Encapsulation Operator

WHY JOIN US?

Barlean’s has been a trusted natural products brand for 35+ years. As a family-owned company, we’re committed to creating clean, effective supplements. We’re the #1 flax brand in the U.S. natural channel, known for sustainable, non-GMO products like fish oils, flax oils, and greens. 

Guided by our motto, “Pathway to a Better Life,” we invest in our people with comprehensive benefits including company-paid medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage; HSA/HRA contributions; 401(k) with match; tuition reimbursement; and generous paid time off.

This position is onsite at our Ferndale, WA location. Shift schedule is Monday-Thursday, 4 PM-2:30 AM. 

SUMMARY

The Encapsulation Operator operates and maintains encapsulation equipment to produce soft gel capsules, including setup, cleaning, troubleshooting, and material changeovers. The role also involves sorting capsules, monitoring drying equipment, and preparing finished product for storage or transfer, while ensuring compliance with GMP standards.

• Ensure compliance with GMP’s, GDP’s, Barlean’s SOP’s, and SQF regulations. 
• Set up, operate, and inspect encapsulation equipment for production runs
• Troubleshoot equipment issues and resolve capsule defects during runs
• Perform equipment cleaning 
• Perform gel and fill material changeovers
• Monitor drying equipment 
• Sort soft gel capsules as they come off the production line to ensure quality standards are met
• Prepare finished soft gel capsule boxes for storage or transfer
• Maintain a clean and organized work area
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Strong verbal and written communication skills 
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions in English 
• Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) 
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot equipment 
• Detail-oriented with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision 
• Strong interpersonal skills for collaboration with production staff 
• Ability to stand for extended periods during production runs 
• Regularly use hands and fingers to handle, sort, and inspect soft gel capsules 
• Frequently required to reach, bend, stoop, kneel, and move around production equipment 
• Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds unassisted (e.g., moving materials and finished product cases) 
• Ability to visually inspect capsules for quality, including color, shape, and defects 
• Must be able to safely operate and monitor production and drying equipment

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred. 
• Machine Operator experience preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Manufacturing environment within a dietary supplements facility 
• Exposure to moving mechanical parts and production equipment 
• Moderate noise levels consistent with manufacturing operations 
• Required to follow all safety, GMP, and sanitation protocols, including use of personal protective equipment (PPE)