Spray Dry Operator I

Synergy Flavors, Inc.; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift differential

Sign-on bonus

Benefits

Job summary

Synergy Flavors, Inc. seeks a compounder for our Chicago production facility. You will follow batch instructions, weigh and transfer ingredients, and operate spray-dry equipment and related systems.

You’ll monitor temperatures, test finishes, and ensure accuracy on batch sheets while maintaining sanitary standards. You must lift 50 lbs, wear PPE/respirator, and occasionally work overtime. The role emphasizes safety, quality, and teamwork in a fast-paced environment with strong compliance

Qualifications

• HS Diploma/GED preferred; knowledge of GMPs, allergens, and quality processes.
• Strong math skills and ability to read scales.
• Basic computer skills with RF scanner experience preferred.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs regularly and wear PPE/respirator.
• Must wear respirator after doctor’s approval and pass fit test.
• Effective communication to identify and report safety or quality issues.
• Flexibility to work overtime when required.

Responsibilities

• Follow batching instructions to measure, weigh, and transfer ingredients.
• Operate spray dry equipment, liquid reactors, piping, and related parts.
• Monitor equipment temperatures, consistency, and quality throughout production.
• Sample and test finished mixes for required attributes.
• Complete batch sheets and documentation accurately.
• Maintain sanitary standards through cleaning (CIP) and proper material handling.
• Perform tasks safely with PPE and in compliance with policies.
• Support fast-paced production by multitasking and adapting to priorities.

Skills

Safety awareness

Math skills

RF scanner

Heavy lifting

Communication

Overtime flexibility

Education

HS Diploma

Job description

Company Overview Synergy Flavors, part of the Carbery Group, is more than just a leading international supplier of ingredients to the global food and beverage industry—we’re a team driven by purpose. Our vision is simple yet powerful: enriching lives through healthier and tastier foods. We believe great flavor starts with great people. That’s why we’re committed to hiring creative, passionate individuals who want to make a real impact. With deep expertise across food, beverage, and nutrition, our teams develop high-quality taste solutions that inspire innovation and elevate everyday experiences.

Your Role in Synergy's Success

This position is responsible for compounding in a production manufacturing facility. Compounders add raw materials and follow the formula requirements to complete production orders using equipment such as mixers, spray dryers and blending tanks. They must follow standard batch instructions to accurately weigh dyes, chemicals, and other substances into the equipment. They must check for consistency in various batches and measure the viscosity of the mixtures. Required to take samples of the batch and turn them over to a laboratory for testing. They must follow food safety guidelines and accurate documentation of work completed.

How You Will Contribute

• Follow batching instructions to accurately measure, weigh, and transfer ingredients.
• Operate spray dry equipment, liquid reactors, piping, and related parts.
• Effectively monitor equipment and control temperatures, consistency, and quality throughout production.
• Sample and test finished mixes for required attributes.
• Complete all batch sheets, documentation, and paperwork accurately.
• Maintain sanitary standards through cleaning (CIP) and proper handling of materials.
• Perform all tasks safely, using required PPE, and in compliance with company policies.
• Support fast-paced production by multitasking, adjusting to priorities, and collaborating with the team.
• Lift heavy drums and bags while wearing proper PPE.
• Consistently perform and complete assigned duties without errors or other defects.

Skills and Requirements

• HS Diploma/GED Preferred Must have a general knowledge of workplace safety, GMP’s, allergens, and quality processes Acute attention to detail with ability to consistently produce error-free work.
• Strong math skills (addition, division, percentages) and ability to use/read scales to recognize unit of measure requirements.
• Basic computer skills with RF scanner experience preferred.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. regularly and work while wearing PPE/respirator (with medical clearance).
• The employee is required to wear a respirator after a Doctor’s approval and successfully passing the fit and pulmonary test.
• Effective communication skills to identify and report safety or quality issues to the lead/supervisor.
• Flexibility to work overtime when required.

Hourly Rate: $20 per hour (more w/ experience) + $1.00 shift differential + $1,000 Sign on Bonus 2nd shift: Monday - Friday 2pm-10:30pm For more information on our benefits click here. The actual compensation that you will be offered will depend on a variety of factors including geography, skills and abilities, education, experience and other relevant factors. This role will remain open until filled. Department: Operations Location: Chicago, IL Work Arrangement: Onsite Reporting To: Production Supervisor

Our Commitment to our People

We are a diverse and growing workforce of over 1,000 people across eight countries globally. As we continue to grow, we want to ensure that Carbery Group continues to be a place where people are supported to develop and feel that they can do their best work. We are committed to driving growth, developing future capability and delivering results through our dedicated teams. We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and an inclusive workplace where your skills, perspectives, and experience help shape the future of our industry. Join us and be part of a team that values collaboration and makes a meaningful impact - from local communities to global markets. Carbery Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering a supportive work environment.

Across our global organisation, we employ 1000 people in 8 countries – and we are growing. From production specialists to R&D experts, finance, quality, digital, marketing, sales and so much more, see what opportunities await you with Carbery and Synergy.

Our Work Experience

Our Work Experience is the combination of everything that’s unique about us: our culture, our core values, our company meetings, our commitment to sustainability, our recognition programs, but most importantly, it’s our people. Our employees are self-disciplined, hard working, curious, trustworthy, humble, and truthful. They make choices according to what is best for the team, they live for opportunities to collaborate and make a difference, and they make us the #1 Top Workplace in the area.