Packaging Machine Operator

Packaging Machine Operator – Join a 380-Year Tradition of Craftsmanship at YAMASA

At YAMASA, crafting authentic foods & ingredients isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are. Since 1645, every detail has mattered: our ingredients, our process, our people, our place, and our products. And since bringing our Japanese craftsmanship to the USA in 1994, our Salem team continues that legacy with pride, precision, & passion.

Now, we’re looking for experienced Packaging Machine Operators to help keep that tradition alive—on Swing Shift (3:00 PM–11:30 PM) and Graveyard Shift (11:00 PM - 7:30 AM). If you’ve got hands-on experience in food processing, love the rhythm of well‑tuned machinery, and don’t mind getting your steps in (up to 12 hours of standing!), this may be your perfect next role.

What You’ll Do (Your Craftsmanship in Action)

• Perform process area sanitation
• Prepare the process area for start‑up: products, packaging materials, equipment adjustment, palletizing—every detail counts
• Operate semi‑automated portion pack filling equipment & all other filling machinery
• Place filled containers into shipping cartons, palletize, and stage for warehouse transfer
• Monitor filling equipment, adjusting keep things running smoothly
• Inspect filled containers & cartons for compliance with YAMASA standards and state/federal regulations
• Initiate equipment adjustments & changeovers as needed
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding company matters

What You Bring (Skills & Abilities)

You must be able to:

• Be knowledgeable, able, & willing to be Oregon State Certified for Acidified Food Handler
• Complete the Filler Operating Instruction Course provided by YAMASA
• Read & comprehend instructions & manuals; write & verbally communicate reports in English
• Work in a sanitary food manufacturing environment safely
• Handle exposure to commonly used cleaning agents
• Demonstrate strong manual dexterity
• Work flexible shift times
• Work independently without extensive supervision
• Perform math calculations including fractions
• Work in closed quarters or at heights
• Push and pull up to 75 lbs using heavy product‑handling equipment
• Lift 60–80 lbs repeatedly
• Tolerate exposure to odors & product smells
• Stand for up to 12 hours per day
• Tolerate heat, cold, dust, high humidity, & various indoor conditions
• Move freely to perform assigned duties
• Work effectively in a multicultural, multilingual environment
• Handle fast‑paced, repetitive tasks
• Use personal protective equipment including hair nets, beard nets, ear protection, safety glasses, & gloves

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent
• At least two years of related experience

Additional Requirements

• Must pass pre‑employment background check and drug screen

Why YAMASA?

Because here, you’re not just operating a machine—you’re contributing to centuries of tradition. You’re helping craft products that honor precision, quality, and culture. And you’re doing it as part of a supportive, diverse team that takes pride in every drop, pack, and pallet.

If that sounds like your kind of workplace, we’d love to hear from you.

Join us. Craft excellence. Carry on a legacy.

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