Production Operator III - Extruder Operator

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.

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. Review and follow production schedules throughout the shift, including coordinating product changeovers and equipment setup requirements. Monitor associated coating operations as required to support consistent product processing and quality. Identify and troubleshoot equipment issues, process deviations, and operational interruptions to minimize downtime. Perform basic equipment maintenance, inspections, and adjustments within established training and authorization. Communicate equipment concerns, operational issues, and maintenance needs to the Shift Supervisor and Maintenance team.

Product Quality & Process Monitoring: Monitor product appearance, size, shape, and consistency through visual inspections and the use of appropriate measuring devices, including micrometers. Perform and document routine product and process quality checks, including moisture, temperature, protein, and liquid fat levels, as required by established procedures. Monitor production parameters and make appropriate adjustments to maintain product specifications and quality standards. Identify and report product defects, out-of-specification conditions, or process deviations. Work with Quality and Production teams to investigate and correct product quality concerns. Verify that product changeovers, equipment settings, and production processes meet applicable specifications. Maintain accurate production, process monitoring, and quality control documentation. Follow established procedures for handling nonconforming product and preventing unintended product release.

Equipment Troubleshooting & Maintenance Support: Identify mechanical or operational issues affecting extrusion equipment and related processing systems. Perform basic troubleshooting and equipment adjustments using approved tools and procedures. Assist Maintenance personnel with equipment inspections, troubleshooting, and repairs as needed and within demonstrated qualifications. Monitor equipment performance and report recurring issues or abnormal operating conditions. Support preventive maintenance activities, equipment cleaning, and routine inspections. Communicate equipment downtime, corrective actions, and unresolved issues to appropriate personnel.

Production Coordination & Continuous Improvement: Coordinate with Production, Maintenance, and Quality personnel to maintain efficient production flow and minimize disruptions. Communicate production status, equipment conditions, quality concerns, and outstanding issues during shift transitions. Support efficient product changeovers and reduction of production waste. Identify opportunities to improve equipment performance, product consistency, production efficiency, and operational safety. Participate in training and continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen operating practices and manufacturing performance. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications: 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.

Preferred Qualifications: 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.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to identify and resolve basic equipment issues. Ability to monitor multiple production parameters while maintaining attention to product quality and safety. Strong observational and problem-solving skills. Ability to follow detailed operating procedures and product specifications consistently. Effective communication skills and ability to work cooperatively with Production, Maintenance, and Quality teams. Ability to prioritize tasks and respond effectively to changing production requirements. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in documentation and quality checks. Willingness to learn new equipment, processes, and operating procedures. Commitment to maintaining a safe, clean, and efficient manufacturing environment. Workplace SafetyFollow all company safety policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements. Complete required safety documentation accurately and report deviations from established safety standards. Participate in mandatory safety training and consistently use required personal protective equipment. Follow applicable machine guarding, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and equipment safety procedures. Immediately report unsafe conditions, near misses, injuries, and equipment-related safety concerns. Maintain clean and organized work areas in accordance with established housekeeping and sanitation requirements. Quality & Food SafetyFollow all applicable Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), sanitation procedures, and food safety requirements. Complete required quality and food safety documentation accurately and in accordance with established procedures. Participate in mandatory food safety and quality training. Follow applicable BRCGS food safety and quality management system requirements and established company procedures. Identify, report, and take appropriate action regarding product quality deviations, contamination risks, and food safety concerns. Support corrective actions necessary to maintain product quality, food safety, and compliance with established manufacturing standards.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements: Work is performed in an active manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, odors, dust, chemicals, and varying temperatures, including heat and cold. Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift. Regular bending, reaching, climbing, kneeling, and other physical movements may be required while operating, inspecting, and cleaning equipment. Ability to lift and move materials or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds repeatedly during a shift, with assistance or lifting equipment as appropriate. Ability to safely use hand tools, measuring devices, and production equipment. Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment and follow applicable safety procedures. Ability to work scheduled shifts and overtime as business needs require.

Why Join Us? At United Petfood, we believe in investing in our employees and providing opportunities for growth and development. As a Production Operator III – Extruder Operator, you will play an important role in producing high-quality pet food while supporting safe, efficient, and reliable manufacturing operations. This position offers the opportunity to develop specialized technical skills, work with modern manufacturing equipment, and contribute directly to the quality of products enjoyed by pets around the world. We offer competitive pay, benefits, and a supportive work environment where your contributions are valued.

Equal Opportunity Employer: United Petfood Producers USA Inc. is an equal opportunity workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.