Production Lead (Processing) 1st Shift

Are you ready for your next adventure?


At Oregon Freeze Dry, innovation isn't just a buzzword, it's our foundation. We are a purpose driven company with six decades of expertise in freeze-drying technology. Best known as the makers of Mountain House© meals, we are experts in advanced lyophilization solutions that can help people live healthier lives. Our headquarters in Albany, Oregon sits at the crossroads of science and nature, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes that fuel bold ideas and transformative breakthroughs. We're driven by a commitment to quality, creativity, and continuous improvement, and we're always looking ahead to what's next. We're proud of our legacy, but our future is even more exciting. If you're passionate and ready to make an impact, Oregon Freeze Dry isn't just a place to work, it's where your adventure begins.


We're looking for a Processing Production Lead that will support daily operations by reinforcing standard work, safety, and quality expectations while helping teams stay aligned with production goals. Serving as a resource across multiple lines or production rooms, the role focuses on coordination, observation, issue identification, and timely escalation to supervision to ensure smooth and effective operations.

You will get to:

• Supports raw material handling, batching, mixing, cooking, and related production processes.
• Monitors critical process parameters including time, temperature, and product consistency.
• Ensures adherence to food safety, quality, and process control requirements.
• Identify, document and escalate process deviations that could impact product integrity.
• Act as first on scene for safety, quality, or process incident by stabilizing the situation, gathering initial facts, and escalating promptly to supervisors.
• Observe daily operations to anticipate staffing, material, or process needs and flag potential risk.
• Lead and support team members in daily execution of tasks.
• Monitor compliance with PPE, food safety, and quality standards.
• Identify workflow issues, inefficiencies, or risks and escalate with clear, factual information.
• Assist across lines or production rooms within assigned area to maintain output and product quality.
• Communicate clear instructions and provide timely updates online or production room statuses.
• Support standardized start-of-shift routines, task organization, and workflow coordination.
• Record production data accurately and report anomalies or trends.
• Participate in problem-solving efforts and support implementation of continuous improvements.
• Provide hands-on assistance during staffing gaps or peak production periods
• Provide day-to-day direction and support to Team Members and Operators.
• Reinforce standard work and expectations through ongoing coaching and timely feedback.
• Support onboarding and training of new employees.
• Fosters an inclusive, safe and respectful work environment.
• Provides support and ensures compliance with OFD policies and procedures.
• Champion's OFD culture.

Hourly pay: $31.50

Schedule: Monday- Friday
1st shift (6:45am-3:15pm)

Environment of this position:

• Frequent exposure to extreme temperatures
• Noise level in the work environment can be loud
• Exposure to various food allergens
• Constant requirement to stand, walk, climb, push, pull, reach, carry, and lift and twist
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and push or pull heavier with assistance.

OFD contains office, manufacturing and outdoor workspaces where this position is required to access and work. The position requires a person to be able to frequently walk, stand and climb; bend and twist; see, hear and talk; use hands to type, handle or feel tools, controls; use hands and arms to reach, hold and carry tools or items. This position also requires a person to handle environments of varied temperatures and with various food allergens present; and be comfortable at various heights.


We are looking for someone who has:

• Generally, a minimum of four (4) years of experience in food manufacturing or related field , with a high school diploma; an associate or bachelor's degree preferred.
• Generally, a minimum of one (1) year of indirect leadership experience.
• Working knowledge of food manufacturing processes, SOPs, GMPs, and safety standards.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to share expectations clearly and provide collaborative, constructive feedback.
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability for team performance and shift outcomes.
• Familiarity with lean, continuous improvement or 5S principles.
• Ability to lead by example and model safe, compliant, and productive work behaviors.
• Experience coaching, training, and supporting employees.
• Strong observation and problem identification skills with appropriate escalation judgment.
• Ability to perform and support hands-on production work in a fast-paced environment.
• Competency in using computers, tablets (iPads), Microsoft Office, and related systems to support daily work.
• Effective time management, prioritization, and teamwork across shifting demands.

Thriving together: Your OFD Total Rewards and Benefits:


At Oregon Freeze Dry, we believe that our employees are the key to our success. That's why we offer a competitive total rewards package aimed at supporting the health, financial security, and overall wellbeing of you and your family.

• Customize your healthcare coverage: including medical, dental, and vision options to fit your needs.
• Boost your savings: Choose an FSA or HSA for extra flexibility.
• Plan for your future: enroll into our 401(k) with employer match and immediate vesting.
• Peace of mind: Life and disability insurance to keep you and your loved ones protected.
• Furry friends: Pet insurance for your four-legged family members.
• Recharge & Refresh: Enjoy paid company holidays, PTO and sick time
• Give back: join us in making a difference with community support opportunities.
• Score savings: Unlock exclusive employee discounts and special savings on Mountain House product.
• Spread the word: Earn bonuses for referring awesome new team members.

Oregon Freeze Dry is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace. We value diversity and are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all employees. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or disability.


All applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment may be required to take and pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.

1st shift (6:45am-3:15pm)