Production Operator III - Extruder Operator
- Compensation
- Not disclosed
- Location
- Decatur, AR, US
- Work setup
- Not specified
- Seniority
- Not specified
- Employment
- Full time
- Experience
- Not specified
- Category
- Manufacturing
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English to understand operating procedures, safety instructions, and production requirements.
- Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot basic equipment and process issues.
- Familiarity with hand tools, measuring devices, and basic equipment adjustments.
- Ability to read, understand, and follow written Standard Operating Procedures and production instructions.
- Basic mathematical skills necessary to perform measurements, interpret production specifications, and record operating data.
- Basic computer skills and ability to use production monitoring or documentation systems.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality, safety, and operational efficiency.
Nice to have
- Previous experience operating extrusion equipment, preferably in food, pet food, or similar manufacturing environments.
- Experience setting up, adjusting, and operating industrial production machinery.
- Previous experience in food, beverage, or other continuous-process manufacturing environments.
- Familiarity with extrusion processes, equipment controls, and product quality monitoring.
- Experience performing equipment changeovers, basic troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance.
- Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety standards, and production documentation requirements.
Full description
Location: 2577 AR-59, Decatur, AR
Job Type: Full-Time, On-Site
Shift: Monday - Friday: 2:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Reports To: Production Supervisor
About United Petfood
United Petfood is a private label producer of high-quality dry and wet pet food, biscuits, and snacks. We are a Belgian family business with 25 high-tech pet kitchens across Europe and the United States.
Joining us means becoming part of an international, passionate, and driven team with one common goal: a healthy planet filled with healthy pets! We believe in building supportive, long-lasting partnerships both inside and outside our fast-growing family company. By working with high-quality ingredients and innovative technology, we create an environment where our employees can grow, develop, and help make thousands of pets happy worldwide.
Position Summary
The Production Operator III – Extruder Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, monitoring, adjusting, and disassembling extrusion and related processing equipment to ensure the safe and efficient production of high-quality dry pet food at our Decatur, Arkansas manufacturing facility.
This position plays a critical role in maintaining product consistency, meeting production schedules, and ensuring compliance with established quality, food safety, and operational standards. Responsibilities include monitoring extrusion processes, performing product quality checks, troubleshooting equipment issues, making necessary adjustments, and maintaining accurate production documentation.
The ideal candidate demonstrates strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while collaborating with Production, Maintenance, and Quality teams to maintain equipment performance and product quality.
Duties & Responsibilities
Extrusion Equipment Operation & Production
- Set up, operate, monitor, and disassemble extrusion and related processing equipment in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and production requirements.
- Prepare and start production equipment according to the established production schedule and product specifications.
- Monitor extrusion equipment and associated processing systems to maintain consistent operation, product quality, and production efficiency.
- Perform equipment adjustments during production to maintain established operating parameters and product specifications.
- Change extrusion dies and related components to achieve the required kibble sizes and shapes for different brands and SKUs.