Machine Operators

Clasen Quality Chocolate, Inc.; Watertown (WI); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Double Time

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

401(k) Match

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Onsite Gym

Maternity/Paternity Leave

Wellness Programs

Scholarships

Summer Camp Reimbursement

Employee Events

Free Chocolate

Job summary

Clasen Quality Chocolate (CQC) in Watertown, WI, is seeking full-time Machine Operators for NIGHT shifts. The role offers a $3,000 sign-on bonus and $2,000 after introductory period plus $1,000 after six months. Pay is $30.50/hr including shift differential.

Regular, full-time with OT during a 4-day workweek and potential double-time opportunities. Responsibilities include operating North or South plant lines, mixing, testing, refining, packaging, sanitation, and documentation.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• 3 years of complex industrial experience in machine operation, troubleshooting, or related field.
• Food manufacturing experience helpful but not required.
• Ability to lift 55 lbs preferred.
• Knowledge of Excel, RSS, Navision, Plant Control Systems or Label Management helpful.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor North or South plant lines per recipe and PCS/HMI guidance.
• Mix ingredients, test samples, and adjust formulations as needed.
• Operate chipline depositor, packaging equipment, and perform cleaning tasks.
• Maintain safety, quality, and accuracy in production records.

Job description

New hires are eligible for a $3,000 sign-on bonus*

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 full-time Machine Operatorsin our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility inWatertown, WI,conveniently located between Madison and Milwaukee. Pay range is $30.50/hr (includes shift differential) onNIGHTS.

These are regular, full-time positions.

NIGHTS: 4:55pm-5:25am:Sunday-Tuesday, every other Saturday. $2000 sign-on bonus + extra $1000*

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 work day 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
• Onsite Fitness Facility
• 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.

A Technician would be assigned to North or South plant responsibilities.
North Plant:

• 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.

South Plant:

• Chipline: Operate chipline depositor and troubleshoot color, shape, and size issues on finished products. Read, interpret, and mix bases, flavors, and dyes to meet product specifications. Melt ingredients for production orders. Collect and test samples of product in various stages of the production process. Add necessary ingredients to bulk tanks.
• Packaging: Operate all packaging equipment to ensure product meets customer standards and complete all required paperwork and checks.
• 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 the areas noted above within the designated time frames.
• Make mixes and operate drum and pail filling equipment.
• Inspect product for color, shape, size, flavor, and viscosity issues.
• Read and interpret production and distribution schedules.
• 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.
• 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, mechanical, etc.)
• Food manufacturing experience would be helpful, but not required
• Previous experience lifting 55 lbs. is preferred
• Knowledge of Microsoft Excel, RSS, Microsoft Navision, Plant Control Systems, and/or Label Management would be helpful

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Stand and walk for a 12-hour shift
• Communicate, 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
• 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.

*$2,000 after successful completion of the introductory period and $1,000 after 6 months of employment.Applies to Watertown Machine Operator/Technician applicants from 4/28/26 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.