Pasteurizer

Sigma; California (MO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Sigma, via Los Altos Foods, is seeking a Pasteurization & Whey Process Operator onsite in California. You will oversee pasteurization and whey processing to ensure product quality and compliance with food safety standards, performing QA tests and maintaining clean, safe equipment.

Join a team focused on precision, safety, and continuous improvement in a fast‑growing dairy organization. This role requires adherence to GMPs/SOPs and strong collaboration with supervisors and management.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience in a food production/manufacturing environment.
• State Sampler License required.
• State Pasteurization License required.

Responsibilities

• Operate pasteurization and whey processing equipment for quality and efficiency.
• Perform QA testing on raw materials, in-process product, and finished goods.
• Sanitize equipment and maintain cleanliness per food safety standards.
• Record and document process parameters and quality results.
• Troubleshoot issues and report deviations to management.
• Support process efficiency monitoring and identify improvements.
• Adhere to GMPs, SOPs, SSOPs, HACCP, and SQF requirements.
• Maintain safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance.
• Communicate production status to supervisors and management.
• Perform additional duties to support plant operations.

Skills

SQF Knowledge

Food safety

Chemical handling

Communication skills

Math skills

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Pasteurization equipment

QA testing devices

Job description

Join our amazing family of professionals at Sigma! We believe in truly taking care of our associates to ensure they feel empowered to be their best selves at work. You are not just applying for a job — this is the start of a rewarding career with a fast‑growing, innovative global food organization.

This opportunity is based onsite at Los Altos Foods, a proud part of Sigma and a leading manufacturer of authentic Mexican cheeses and dairy products. For decades, Los Altos Foods has been dedicated to producing high‑quality products such as Queso Fresco, Oaxaca, Cotija, Crema Mexicana, and other traditional Hispanic dairy products enjoyed across the country. Our commitment to quality, food safety, innovation, and tradition has made us a trusted name in the dairy industry.

At Los Altos Foods, we foster a collaborative, team‑oriented culture where employees are valued, supported, and encouraged to grow professionally. We believe our success comes from individuals who take pride in precision, safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

If you are looking for a hands‑on technical role where your work directly impacts product quality and food safety, we invite you to come join our table!

Position Summary

This role is responsible for overseeing pasteurization and whey processing operations to ensure optimal efficiency, product quality, and compliance with food safety standards. The position plays a critical role in maintaining sanitary conditions, monitoring production parameters, and ensuring all regulatory and company requirements are met. The Pasteurization & Whey Process Operator is responsible for operating specialized processing equipment, performing quality assurance testing, and ensuring accurate documentation of all production activities. This role is essential to maintaining safe, high‑quality dairy production and supporting overall plant performance.

Essential Job Functions

• Operate and monitor pasteurization and whey processing equipment to ensure proper function and product quality
• Conduct quality assurance testing on raw materials, in‑process product, and finished goods
• Sanitize equipment and maintain strict cleanliness standards in accordance with food safety requirements
• Document and record all operational data accurately, including process parameters and quality results
• Troubleshoot operational issues and report equipment or process deviations to management promptly
• Support continuous monitoring of process efficiency and assist in identifying improvement opportunities
• Follow all GMPs, SOPs, SSOPs, HACCP principles, and SQF requirements
• Maintain compliance with all safety, sanitation, and regulatory standards
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and management regarding production status and issues
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support plant operations

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required
• Previous experience in a food production or manufacturing environment

LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS

• State Sampler License required
• State Pasteurization License required

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of SQF Code and food safety systems
• Strong understanding of food production processes, equipment, and industry standards
• Familiarity with quality control standards and regulatory compliance requirements
• Knowledge of chemical handling and sanitation procedures
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to follow instructions accurately and work independently or as part of a team
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Good decision‑making, time management, and problem‑solving abilities
• Basic math skills required
• Ability to operate and understand food processing equipment safely and effectively
• Ability to support or motivate team members when needed

Environmental / Working Conditions

• Work in environments with varying temperatures, including hot and cold conditions (up to approximately 90°F or higher)
• Exposure to cleaning chemicals, sanitation agents, dust, fumes, and food processing environments
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, respirators or masks, and protective footwear
• Work may be performed in loud production environments with machinery and equipment

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, sitting, walking, climbing, bending, kneeling, crouching, and crawling
• Ability to use hands and arms for operating machinery and equipment
• Occasional lifting and/or moving of up to 25 lbs
• Close vision, color vision, depth perception, and focus required
• Exposure to moving mechanical parts, chemicals, fumes, and airborne particles
• Strong communication ability, including verbal and auditory interaction in a production environment
• Ability to work in environments ranging from office‑level noise to loud industrial settings