Job Description

Imagine a company that recognizes excellence in not only the products it sells, but also in its employees. R.S. Hughes Company, Inc. is that company. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of quality and professionalism — and we treat our employees like the valuable assets they are. Since 1959, Saunders has been proudly serving our customers with an exceptional level of personalized customer care that just can’t be beat. We specialize in providing our customers with solutions that are tailored to each of their specific needs. Thanks to our innovative and diversified manufacturing team, we can provide die-cutting, laminating, slitting, packaging, assembly, and other manufacturing solutions to our customers at highly competitive industry rates. We understand that the needs of our customers are constantly evolving. As demands from our customers grew, we knew we needed to evolve ourselves. So, we partnered with R.S. Hughes, which has enabled us to better serve each and every one of our customers. Thanks to this partnership, we can provide our customers with more options for custom-cut materials, furthering our solution finding capabilities. In addition to competitive salaries and benefits, we offer an environment that asks you to make a difference. We value hard work and common sense, and we consistently reward those that exemplify these traits. If you're looking for a great team to grow with and if you are willing to embrace the challenges of being expected to be the best, we welcome you to come join the R.S. Hughes Company, Inc. team!

Position Description

The Machine Operator is responsible for safely and accurately operating machines or equipment including but not limited to Drum Pumps, Pail Pumps, AllFill Piston Fillers, Pneumatic Piston Closers, Drum Lifters/Tilters, Label Applicators, etc.…to repackage bulk liquid materials (adhesives, epoxies, greases, and similar products) into smaller retail and user-friendly units. This role follows established procedures to protect product quality, ensure accurate fill volumes, maintain full lot traceability, and keep the workstation running efficiently and safely.

Core Responsibilities

• Interpret Job Travelers, Bill of Materials and Bill of Operations or Routing Process.
• Set up the workstation before each run, including clearing adequate space around the machine and lift, placing drip trays, staging target containers and closures, and confirming the correct dispensing nozzle is installed for the product being run.
• Inspect source containers for correct product identity, lot number, and condition; do not use damaged or unlabeled containers without manager approval.
• Position and secure the drum lift per manufacturer instructions, raise and pour source material into the hopper without overfilling, and confirm a secure, leak-free connection.
• Power on and prime the machine per the model-specific startup sequence, verifying fill volume/weight matches target specification before beginning production fills.
• Operate the machine to fill target containers (syringes, cartridges, tubes, bottles, etc.), visually confirming fill level, applying the correct closure, and staging finished units.
• Monitor fill consistency throughout the run by spot-checking weight or volume at the required interval (e.g., every 10 units or per the run sheet).
• Continuously monitor source container level and prepare replacement drums in advance to avoid air entrainment; never leave the machine running unattended with an empty source container.
• Inspect the dispensing nozzle for buildup or dripping between fills and clean as needed.
• Apply accurate product labels to every finished unit immediately after capping, including product name/part number, lot/batch number, fill quantity, and date of repackaging.
• Complete the production log for every run, including source lot number, target container size/type, units filled, fill weight/volume check results, and operator name and date.
• Perform shutdown and cleanup at the end of each run: power down the machine per the model-specific sequence, reseal and return source containers, clean and flush the dispensing nozzle and feed line, clean drip trays and the work surface, and return tools/accessories to storage.
• Identify and respond to common operational issues (inconsistent fill volume, nozzle dripping, machine failing to prime, fill weight drift, lift malfunction) using established corrective actions, escalating to maintenance when required.
• Follow all required PPE and safety procedures, and consult the applicable Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for material-specific requirements.
• Maintain compliance with SOP-REPACK-001 and all related quality and documentation requirements.
• Perform other repackaging and warehouse-related duties as assigned.

Education/Certification/Licenses

• Minimum of high school diploma required;
• Valid state issued driver license (Required).

Skills That Will Make You Successful

• Prior experience of operating filling, dispensing, or packaging equipment in a warehouse or manufacturing environment preferred; training will be provided on machines.
• Ability to follow written procedures precisely and maintain accurate production and quality records.
• Basic math skills sufficient to verify fill volumes/weights against target specifications.
• Ability to safely operate a drum lift and work around pressurized pneumatic equipment.
• Strong attention to detail, particularly around labeling, lot traceability, and quality checks.
• Ability to stand, lift, and move materials and containers for extended periods.

Working Conditions:

• Warehouse/production floor environment involving exposure to liquid chemical products (adhesives, epoxies, greases); required PPE includes splash-proof goggles.
• Work involves standing, repetitive motion, and use of a drum lift to handle source containers.
• Standard operations schedule, with attention required throughout each fill run to avoid unattended operation.

Our merit-based salary/bonus program offers exceptional growth opportunities. We provide a comprehensive medical, dental, life insurance, wellness benefit, short term disability plan, paid vacation, and a 401(k) retirement savings plan, and an Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP), where employees are eligible after 30 days of service.

Compensation for this non-exempt role is up to $20-$25/hr DOE