PET Packaging Operator

Why Byrne

At Byrne, we foster a culture built on teamwork, excellence, and professionalism. Our greatest strength lies in the exceptional talent and dedication of our team members across every part of the organization. We value their contributions and ensure they’re recognized, rewarded, and compensated in ways that reflect their impact and expertise.

Pay and Benefits

• Hourly Range – $23.00 - $32.50 per hour
• Competitive bonus programs
• Medical, Dental, Vision benefits available day 1 of employment
• Supplemental benefits available on day 30 of employment
• Eligible for 401 (k) with a company match available on day 90 of employment
• Educational Support via tuition reimbursement and scholarship program

Work Shift and Location

3156 Byrne Hollow Crossing Cortland, NY 13045

N2 6pm-630am rotating weekend shift.

Job Overview

The PET Packaging Operator plays a key role in executing assigned Production tasks. This includes setting up, operating, cleaning, and troubleshooting production equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor high-speed PET bottle packaging lines in an ESL/Aseptic dairy facility producing extended shelf life and ultra-high temperature processed dairy products.
• Perform visual and dimensional bottle inspections prior to filling infeed; identify and remove defective bottles including paneling, ovality, base deformation, neck finish defects, and wall thickness inconsistencies.
• Set up and operate bottle sleever, over capper, accumulation, combiners, case packers and case shrink sleeves, palletizers and pallet wrappers on ESL/Aseptic PET dairy bottle packaging lines.
• Apply and verify sell-by dates, lot numbers, and plant codes on PET bottles and cases using inkjet coding systems; maintain accurate traceability records to support ESL/Aseptic product shelf life tracking and recall readiness.
• Ensure finished PET product pallets are correctly staged for cooled/ambient temperature warehousing consistent with ESL/Aseptic product storage requirements.
• Conduct in-process quality inspections on finished PET packages for label accuracy, date code legibility, seal integrity, shrink pack appearance, case count, and pallet stability; initiate hold procedures for any non-conforming finished goods.
• Perform SKU and format changeovers on PET packaging lines including bottle size, label, and case configuration changes; verify all settings against the changeover checklist before restarting the line.
• Clears any jam-ups and restore production line operation.
• As required, set up, operate, and clean the following equipment: bailer, trash compactor, while completing all required documentation.
• Ensures work areas are sanitary and strictly adheres to sanitation and 5s practices.
• Communicates effectively between shifts and other departments.

Min. Qualifications

• GED or High School Diploma is preferred.
• Previous manufacturing or machine operation experience is preferred.

Byrne

Headquartered in LaFayette, Byrne is a Central New York-based dairy company with a legacy spanning over 90 years. Its operations include an extended shelf-life (ESL) and ultra-high temperature (UHT) pasteurization plant in DeWitt, as well as an ESL manufacturing facility in Cortlandville. Byrne also maintains warehouse facilities in Syracuse and East Syracuse, along with a dedicated ice cream center in Syracuse. As a recognized industry leader, Byrne continues to drive innovation at the forefront of dairy processing and product development.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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