Processor Hydrogenator Operator / 3rd shift / Mon - Fri, 10:30pm - 7am

Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp; Cudahy (WI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Education benefit

Job summary

Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp in Wisconsin is seeking a Hydrogenation Plant Operator to start up, operate, and shut down the hydrogenation process in our facility. You will monitor equipment, log data, handle fats and oils, and ensure safety and quality throughout the batch cycle.

The role requires a high school diploma, ability to work in a fast-paced plant, teamwork, and strong attention to detail. We offer competitive pay, health and retirement benefits, and education support.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Ability to work well with others in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Respectful, approachable and team-oriented while building strong working relationships.

Responsibilities

• Start up Hydrogenation Plant as per posted instructions.
• Fill out Hydrogenation Log at times indicated on sheet and other work-related logs/paperwork associated with the position.
• Supply hydrogen at proper pressure to the converter(s).
• Pump all fats and oils into converter and catalyst mixing tank.
• Take samples to laboratory for analysis.
• Add proper amount of catalyst, filter aid and bleach to fat or oil after pumping to converter.
• Heat fat or oil in converter and draw vacuum.
• Hydrogenate at proper temperatures, pressures and specific gravity.
• Cool product to proper temperature and use Industrial Filter into Tank 416.
• After 1st filtration into Tank 416, phosphoric acid and filter aid are added and the batch is agitated.

Skills

Teamwork

Safety conscious

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Hydrogenation plant equipment

Job description

Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special - a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact.

Our team members receive industry-leading wages and are eligible for great benefits packages: Hourly Competitive Starting Pay - $25.65/hour $1.00/hour shift differential for 2nd shift positions Comprehensive Health Insurance, Retirement Benefits and More. Education benefit available to full and part-time Smithfield team members upon meeting eligibility requirements. In addition, we offer opportunities for career growth and professional development.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Start up Hydrogenation Plant as per posted instructions.
• Fill out Hydrogenation Log at times indicated on sheet and other work-related logs/paperwork associated with the position.
• Supply hydrogen at proper pressure to the converter(s).
• Pump all fats and oils into converter and catalyst mixing tank.
• Take samples to laboratory for analysis.
• Add proper amount of catalyst, filter aid and bleach to fat or oil after pumping to converter.
• Heat fat or oil in converter and draw vacuum.
• Hydrogenate at proper temperatures, pressures and specific gravity.
• Cool product to proper temperature and use Industrial Filter into Tank 416.
• After 1st filteration into Tank 416, phosphoric acid and filter aid are added and the batch is agitated.
• During agitation, a 2nd filtration is performed using Hercules Filter to remove last traces of nickel catalyst.
• The batch goes directly to "finished tanks" assigned in the schedule.
• Cleans filters as directed.
• Close down Hydrogenation Plant as per posted instructions.
• Pump in product from tank trucks or rail cars to storage tanks as needed; pump out to tank trucks or rail cars as requested.
• When using a 3-Way Valve, make sure to always check both points of destination to avoid unknown spills.
• Adhere to and follow up on cleaning tasks assigned according to our Department Cleaning Planner.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Crew Leader and Supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred
• Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

• Hand tools, gauges, thermometer and log.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The majority of the time is spent in the plant environment and will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals.
• Noise level is loud in the production area and hearing protection is always required.
• Must be able to lift up to 50lbs.
• Vision requirement of at least 20/40 for near and far vision.
• Able to climb multiple flights of stairs.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT/TRAINING REQUIREMENT

• Bump cap, hair/beardnet, eye protection/goggles, hand protection, hearing protection, safety shoes, hand protection, fall protection and face protection.

MANDATORY TRAINING/COMPETENCY TO BE EARNED

• Proper lifting, PPE, Lock/Tag/Try Authorized, chemical specific, PIT, Elevator, Fall protection.

EEO Information

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.

At Smithfield, good food starts with good people. Good food. Responsibly. is more than just our tagline; it's what we do. We provide good jobs. We take good care of our animals. We are good stewards of the environment. We do good in our local communities. Smithfield is proud to offer robust, flexible and affordable benefit plans and programs to support our team members and their loved ones, and with out-of-pocket costs, on average, 20 percent less than plans offered by other employers.

Beyond our medical plans, our Be Well programs offer tools and resources to enhance your quality of life, at no additional cost. These programs are uniquely tailored to our Smithfield team and provide support for elective surgeries, weight loss, mental health, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, smoking cessation, asthma, maternity management and more.

Our company invests in your future. We offer comprehensive training and professional development programs designed to help you reach your full potential. Through LinkedIn Learning, employees can access on-demand courses, professional certificates, and skill-based training to build capabilities aligned with career and business needs. Our partnership with Guild supports your continuing education with tuition assistance covering English language learning, high school completion, and degree programs, while our leadership development initiatives nurture high-potential talent. We also offer unique benefits like our Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees' children.

Headquartered in Smithfield, Virginia, since 1936, Smithfield Foods, Inc. is an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. With a diverse brand portfolio and strong relationships with U.S. farmers and customers, we responsibly meet demand for quality protein around the world. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com. We believe in the power of protein to end food insecurity and have donated hundreds of millions of food servings to our communities. Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high-quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield, Eckrich and Nathan's Famous, among many others. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and connect with us on Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.