Machine Operator

• Minimum SSC/HSC or equivalent, with a technical or vocational certificate or diploma in a relevant trade (e.g. mechanical, electrical, chemical or machine operation) preferred.

• Basic literacy and numeracy for record-keeping and reading production instructions.

• Minimum experience in operating soap production machinery, including soap noodle mixing and plodder machines, preferably in a soap factory or a livelihood or production project.
• Practical knowledge of the soap bar making process, from mixing and plodding to cutting, stamping and finishing.
• Skills in machine start-up and shutdown, and in fitting, changing and adjusting nozzles, dies, cutters and stamping molds.
• Understanding of machine capacity, batch size and production output, and the ability to work to production targets.
• Skills in routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting of mixers, plodders and related equipment.
• Good knowledge of occupational health and safety practices, machine safety and the use of PPE.
• Ability to keep clear and accurate production and maintenance records.
• Ability to work as part of a team in field conditions in camps and host communities, including flexible hours when required.
• Fluency in Bangla. Knowledge of local dialects of Cox’s Bazar will be an added advantage.

Project: Lifesaving and transitional support to refugees and host communities in Cox’s Bazar District, Bangladesh.

Location: Ukhiya, Cox's Bazar.

Duration: 5 Months (1 November 2026 to 31 March 2027)

Report to: Technical Experts (Machinery) & Factory Supervisor cum Mixer Lead

Job Context

PHALS is a non-governmental organization (NGO) working in the field of humanitarian assistance and development since 1996. In this continuation, PHALS is going to implement the Lifesaving and transitional support to refugees and host communities in Cox’s Bazar District, Bangladesh Project in Cox’s Bazar funded by FCDO and supported by IOM. We are seeking a qualified and Expert Machine Operator who will be responsible for opening (starting up), operating, fitting and maintaining the soap production machinery under the project at camp at Ukhiya in Cox’s Bazar District, including the soap noodle mixing machine, the plodder (extruder) machine and the soap bar cutting and stamping equipment. The position ensures that machines are correctly set up with the right fittings and run within their rated capacity, so that soap bars are produced safely, efficiently and to the required quality and production targets, supporting the livelihood and hygiene objectives of the project for refugee and host communities. It requires practical experience in soap production machinery, strong safety awareness and the ability to work in a production setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Open and start up the soap noodle mixing machine, plodder machine and related equipment each day following the correct start-up sequence, and shut them down and secure them safely at the end of operation.
• Operate the soap noodle mixing machine safely and efficiently, preparing soap noodle batches with the approved additives (such as color, fragrance and other ingredients) according to the production formula and instructions.
• Operate the plodder machine to extrude, refine and shape the soap mass into continuous bars, adjusting settings (such as temperature and speed) to obtain consistent quality.
• Install, fit, change and adjust machine fittings and parts, such as plodder nozzles and dies, cutters, stamping molds, blades and screens, and ensure they are properly fitted, aligned and secured before operation.
• Operate machines within their rated capacity and the approved batch size, and work to meet daily and weekly production targets without overloading the equipment.
• Cut, stamp and finish soap bars using the cutting and stamping equipment, and check size, weight, shape and surface finish against the required specifications.
• Carry out daily pre-operation and post-operation checks of the mixer, plodder and related equipment, including fittings, and report any fault, damage, wear or abnormal operation to the supervisor without delay.
• Perform routine cleaning, lubrication and minor maintenance of machines and fittings, and coordinate with the supervisor for major repairs, spare parts and servicing.
• Maintain production records, including batch numbers, quantities of raw materials used, output against machine capacity, rejects and wastage, machine running hours, fitting changes and maintenance logs, and submit them regularly to the supervisor.
• Support quality control by checking each batch, separating defective products, and following instructions on re-processing or disposal.
• Handle, store and account for soap noodles, additives, packaging materials, spare fittings and finished products properly, preventing loss, contamination and damage.
• Report all accidents, incidents and near misses immediately to the supervisor and the ESS Officer, and support follow-up actions
• Follow occupational health and safety rules at all times, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), machine guarding, lock-out of machines during fitting and cleaning, electrical safety and safe handling of raw materials and additives.
• Keep the production area clean, orderly and hygienic, and handle waste, scrap soap and packaging in an environmentally responsible manner, applying Do-No-Harm principles.
• Uphold PHALS’ values, code of conduct, and commitment to safeguarding and PSEAH (Prevention of Sexual Exploitation Abuse and Harassment).

• Salary: BDT 45,000/- per month, and other benefits as per project budget.