Production Operator, 1st Shift - South Bend, IN

About the Role

As a Production Operator, with directions from the Lead Manager, you will produce a variety of food ingredients while learning and applying Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). The Production Operator follows standardized formulas for accurately weighing, measuring, and mixing raw materials. It also involves setting up and controlling processes such as blending, filtration, and packaging, while ensuring all required documentation is completed.

Key Responsibilities

• Acts in such a way that safety awareness and accident prevention are considered in performing all tasks. Works to SHE standards and encourages fellow colleagues to work to the same standards.
• Operates process and utility equipment in a hygienic and safe manner in accordance with all process procedures, cGMP, HAACP and SHE instructions and guidelines.
• Collects samples for Quality Control (QC) analysis in accordance with established procedures.
• Sets up, calibrates, and monitors instruments, i.e., pH meter and metal detection devices.
• Tears down, cleans and re-assembles equipment, i.e., utensils, vessels, and lines, etc.
• Identifies, troubleshoots, and responds to deviations in process, product, equipment, and performance variations.
• Sets up recipes and/or standard operating procedures (SOP's), understands and executes operations in mixing, pH adjustment, transfers and process sequences while documenting steps and other records.
• Identifies and takes appropriate action for variations in raw materials, foreign debris, color changes, smell, moisture, and temperature variations.
• Operates powered industrial vehicles to move materials as needed.
• Performs minor maintenance work on equipment when necessary to ensure continuous operation of process.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED
• Must be at least 18 years of age and legally authorized to work in the United States
• Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 25kg as needed throughout the shift.
• Basic computer skills (MS Office).
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, able to read/comprehend English.
• Ability to wear a respirator as needed.

Preferred Experience

• At least one year production or food service experience preferred.
• Forklift experience preferred.

Pay & Schedule

• Schedule: 1st shift, Monday to Friday from 5:00AM to 1:30PM.
• Hourly wage: $20.00

Benefits

• A competitive compensation package – with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.
• Paid holidays, paid time off plus floating holidays company paid holidays.
• In addition to base salary, we also offer a comprehensive total rewards package, inclusive of annual incentive pay, a retirement savings plan, health care coverage, paid time off, recognition programs and a broad range of other benefits. All benefits and incentives are subject to eligibility requirements.

About dsm-firmenich

At dsm-firmenich, we don't just meet expectations – we go beyond them. Join our global team powered by science, creativity, and a shared purpose: to bring progress to life. From elevating health to making fortified food and sustainable skincare, the impact of your work here will be felt by millions – every single day. Whether it's fragrance that helps you focus, alternative meat that's better for the planet, or reducing sugar without losing flavor, this is where you help shape the future of nutrition, health, and beauty for everyone, everywhere. And while you're making a difference, we'll make sure you're growing too. With learning that never stops, a culture that lifts you up and the freedom to move across businesses, teams, and borders. Your voice matters here. And your ideas? They're essential to our future. Because real progress only happens when we go beyond, together.