Packaging Operator - Afternoons
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 4, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 30, 2026. Mars scores B on the Alion truth index.
Job Description:
Job Title: Packaging Operator
Shift: Afternoons
Location: Mars - Topeka
Mars is looking to hire a Packaging Operator for our state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Topeka, Kansas! Being a Mars Associate is all about opportunity. The opportunity to do challenging, exciting work that shapes the world’s best-loved brands. To work with real purpose, supported by talented, friendly people from different backgrounds. Access the tools, training, and experience you need to positively impact our business, the planet, and, most importantly, your career. Being a Mars associate is more than a job. It’s the opportunity to start your day tomorrow.
As part of our overall total compensation package, Mars offers a competitive benefits package to all associates: Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance, Short- & Long-Term Disability, and 401k match. Associates are also immediately eligible (based on hire date) for up to three weeks of vacation, 12 Paid Holidays per year, Sick Pay, Maternity & Parental Leave, and annual bonus earning potential, plus many other ancillary benefits not listed here.
Packaging Operators are system experts in their assigned areas and are highly functional in multiple areas. Packaging Operators must also ensure efficiency, operational conformance, product quality, and continuous improvement. Functions as a member of an area team that is directly responsible for the efficient production of quality products in the required quantities. Operate/change over specified machinery in the assigned area.
Packaging Operators must have the skill set to train and/or perform the tasks of other associates in the area as needed. This job requires strong communication, interpersonal, and team-building skills to support site objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Performs all assigned activities & job tasks within a line or area.
- Operates equipment safely and efficiently.
- Takes corrective actions to solve problems at the root cause level.
- Able to assess equipment operating reliability and perform routine repairs, adjustments, and malfunction troubleshooting.
- Performs and/or works with maintenance to complete preventative maintenance of equipment.
- Able to maintain accurate records of quality control checks, production numbers, or waste performance.
- Keeps detailed logbooks: Performs all shift support documentation in a quality matter.
- Performs quality control tasks such as metal checks, inspection of date codes, item numbers, dump logs, etc.
- High degree of ownership for product quality: Performs all standard quality checks & other quality-related duties.
- Able to operate a forklift.
- Able to operate a computer and utilize the basic standard desktop systems (LSS, PSL, MIS, SQCIS, etc.).
- Understand principles of inventory control.
- Knows the plant's products and goals.
- Understand production schedules, production computer systems, and work instructions.
- Has general knowledge of Mars & the systems used by the business.
Physical/Environmental Requirements:
- Standing on a concrete floor.
- Wearing proper personal protective equipment (hair net, bump cap, ear plugs, safety shoes, and uniform).
- Bending, stooping, twisting, turning, standing for extended time periods, reaching, climbing stairs, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
- Forklift assignments require OSHA certification and getting on and off frequently.
Minimum Qualifications:
- High School diploma, GED, or equivalent education.
- Standing on a concrete floor.
- Wearing proper personal protective equipment (hair net, bump cap, ear plugs, safety shoes, and uniform).
- Bending, stooping, twisting, turning, standing for extended time periods, reaching, climbing stairs, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
- Forklift assignments require OSHA certification and getting on and off frequently.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 1+ years of manufacturing experience operating a variety of machines.
- Knowledge of inventory control principles.
- Ability to operate a forklift/OSHA certification.
- Experience with SAP.
About Mars, Incorporated
Mars is a family-owned business with more than a century of history making diverse products and offering services for people and the pets people love. With almost $35 billion in sales, the company is a global business that produces some of the world’s best-loved brands: M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5™, SKITTLES®, UNCLE BEN’S®, MARS DRINKS and COCOAVIA®. Mars also provides veterinary health services that include BANFIELD® Pet Hospitals, Blue Pearl®, VCA® and Pet Partners™. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles - Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom - inspire its more than 100,000 Associates to create value for all its partners and deliver growth they are proud of every day.