Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Salty Processing Operator

🎯 Role Definition

Join our dynamic production team as a Salty Processing Operator! In this pivotal role, you will be the hands-on expert responsible for transforming raw ingredients into the delicious, high-quality salty snacks our customers love. You'll operate, monitor, and maintain state-of-the-art processing equipment, from fryers to seasoning tumblers, ensuring every batch meets our exact specifications for taste, texture, and appearance. This position is perfect for a proactive individual with a keen eye for detail and a passion for food safety, quality, and operational excellence. If you're ready to play a crucial part in our manufacturing success story, we want to hear from you!

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Production Line Associate
Packaging Technician
Warehouse Handler or Material Stager

Advancement To:

Lead Processing Operator
Production Supervisor
Quality Assurance (QA) Technician

Lateral Moves:

Maintenance Technician Apprentice
Sanitation Lead

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate and meticulously monitor complex food processing machinery, including industrial fryers, extruders, and seasoning application systems, to ensure continuous and efficient production.
Execute precise measurements, weighing, and mixing of raw ingredients, such as oils, salts, spices, and flavorings, strictly following detailed batch sheets and recipes to ensure product consistency.
Conduct regular, in-process quality control checks for critical product attributes, including moisture content, salt levels, seasoning coverage, color, and size, documenting results and making necessary equipment adjustments.
Manage the flow of raw materials into the processing equipment and the transfer of finished or semi-finished products to the next stage of the production line.
Perform comprehensive cleaning and sanitation of all processing equipment and the surrounding work area, adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and company sanitation standard operating procedures (SSOPs).
Systematically document production data, including batch numbers, ingredient lot codes, processing times, temperatures, and quality check results, using both paper logs and digital systems.
Adhere to all established safety protocols, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and safe chemical handling practices.
Troubleshoot minor to moderate operational and mechanical issues with processing equipment, making adjustments or performing basic preventative maintenance to minimize downtime and reporting major issues to the maintenance team.
Calibrate processing equipment sensors and meters as required to ensure accurate readings for temperature, pressure, and flow rates.
Set up machinery for production runs according to the daily schedule, including changing over equipment for different products or seasonings.
Monitor cooker and fryer oil quality through testing, and execute filtration or replenishment procedures to maintain product quality and safety.
Ensure all raw materials and packaging supplies used are correct for the specific product being run, verifying against the production schedule.
Actively participate in continuous improvement initiatives by identifying and suggesting opportunities for enhanced safety, quality, and efficiency in the processing area.
Assist in the training of new operators, providing guidance on standard operating procedures, safety rules, and quality expectations.
Maintain a clean, organized, and audit-ready work environment at all times in compliance with food safety standards like HACCP, GMP, and SQF.
Collaborate effectively with upstream (mixing) and downstream (packaging) team members to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted production flow.
Perform visual inspections of products post-processing to identify and remove any defects or foreign materials before they move to packaging.
Operate computer-controlled panels (HMI) to set and adjust machine parameters, monitor performance, and respond to system alarms.
Manage waste streams by properly segregating and disposing of used materials, substandard product, and other manufacturing by-products.
Complete all required shift hand-off communications, clearly detailing the status of production, equipment, and any ongoing issues for the next operator.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Machine Operation: Proficient in operating and monitoring food processing equipment like fryers, extruders, seasoning tumblers, and conveyor systems.
GMP & HACCP Knowledge: Strong understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point principles.
Basic Mechanical Aptitude: Ability to troubleshoot minor equipment malfunctions and perform basic preventative maintenance tasks.
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO): Trained and knowledgeable in LOTO procedures for equipment safety during maintenance and cleaning.
Recipe & Batch Sheet Comprehension: Ability to accurately read, interpret, and follow complex recipes and production instructions.
Quality Control Testing: Experience with performing in-process checks, such as temperature, moisture, and attribute analysis.
Basic Computer Skills: Competency in using HMI panels and entering data into production tracking software or spreadsheets.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous in following procedures and identifying minute deviations in product quality or machine performance.
Problem-Solving: Capable of thinking critically to identify the root cause of an issue and implement an effective solution quickly.
Teamwork & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to coordinate effectively with team members, supervisors, and other departments.
Time Management: Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced production environment.
Adaptability: Flexible and able to adjust to changing production schedules, product changeovers, and unexpected challenges.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational certificate or Associate's degree in a technical or food-related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Food Science
Manufacturing Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of experience in a food manufacturing, processing, or other regulated production environment.

Preferred: 2+ years of direct experience as a machine operator in a food plant, with specific experience on frying, seasoning, or extrusion lines being a significant advantage.