Processing Operator

Processing Operator

The Processing Operator oversees automated spaghetti processing lines, ensuring recipes are correctly entered into computer systems, production runs smoothly, and all products meet strict quality and food safety standards. This role combines hands-on work on the production floor with computer-based monitoring and documentation, including performing changeovers, conducting regular quality checks, and maintaining accurate production records.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor spaghetti processing lines to ensure they run safely, efficiently, and in accordance with established recipes and production plans.
• Enter recipe data into computer systems, verify numbers, and confirm that all parameters are set correctly before and during production.
• Perform regular quality checks on dough and finished product, following defined procedures that support food safety and quality standards.
• Complete all required production and quality paperwork accurately and in a timely manner, maintaining clear and organized records.
• Carry out changeovers between products, including scraping dough out of bins and preparing equipment and work areas for the next run.
• Ensure compliance with quality procedures and food safety requirements, including PRPs, OPRPs, CCPs, FSMA-related controls, and internal production guidelines.
• Monitor the production process on the floor and from the air-conditioned control room, responding promptly to alarms, deviations, or equipment issues.
• Work safely in warm and sometimes wet environments, following all safety, hygiene, and dress code requirements.
• Collaborate with fellow process operators and production specialists to meet production targets and support continuous improvement.
• Lift materials and equipment up to 50 lbs as needed and remain on your feet for the majority of the shift.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of previous work experience in production or food manufacturing.
• Demonstrated experience in process control within a production or manufacturing environment.
• General working knowledge of computers, including entering and verifying data in computer systems.
• Ability to perform regular quality checks and follow documented quality procedures.
• Understanding of basic food production processes and food safety concepts, including PRPs, OPRPs, CCPs, and FSMA-related requirements.
• Capability to lift up to 50 lbs safely and repeatedly during the shift.
• Comfort working on your feet for the entire 12-hour shift.
• Attention to detail and accuracy when completing paperwork and verifying production data.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous mechanical knowledge to help identify and communicate equipment issues.
• Additional general computer skills beyond basic data entry, such as navigating multiple systems or interfaces.
• Experience in a food manufacturing environment with strict hygiene and safety standards.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a small team of process operators reporting to a production specialist.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to react quickly to process deviations.
• Willingness to learn and follow detailed procedures related to food safety and quality assurance.

Why Work Here?

You join a production environment that values safety, quality, and teamwork, with clear procedures and standards that support success on the job. The role offers a mix of hands-on work and computer-based monitoring, providing variety throughout your shift and opportunities to build valuable manufacturing and food safety experience. You work closely with a small, collaborative group of operators and specialists, gaining exposure to modern production processes and control room operations while developing skills that are highly transferable across the manufacturing industry.

Work Environment

This role is based in a food manufacturing facility with both production floor and control room settings. The environment on the production floor is warm, typically around 8595 degrees, and can reach 80100 degrees in some areas, so comfort working in higher temperatures is essential. Certain areas, such as dye wash rooms, are wet, requiring attention to footing and safety. You spend approximately 3040% of your time in an air-conditioned control room monitoring processes, and the remainder on the production floor performing hands-on tasks. The position follows a 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. rotating shift schedule, requiring the ability to work overnight and adapt to rotating days. The dress code includes jeans or work pants and steel-toe boots, with no jewelry or piercings allowed to maintain safety and hygiene standards. The facility provides hair nets, beard nets if applicable, hard hats, and lab coats to support cleanliness and personal protection.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ames, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $23.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Ames, IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 5, 2026.