Production Operator, 1st Shift - South Bend, IN

dsm-firmenich; South Bend (IN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Health & welfare benefits

Paid holidays and PTO

Job summary

DSM-Firmenich in South Bend, IN is seeking a Production Operator for 1st shift. You will produce food ingredients under GMP and SOP guidelines, weighing and mixing raw materials, and operating processes such as blending and packaging. The role requires following documented procedures, setting up equipment, and maintaining accurate records.

The position runs Monday–Friday, 5:00 AM to 1:30 PM. Candidates should have a high school diploma or GED, be at least 18, and be able to lift up to 25 kg,

Qualifications

• Must have a High School Diploma or GED.
• Ability to lift/push/pull up to 25 kg.
• At least 1 year of production or food service experience preferred.
• Forklift experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate process and utility equipment following GMP, HAACP and SHE instructions.
• Set up, calibrate, and monitor instruments (pH meter, metal detector).
• Tear down, clean and reassemble equipment; maintain documentation.
• Identify and respond to deviations in process or product quality.

Skills

Safety awareness

Quality control

SOP adherence

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Job Title: Production Operator – 1st Shift
Location: South Bend, IN

As a Production Operator, with directions from the Lead Manager, you will produce a variety of food ingredients while learning and applying Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). The Production Operator follows standardized formulas for accurately weighing, measuring, and mixing raw materials. It also involves setting up and controlling processes such as blending, filtration, and packaging, while ensuring all required documentation is completed.

The 1st shift operating hours are Monday to Friday from 5:00AM to 1:30PM.

Your Key Responsibilities:

• Acts in such a way that safety awareness and accident prevention are considered in performing all tasks.
• Works to SHE standards and encourages fellow colleagues to work to the same standards.
• Operates process and utility equipment in a hygienic and safe manner in accordance with all process procedures, cGMP, HAACP and SHE instructions and guidelines. Acts in such a way that safety awareness and accident prevention are considered in the performance of all tasks.
• Collect samples for Quality Control (QC) analysis in accordance with established procedures.
• Sets up, calibrates, and monitors instruments, i.e., pH meter and metal detection devices.
• Tears down, cleans and re-assembles equipment, i.e., utensils, vessels, and lines, etc.
• Identifies, troubleshoots, and responds to deviations in process, product, equipment, and performance variations.
• Sets up recipes and/or standard operating procedures (SOP’s), understands and executes operations in mixing, pH adjustment, transfers and process sequences while documenting steps and other records.
• Identifies and takes appropriate action for variations in raw materials, foreign debris, color changes, smell, moisture, and temperature variations.
• Operates powered industrial vehicles to move materials as needed.
• Performs minor maintenance work on equipment when necessary to ensure continuous operation of process.

We Offer:

• A strong sense of accountability – you take initiative, speak up, and see things through. You are responsible and focus on what matters.
• An innovator’s instinct – you’re always looking for better, smarter, more sustainable ways to make an impact.
• Curiosity and an open mind - because you believe progress starts with asking, “Is there a better way?”
• A collaborative spirit – you’re at your best when working across teams, functions and countries.
• A focus on unity - with stakeholders and customers.
• A competitive compensation package – with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.
• Paid holidays, paid time off plus floating holidays company paid holidays

You Bring:

• High School Diploma/GED
• Must be at least 18 years of age and legally authorized to work in the United States
• Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 25kg as needed throughout the shift.
• Basic computer skills (MS Office).
• At least one year production or food service experience preferred.
• Forklift experience preferred.