Press Operator

Richardson International Limited; Winchester (VA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Richardson International Limited, a global agriculture and food processing leader, is seeking a Press Operator for our Winchester, VA pasta production facility, where Ronzoni pasta is produced. You will operate and monitor press and drying systems to meet product specifications, ensuring quality and safe operation.

The role emphasizes teamwork, attention to detail, and adherence to GMPs, with duties including setup changes, documentation, and basic maintenance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Able to respond to alarms and resolve problems promptly.
• Effective teamwork and respectful communication.
• Proficient computer skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Problem-solving mindset with willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, start up, and shut down all press and drying systems to meet product specifications.
• Monitor and adjust recipes, extrusion patterns, drying parameters, moisture levels, and flour transfers.
• Perform die and format changes, including setup and die wash equipment operation.
• Identify alarms or process issues and escalate as needed.
• Conduct cleaning, sanitizing, disassembly, and reassembly of equipment per GMPs.
• Complete downtime, cleaning logs, product specs, and changeover records.
• Support minor maintenance, maintain housekeeping, and ensure reliable attendance.

Skills

Alarm response

Team collaboration

Computer proficiency

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Continuous learning

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

As part of Richardson’s global agriculture and food business, our food and ingredients division plays a central role in connecting farm to table through our vertically integrated supply chain. As a leading pasta manufacturer, Richardson produces a wide range of high-quality dry pasta products for diverse markets and end uses.

Richardson provides an excellent compensation package consisting of a competitive salary, flexible benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, paid holidays, and training and career development opportunities. Working with Richardson opens the door to a world of possibility.

We currently have an opportunity for a Press Operator at our Winchester, VA pasta production facility, where we produce Ronzoni pasta.

Press Operator Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, start up, and shut down all press and drying systems (long goods, short cuts, noodles, lasagna) to meet product specifications
• Monitor and adjust recipes, extrusion patterns, drying parameters, moisture levels, and ingredient/flour transfer systems to ensure proper product quality
• Perform die and format changes, including setup, tap-out, storage, and operation of die wash equipment using hoists and cranes
• Identify and respond to alarms, defects, or process issues quickly; understand equipment run-time impact and escalate issues as needed.
• Conduct cleaning, sanitizing, disassembly, and reassembly of presses, mixers, dryers, shakers, augers, and barrels in compliance with GMPs and safety standards
• Complete required documentation and reports, including downtime, cleaning logs, product specifications, flour transfers, and changeover records
• Support minor maintenance activities, maintain housekeeping standards, communicate effectively with team members, and maintain reliable attendance

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent from an accredited institution
• Able to respond to alarms and resolve problems in a timely manner
• Able to work well with teammates and communicate with all employees with respect and courtesy
• Computer proficiency
• Strong attention to detail
• Problem-solving skills and a commitment to continuous learning

Physical Requirements

• Qualified candidates must be able to perform the following physical job requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation:
• Climb and work off stairs/ladders while carrying heavy loads up to 50 pounds
• Lift heavy loads up to 70 pounds
• Twist/bend to enter or exit tight/cramped areas for cleaning and clearing jams
• Work in temperatures greater than 95 degrees Fahrenheit for long periods of time, and in temperatures greater than 150 degrees for short periods of time
• Work in dust filled area with proper equipment
• Respond to pages of PA or walkie-talkies
• Daily scraping/cleaning and sanitation of mixers/feeders which requires continuous arm and hand movement for extended periods of time
• Perform keyboard functions on a computer

Richardson International is a global agriculture and food processing leader, with deep-rooted grower relationships spanning over 165 years. Our journey has seen our business expand and innovate, allowing us to supply quality food products and ingredients to markets near and far. We are always improving our facilities, processes, and products to continue to deliver on our commitment to excellence. Across borders, our network collaborates to fuel our ongoing growth. Join our growing team and set a strong foundation for a career full of exciting possibilities.