Retort Operator

Chobani; Norton Shores, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) match

Job summary

Chobani is seeking a Machine Operator (Retort) to learn operating and maintaining production machinery, ensuring quality RTD beverages and adherence to cooking/processing specifications. The role involves 12-hour night shifts, safety-focused operation, lab testing, sanitation, and cross-department communication to sustain production output.

The position requires mechanical aptitude, basic math, and GMP compliance, with overtime willingness and teamwork.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED preferred, 1–2 years related experience.
• Mechanical aptitude with basic math operations.
• Must obtain Pallet Jack Certification.
• Experience in food and beverage is preferred.
• Able to work in wet and hot environments with cleaning chemicals.
• Willing to work flexible hours including overtime.
• Teamwork and effective communication are essential.
• Comply with GMPs and pass pre-employment screens.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safety and operation of machinery per SOPs.
• Startup and shutdown of all relevant machinery.
• Perform laboratory tests and monitor product weight.
• Operate CIP and Ionizer as needed.
• Maintain sanitary equipment and environment.
• Communicate production status to neighboring departments.
• Troubleshoot minor issues and escalate to minimize downtime.
• Use pallet jack to stock machines with packaging materials.
• Other production duties as assigned.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Math skills

Teamwork

Communication skills

GMP compliance

Flexible hours

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Pallet Jack Certification

Job description

A Machine Operator (Retort) is an individual who is responsible for learning to operate and maintain machinery to support fluctuating production demands. The Retort Operator will also inspect parts to specifications and make adjustments as necessary to maintain quality specifications. The retort is considered a Critical Control Point, and as such, an additional level of care is required to ensure quality output of RTD (Ready-to-Drink) beverages according to cooking/processing specifications.

2-2-3 12 hour Schedule: 5:00 pm - 5:30 am

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety and operation of all relevant machinery according to standardized operating procedures (SOPs).
• Responsible for startup and shutdown of all relevant machinery.
• Performing laboratory tests and monitoring weight control of products.
• Operating the CIP and Ionizer as the need arises.
• Maintaining sanitary equipment and environment for all relevant areas.
• Clearly communicate to neighboring departments on current and upcoming production status so downstream operators can effectively maintain production output levels.
• Troubleshooting minor issues on all relevant machinery and escalates immediately to management or maintenance as needed to minimize downtime.
• Uses a pallet jack to stock machine with required packaging materials supplied by material handler.
• Other production duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED preferred. 1 to 2 years of related experience and/or training.
• Must have a mechanical aptitude and demonstrate abilities. Able to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid Pallet Jack Certification
• Experience within the food and beverage industry is preferred.
• Must be able to work in a wet and hot environment. Some exposure to cleaning chemicals.
• Must be willing to work flexible hours including overtime.
• Be able to effectively work in a team environment.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to abide by all required Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
• Must be able to pass all pre-employment screens (including drug, background).

About Us

Chobani is a food maker with a mission of making high-quality and nutritious food accessible to more people, while elevating our communities and making the world a healthier place. In short: making good food for all. In support of this mission, Chobani is a purpose-driven, people-first, food-and-wellness-focused company, and has been since its founding in 2005 byHamdi Ulukaya, an immigrant to the U.S. The Company manufactures yogurt, oat milk, and creamers – Chobani yogurt is America's No.1 yogurt brand, made with natural ingredients without artificial preservatives. Following the 2023 acquisition of La Colombe, a leading coffee roaster with a shared commitment to quality, craftmanship and impact, the Company began selling cold-pressed espresso and lattes on tap at cafés nationwide, as well as Ready to Drink (RTD) coffee beverages at retail. In 2025, Chobani acquired Daily Harvest, a modern brand offering consumers nutritious, delicious and convenient ready-to-make meals.

Chobani uses food as a force for good in the world – putting humanity first in everything it does. The company's philanthropic efforts prioritize giving back to its communities and beyond. Chobani manufactures its products inNew York,Idaho,MichiganandAustralia, and its products are available throughoutNorth Americaand distributed inAustraliaand other select markets.

Chobani is an equal opportunity employer. Chobani will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on any basis including, but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, military and/or veteran status, marital status, predisposing genetic characteristics and genetic information, or any other classification protected by federal, state, and local laws.

The salary range for this full-time position is$25.50-$33.50, + bonus + equity + benefits. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Chobani provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision coverage, disability insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, and tuition reimbursement. To help save for the future, all employees are eligible for a 401k match of 100% on up to 5% of eligible pay. To support growing families, we provide fertility and childcare assistance, and 12 weeks of parental leave at full pay after six months of continuous employment. In addition, we provide wellness resources which include an employee assistance program, fitness discounts, a wellness reimbursement, on-site gym access (certain locations) and a monthly wellness newsletter to connect you with resources and timely information. We offer various types of paid and flexible time off based on start date and tenure and 11 holidays each year.