Machine Operator 4 (1st Shift)

Position Summary

About Ajinomoto:

Welcome to Ajinomoto Foods North America in Toluca, Illinois—a place where we’re not just leading the way in food manufacturing but also proudly embracing our role within this close-knit community. As our team rapidly expands, we’re dedicated to offering quality jobs that reflect our passion for community, collaboration, and a positive workplace culture. We’re looking for individuals who share our commitment to making a meaningful impact both within our plant and in the surrounding areas.

Ajinomoto Foods North America is a global leader in frozen foods, renowned for delivering nutritious and delicious meals to households everywhere. With a rich history of diverse ethnic brands, we’re on a mission to contribute to healthier lifestyles through our innovative and balanced Umami foods. Our commitment to excellence is evident not just in the quality of our products but in our dedication to our employees and our community.

Here in Toluca, our investment in expanding our facility and adding a new production line reflects our belief in growth and innovation. If you’re passionate about building a fulfilling career, being part of a great team, and helping to transform the way the world eats, we invite you to join us. Together, we can make a real difference—one meal at a time.

Job Description:

The Machine Operator 4 will be responsible for safely setting up and operating the packaging machines to ensure product is bagged in the correct packaging with the correct coding. The MO4 will use computer-controlled equipment to select position and secure automatic or semi-automatic machines. They are also responsible for ensuring all company quality specifications are met on final packaged product. Essential functions of this job include but are not limited to: inspecting and monitoring packaged products and communicating issues with packaging equipment or product quality to the shift Team Leader or Manager.

Hourly rate for this position starts at $24.50/hr with regular pay increases at 3, 6, and 12 months provided attendance and performance are in good standing.

Position Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Retrieve daily paperwork from the Production office and check schedule for product being produced
• Retrieve correct film tubes from warehouse and install into Hayssen machine, ensuring codes are correct and film is threaded properly
• Make adjustments to the programming for proper codes, seals, alignment of bag and weights
• Periodically inspect bags and make adjustments if needed
• Communicate with the relief person any situations that have or may impact production
• Call maintenance if needed
• Report all problems to the Team Lead and/or QA (if needed)

• Extraneous matter
• Broken or missing pieces from belts
• Mechanical problems
• Any and all film issues reported and documented on the deviation form

• Follow all safety guidelines, including:

• Lockout/Tagout
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
• Reporting any unsafe conditions
• Immediately reporting any near miss, injury, or accident to Team Leader or Manager
• Direct packers on assigned line to ensure product packaging according to company procedure.
• Ensure all preliminary machine set ups and line adjustments are made prior to scheduled start up of product packaging.
• Set machine controls/adjustments in accordance with company standards and specifications.
• Monitor packing equipment to ensure everything is working correctly.
• Record packaging reports, including accurately recording for downtime, HACCP and SSOP.
• Ensure all codes are correct on packaging materials (i.e. bags, sleeves, shipping case, totes and all paperwork.
• Ensure proper stacking and placement of finished cases on pallets.
• Transport completed pallets to freezer, along with all necessary paperwork.
• Communicate with relief person or at shift change regarding any situations that have or may have an impact on production operations.
• Oversee the training of all new temporary workers based on Sorter-Packer training manual requirements.
• Perform work within Company quality standards and governmental regulatory standards.
• Understand Company quality standards for product defects and immediately report excessive defect levels to the Team Leader.
• Demonstrate good working knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Sanitation Practices (GSP).
• Report all unsafe work conditions or acts to shift Team Leader or Manager.
• Follow all safety rules and regulations.
• Practice 5s and clean as you go.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.
• Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Sanitation Practices (GSP) as outlined by Ajinomoto.
• #INDTOL

Position Qualifications

• A High School Diploma or its equivalent required.
• Experience in standard operating procedures in a food manufacturing plant is helpful.
• Good English communication skills (reading, writing and verbal) are essential to interface with co-workers, Team Leaders and Managers.
• Must be willing to work together with co-workers as part of a team; also, must be self-motivated and able to work with little or no supervision.

Salary : $25