Separation Operator

Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America, Inc.; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) with Company Contributions

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Parental Leave

Wellness Reimbursement

Life and Disability Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America, Inc. is seeking an entry-level production operator to operate and control biochemical and chemical processing equipment to produce purified amino acids.

Candidates should have a high school diploma and up to 2 years of fermentation/chemical processing experience. The role requires 12-hour shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays, in a production environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with up to 2 years' experience in fermentation and chemical processing.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to interpret operational manuals.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Good interpersonal skills and teamwork orientation.
• Ability to work 12-hour shifts including nights, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to operate forklift and related equipment.
• Desire to learn processes, retain information and execute tasks.
• Good judgement and problem-solving ability.

Responsibilities

• Operate and control biochemical/chemical processing equipment to produce purified amino acids or related compounds.
• Set up, operate, maintain and monitor production equipment and documentation.
• Adhere to safety policies, SOPs and ISO standards; ensure quality and compliance.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Read instructions

Verbal communications

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Shift work

Forklift operation

Process learning

Judgement

Education

High school diploma/GED

Up to 2 years fermentation/chemical processing

Tools

Forklift

Job description

At Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition, we are making significant advances in food and health with new ideas and innovative technologies. We are seeking candidates with energy and enthusiasm to be part of our growing team throughout North America. As an Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition employee, you are part of a diverse, innovative, and collaborative community committed to enhancing lives through nutrition and health. Our team is committed to providing amino acid-based solutions that create better lives for all.

We do not use AI to screen applications. Applications and resumes of qualified applicants are reviewed by a real person because we value your time and believe each qualified applicant deserves thoughtful, human consideration. It’s an old‑fashioned approach—done with purpose.

Our people are the key ingredient to our success. We offer a collaborative, innovative environment where you can grow your career and make an impact on global food and health solutions.

We provide a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package, including

• Competitive Pay and Annual Bonus Opportunity
• 401(k) with Company Contributions
• Medical, Dental, and Vision — Effective Day 1
• Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, and Floating Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Wellness Programs and Yearly Wellness Reimbursement
• Work Flexibility
• Company-Paid Life and Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement Opportunities
• Career Growth and Development within a Global Organization
• Company-Provided Mental Health and Caregiving support

To operate and control biochemical and/or chemical processing equipment and related systems needed to produce purified amino acids or related compounds.

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required with up to 2 years' experience in fermentation and chemical processing.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must have mechanical aptitude with the ability to perform simple mathematical calculations
• Ability to read and accurately interpret instructions from operational manuals
• Effective verbal and written communications skills
• Strong interpersonal skills with a desire to drive results
• Ability to work with a team or as an individual contributor
• Ability to work 12-hour shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to operate and effectively use equipment such as forklift
• Ability and desire to learn process, retain information, and execute learned task
• Ability to exercise good judgement

WORKING CONDITIONS

Production environment. Occasional work required outside. This position may perform activities in an environment that contains hazardous elements and requires safety awareness and adherence to all safety policies and guidelines. Work must be performed in a safe manner for personal protection and for the protection of other team members. All safety procedures, procedures described in SOPs, BPRs, and support the compliance of applicable ISO standards in all functional areas must be followed, enforced, and strictly complied with.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Position requires the ability to stand and walk for a minimum of 3 hours a day; lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds occasionally and repetitive use of hands, arms, and legs
• Collaborate with trainer to learn centrifuge operation, filtration equipment, ML handling, evaporator operations, UF equipment, resin column and PFFE operations
• Current on all training (cGMP, SOP, departmental), testing and documentation
• Collaborate with team members to keep Separation areas clean, neat, and organized
• Produce purified amino acids by setting-up, cleaning, operating, and maintaining equipment
• Accurately maintain proper documentation of process information
• Maintain cGMP work environment and perform housekeeping duties as assigned
• Report any quality deviations, non-conformances, or production issues to supervisor
• Monitor batch production records (BPRs) and documentation entries throughout process to ensure accuracy and timely processing
• Identify issues with process and perform basic troubleshooting on seed fermenters and associated equipment to resolve issues
• Review completed production documentation (batch records, logbooks, etc.) for quality and cGMP compliance

$22.00

Ajinomoto is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis protected by state, federal, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.