Machine Operator

Clasen Quality Coatings , Inc.; Town of Milton (WI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 62,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Double Time Pay

Health, Dental, Vision Insurance

401(k) Match – up to 5%

Paid Vacation and Holidays

Employee appreciation events

Free chocolate and coating

Job summary

A leading chocolate manufacturer in Milton, WI, seeks a Machine Operator / Junior Technician for its new manufacturing facility. The role offers a pay rate of $26.00/hr and includes responsibilities such as mixing ingredients, operating packaging equipment, and maintaining sanitation standards. Candidates should have a high school diploma and at least three years of industrial experience. This full-time position includes numerous benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and a sign-on bonus.

Qualifications

• 3 years of complex industrial experience (machine operation, troubleshooting, multi-tasking, etc.).
• Food manufacturing experience would be helpful.
• Previous experience lifting 55 lbs. is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Mix ingredients following recipes and operating mixers.
• Collect and test product samples during production.
• Operate packaging equipment to ensure product standards.
• Load and unload trailers while ensuring safety procedures.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation in the production area.

Skills

Lift 55 pounds on a continual basis

Speak, write and read in English

Multi-tasking

Problem-solving

Decision-making skills

Accuracy and attention to detail

Positive attitude

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Plant Control Systems

Job description

New Hires will receive a $2,000 sign-on bonus after successfully completing their introductory period.*

Clasen Quality Chocolate (CQC) is a world-class manufacturer of chocolate and innovative coatings. We have recently been awarded theTop Workplaces Award by the WI State Journal – No. 2 Large Employer and the Benefits Award. CQC has been growing double digits annually because of our flexibility, commitment, respect and integrity, and we are looking for quality individuals to join our team. Working for a family-owned company provides you with the opportunity to wear many different “hats,” make a difference every day, and have fun doing it! We are committed to being an Employer of Choice in Southern Wisconsin and offering our employees a variety of traditional and unconventional benefits.

We are currently accepting applications for a Machine Operator / Junior Technician in our new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility inMilton, WI, conveniently located north of Janesville. Pay range is $26.00/hr onDAYS.

These are full-time positions working on days, 4:55am to 5:25pm, 3-4 days per week. Additional OT may be required.

Because you’re only working 3-4 days per week, you have more full days off for hobbies and time with friends and family. Also, there is 8-hours of built-in overtime during your 4-day workweek. Last, if you want to volunteer for an extra workday and its available, it is paid at double-time.

Job Summary

• Double Time Pay
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance (Low deductible and copays, LASIK reimbursement, adult orthodontics)
• Company-paid Life and Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Match – up to 5%
• Paid Vacation, Personal and Volunteer days plus 11 holidays
• Paid maternity/paternity leave
• Wellness: Free fruit, insurance discounts, gym and run/walk/bike event reimbursement, free wellness checks
• Scholarships – Employee, spouse, and children
• Summer Camp Reimbursement – children of employees
• Employee appreciation events
• Free chocolate and coating!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Mixing: Read recipe and add ingredients to mixer or bulk tank by hand and by using the plant control system (PCS).
• Testing: Collect and test samples of product in various stages of the production process. Add necessary ingredients to the conches. Melt ingredients for production orders.
• Refining: Prepare and operate the pre-refiner, refiners, and conches to achieve desired fineness and viscosity.
• Drumming (Packaging): Operate all packaging equipment to ensure product meets customer standards and complete all required paperwork and checks.
• Shipping & Receiving:
  • Move ingredients in and out of racking, utilizing our inventory management system, to achieve proper first to expire, first out (FEFO) / product rotation procedures.
  • Load and unload inbound/outbound trailers, completing the necessary inspection forms. Requires working at heights and using fall protection to accomplish task.
  • Receive, inspect, sample, tag, and route all incoming materials. Pick, pack, load, and ready orders for shipping.
• Sanitation: Utilize correct cleaning procedures to complete production and non-production cleaning responsibilities. Set up, tear down, and clean tanks, pipes, pumps, and plates.
• Train and certify in all eight areas noted above within the designated timeframes.
• Inspect product for color, shape, and size issues on finished products.
• Read and interpret production and distribution schedules.
• Assist the maintenance team with troubleshooting when necessary.
• Understand and display competency in using the plant control system (PCS) and human machine interfaces (HMI).
• Complete paperwork and log production information accurately (labor reports, recipe weight, waste sheets, Master Sanitation Schedule (MSS) sheets, etc.).
• Operate forklift and other material handling equipment, and drive personal vehicle for work.
• Attend team, safety, and quality meetings, complete the necessary training / certification required by supervision, and train others as needed. Perform all tasks assigned by the supervisor, while following all company, safety, and quality policies and procedures. Cover for other employees while on break/lunch.
• Maintain regular attendance at work, and work overtime as needed.

Qualifications

• EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • 3 years of complex industrial experience (machine operation, troubleshooting, multi-tasking, etc.)
  • Food manufacturing experience would be helpful, but not required
  • Previous experience lifting 55 lbs. is preferredKnowledge of Microsoft Excel, SOLOCHAIN, Microsoft Navision, Plant Control Systems, and/or Label Management would be helpful
• SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Lift 55 pounds on a continual basis
  • Stand and walk for entire shift
  • Speak, write and read in English
  • Perform math at an intermediate level (multiplication, division, fractions, etc.)
  • Work at heights above 10 feet and in extreme heat and cold
  • Work with allergens, such as soy, milk, etc.
  • Positive, can-do attitude and flexibility to perform a variety of tasks
  • Multi-tasking, problem-solving and decision-making skills
  • Accuracy and attention to detail
  • Demonstrate range-of-motion, strength, and physical stamina needed to safely perform the job in fast-paced work environment.
  • Remain alert to safety hazards, maintain attention to stay on task, manage time effectively, and work independently and in a team to complete assigned tasks.

*Applies to Milton Machine Operator applicants from 11/14/25 to end of promotion.

Clasen Quality Chocolate is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability, protected veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.