Processing Operator

Job Title: Processing Operator Job Description

The Processing Operator oversees automated spaghetti processing lines, ensuring accurate recipe entry, consistent product quality, and smooth changeovers throughout the production shift. This role combines hands-on work with computer-based process control to maintain safe, efficient, and compliant food manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor spaghetti processing lines to ensure they run efficiently and consistently throughout the shift.

• Enter recipes and production parameters into computer systems and verify that all numbers and settings are correct before and during production.

• Perform regular quality checks on dough and finished product to ensure they meet established standards and food safety requirements.

• Complete all required production and quality paperwork accurately and on time, documenting process checks, quality results, and any deviations.

• Conduct changeovers by scraping dough out of bins and preparing equipment and lines for the next product or batch.

• Apply and follow process control procedures to maintain consistent production conditions and product quality.

• Ensure compliance with quality and food safety procedures, including PRPs, OPRPs, CCPs, FSMA requirements, and other relevant regulations.

• Work closely with other process operators and the production specialist to coordinate activities and resolve production issues.

• Identify and communicate any mechanical or process issues promptly to minimize downtime and maintain safe operations.

• Maintain a clean and organized work area, following all hygiene and safety requirements for food production.

• Remain on your feet for the majority of the shift and safely lift items up to 50 pounds as needed for production tasks.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of previous work experience in production or food manufacturing.

• Experience working in a food production environment with an understanding of basic food safety and quality practices.

• General working knowledge of computers, including entering and verifying data for production processes.

• Ability to perform process control tasks in a manufacturing setting.

• Capability to conduct routine quality checks on dough and production output.

• Comfort working in a manufacturing environment that requires standing for the entire shift.

• Ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds.

• Understanding and adherence to quality procedures related to food safety, including PRPs, OPRPs, CCPs, and FSMA requirements.

• Strong attention to detail for verifying numbers, recipes, and documentation.

• Reliability and consistency in following established production and safety procedures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous mechanical experience in a production or manufacturing environment.

• Additional computer proficiency beyond basic data entry, such as familiarity with production control systems.

• Experience in food manufacturing processes and equipment changeovers.

• Comfort working in warm and wet environments.

• Ability to work effectively on a rotating 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift schedule.

• Strong communication skills to collaborate with other process operators and production specialists.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a stable food manufacturing environment that combines hands-on production work with modern process control technology. The team-based structure supports collaboration and shared problem-solving, while the rotating shift schedule offers extended periods of time off across the month. The organization emphasizes food safety, quality, and compliance, providing clear procedures and expectations that help employees perform confidently and consistently.

Work Environment

This role is based in a food manufacturing facility that operates a spaghetti processing line. The environment is generally warm, averaging around 80 degrees and at times reaching 85–95 degrees, with some areas occasionally approaching 100 degrees. Process operators spend approximately 30–40% of their time in an air-conditioned control room working with computer-based systems, and the remainder on the production floor overseeing equipment and performing hands-on tasks. Certain areas, such as dye wash rooms, are wet and require additional care when moving and working. The position follows a 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. rotating shift schedule. The team consists of multiple process operators who work closely with a production specialist. The dress code includes jeans or work pants and steel-toe boots, with no jewelry or piercings allowed while on duty. The company provides hair nets, beard nets if needed, hard hats, and lab coats to support safety and hygiene requirements in the food production environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ames, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $23.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Ames,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.