About this role
Job Title: Food Production Line LeadJob DescriptionThe Utility Operator plays a hands-on role in a high-volume food production packaging environment, supporting tortilla manufacturing for major brands. This position focuses on operating and adjusting packaging equipment, monitoring product quality, and accurately documenting production data in the ERP system. The role requires working closely with a team on a fast-paced production line in a hot environment, following strict food safety and hygiene standards while helping coordinate team activities on the line.
Responsibilities
- Work as part of the packaging team to support daily production, including palletizing, packing, and packaging finished products.
- Perform machine changeovers and adjust packaging equipment settings to meet product specifications, including size, weight, bag type, and line speed.
- Use the controller to select and edit production programs, ensuring the correct job, sizes, weights, bags, and speeds are set for each run.
- Accurately record production information in the ERP system (PLEX), including job completion times, waste, serial numbers, quantities, and other required data.
- Complete check sheets in the ERP system (PLEX) according to the outlined timelines and procedures.
- Verify serial numbers and quantities for all production materials delivered to the line by warehouse staff.
- Set the correct code dates on bags and boxes and ensure all finished goods are labeled accurately.
- Record finished product weights and temperatures as required to maintain quality and compliance.
- Monitor and report line loss time in the ERP system (PLEX) and document waste created by the line.
- Set up, monitor, and adjust all packaging equipment for the assigned production line, including box tapers and counter/stacker settings to accommodate changeovers.
- Discuss with the machine operator what will be produced during the shift, including product details and job quality requirements.
- Bring all necessary packaging materials for the shift to the production area and take the first bags off the line to verify correct weights and counts.
- Monitor the metal detector and other quality control checkpoints to ensure product safety.
- Coordinate with packagers on the team to organize break times throughout the day, acting as a mini line lead to support smooth line operation.
- Call for repairs and communicate with the maintenance team to ensure equipment issues are addressed promptly and safely.
- Follow all food safety, hygiene, and production guidelines, including required attire and PPE, to prevent product contamination.
- Work on your feet for the full shift, lifting up to 50 pounds and pushing up to 30 pounds as needed to support production activities.
- Maintain a clean, organized work area and support continuous improvement in production efficiency and quality.
Essential Skills
- 12 years of experience operating production machinery, including equipment set-ups, start-ups, and adjustments to meet product specifications.
- Previous experience in food production or food manufacturing; bakery experience is strongly preferred.
- Comfortable working with computers and entering data into an ERP system such as PLEX.
- Ability to accurately complete written and computerized documentation in English or Spanish.
- Basic English or Spanish language skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds throughout the day and consistently push up to 30 pounds.
- Comfortable working in a hot environment that can reach temperatures up to 100 degrees near ovens.
- Ability to work at a very fast pace while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to stand and work on your feet for up to 8 hours per day.
- Capability to work safely and effectively in an environment with gluten particles in the air due to flour use.
- Strong reliability and commitment to being at work consistently and supporting production schedules.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Prior experience in general labor, general production, machine operation, or packaging roles.
- Familiarity with food safety and hygiene practices in a manufacturing setting.
- Experience with labeling, packing, and monitoring production equipment such as box tapers and counters/stackers.
- Ability to learn new systems and processes quickly, including ERP workflows and machine settings.
- Interest in advancing within a production environment and taking on additional responsibilities over time.
- Comfortable working as part of a close-knit team and communicating effectively with operators, packagers, warehouse staff, and maintenance.
Work EnvironmentThis role is based in a food production facility where tortillas are manufactured for major brands. The environment can become very hot, reaching temperatures up to approximately 100 degrees in areas near ovens, and the pace of work is fast to meet production demands. Employees work with flour, dough, and related ingredients, so gluten particles may be present in the air. The position requires standing for up to 8 hours per day and regularly lifting and pushing materials. Strict food safety and hygiene standards apply: team members must wear a full gown, hair net, and beard net if applicable, all provided by the company.
Hearing protection such as earplugs or earmuffs is also required and provided. To prevent contamination, employees cannot wear jewelry, makeup, nail polish, fake eyelashes, or any items that could fall off into the product. Shorts are allowed on the production floor, offering some flexibility in attire while maintaining required protective clothing and equipment.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Eagan, MN.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $22.50 - $22.50/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 9, 2026.
Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Eagan,MN.
About Aerotek
Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.
Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.