.
• Record downtime events and root causes within company systems.
• Maintain accurate production and efficiency data.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, efficiency, waste reduction, and equipment performance.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and problem-solving activities.
• Support departmental goals related to OEE, productivity, quality, and cost control.

Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or GED required.

Related Experience: Previous relevant experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.

Equipment/Software Skills: Ability to operate production equipment safely and effectively. Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills. Ability to read and follow work instructions, SOPs, and production schedules.

Competencies

• Employees are encouraged to participate in efficiency and safety improvement teams
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Learn and follow written rules and procedures
• Produce accurate documentation
• Maintain acceptable attendance
• Will have the opportunity to learn various positions
• Must fill in when needed in temporary/permanent vacancies

Physical: Must be able to walk throughout the plant, to include walking and climbing up/downstairs and ladders (portable, fixed).  Must have be ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally is required.

Sensory: Must have the appropriate level of sensory acuity (visual, hearing, speaking, smell and touch) to be able to identify and react to normal, abnormal and alarm conditions (chemicals, temperature, etc.)

Mental/Reasoning: Must be able to logically and methodically work through and break down complex problems and processes to enable effective communication with all levels of the organization

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision

Stratas Foods is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee in any manner prohibited by law, including but not limited to, on the basis of race or color, religion, gender, age, genetic information, national origin/ancestry, mental or physical disability, family status/marital status, military/veteran status, and any other legally protected status.

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision-The Employer will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the Employer’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Stratas Foods Applicant Request for Accommodation Form: https://www.stratasfoods.com/compliance

Stratas Foods California Privacy Rights Act Policy: https://www.stratasfoods.com/compliance