Press Operator

Press OperatorAs part of Richardson's global agriculture and food business, our food and ingredients division plays a central role in connecting farm to table through our vertically integrated supply chain. As a leading pasta manufacturer, Richardson produces a wide range of high-quality dry pasta products for diverse markets and end uses.Richardson provides an excellent compensation package consisting of a competitive salary, flexible benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, paid holidays, and training and career development opportunities.Working with Richardson opens the door to a world of possibility. We currently have an opportunity for a Press Operator at our Winchester, VA pasta production facility, where we produce Ronzoni pasta. The Press Operator is responsible for running, maintaining, and troubleshooting automated equipment that mixes, extrudes, and dries pasta.Responsibilities:Operate, monitor, start up, and shut down all press and drying systems (long goods, short cuts, noodles, lasagna) to meet product specificationsMonitor and adjust recipes, extrusion patterns, drying parameters, moisture levels, and ingredient/flour transfer systems to ensure proper product qualityPerform die and format changes, including setup, tap-out, storage, and operation of die wash equipment using hoists and cranesIdentify and respond to alarms, defects, or process issues quickly; understand equipment run-time impact and escalate issues as needed.Conduct cleaning, sanitizing, disassembly, and reassembly of presses, mixers, dryers, shakers, augers, and barrels in compliance with GMPs and safety standardsComplete required documentation and reports, including downtime, cleaning logs, product specifications, flour transfers, and changeover recordsSupport minor maintenance activities, maintain housekeeping standards, communicate effectively with team members, and maintain reliable attendanceQualifications:High school diploma or GED equivalent from an accredited institutionAble to respond to alarms and resolve problems in a timely mannerAble to work well with teammates and communicate with all employees with respect and courtesyComputer proficiencyStrong attention to detailProblem-solving skills and a commitment to continuous learningPhysical Requirements:Qualified candidates must be able to perform the following physical job requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation:Climb and work off stairs/ladders while carrying heavy loads up to 50 poundsLift heavy loads up to 70 poundsTwist/bend to enter or exit tight/cramped areas for cleaning and clearing jamsWork in temperatures greater than 95 degrees Fahrenheit for long periods of time, and in temperatures greater than 150 degrees for short periods of timeWork in dust filled area with proper equipmentRespond to pages of PA or walkie-talkiesDaily scraping/cleaning and sanitation of mixers/feeders which requires continuous arm and hand movement for extended periods of timePerform keyboard functions on a computer.