Machine Operator

Job Description

Job Description

New hires are eligible for a $3,000 sign-on bonus*

Clasen Quality Chocolate (CQC) is a world-class manufacturer of chocolate and innovative coatings.  We have recently been awarded the Top Workplaces Award by the WI State Journal - No. 2 Large Employer and the Benefits Award.  CQC has been growing double digits annually because of our flexibility, commitment, respect and integrity, and we are looking for quality individuals to join our team.  Working for a family-owned company provides you with the opportunity to wear many different “ hats,” make a difference every day, and have fun doing it! We are committed to being an Employer of Choice in Southern Wisconsin and offering our employees a variety of traditional and unconventional benefits.

We are currently accepting applications for full-time Machine Operators   in our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Watertown, WI,  conveniently located between Madison and Milwaukee. Pay range is $30.50/hr (includes shift differential) on NIGHTS. 

These are regular, full-time positions.

NIGHTS: 4:55pm-5:25am:  Sunday-Tuesday, every other Saturday. $2000 sign-on bonus + extra $1000*

or

NIGHTS: 4:55pm-5:25am: Wednesday-Friday, every other Saturday. $2000 sign-on bonus 

Because you're only working 3-4 days per week, you have more full days off for hobbies and time with friends and family.  Also, there is 8-hours of built-in overtime during your 4-day workweek. Last, if you want to volunteer for an extra work day and its available, it is paid at double-time.

BENEFITS:   

• Bonus Potential – Perfect Attendance ($300+ quarterly) & Year-End (5%+)
• Double Time Pay
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance (Low deductible and copays, LASIK reimbursement, adult orthodontics) 
• Company-paid Life and Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Match – up to 5% 
• Paid Vacation, Personal and Volunteer days plus 11 holidays
• Onsite Fitness Facility
• Paid maternity/paternity leave
• Wellness:   Free fruit, insurance discounts, gym and run/walk/bike event reimbursement, free wellness checks
• Scholarships – Employee, spouse, and children
• Summer Camp Reimbursement – children of employees
• Tuition reimbursement  
• Employee appreciation events 
• Free chocolate and coating!

JOB SUMMARY: The primary purpose of a Technician is to read and understand coating recipes, produce chocolate and coating in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) procedures, and safety procedures, and also display competency in material handling. The Technician must also possess a great deal of flexibility in their ability to multi-task and maintain a team attitude in all actions taken.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.    

A Technician would be assigned to North or South plant responsibilities.
North Plant: 

• Mixing: Read recipe and add ingredients to mixer or bulk tank by hand and by using the plant control system (PCS).   
• Testing: Collect and test samples of product in various stages of the production process. Add necessary ingredients to the conches. Melt ingredients for production orders.   
• Refining: Prepare and operate the pre-refiner, refiners, and conches to achieve desired fineness and viscosity.    

South Plant:

• Chipline: Operate chipline depositor and troubleshoot color, shape, and size issues on finished products. Read, interpret, and mix bases, flavors, and dyes to meet product specifications. Melt ingredients for production orders. Collect and test samples of product in various stages of the production process. Add necessary ingredients to bulk tanks.   
• Packaging: Operate all packaging equipment to ensure product meets customer standards and complete all required paperwork and checks.    
• Sanitation: Utilize correct cleaning procedures to complete production and non-production cleaning responsibilities. Set up, tear down, and clean tanks, pipes, pumps, and plates.    

• Train and certify in the areas noted above within the designated time frames.   
• Make mixes and operate drum and pail filling equipment.   
• Inspect product for color, shape, size, flavor, and viscosity issues.   
• Read and interpret production and distribution schedules.   
• Understand and display competency in using the plant control system (PCS) and human machine interfaces (HMI).   
• Complete paperwork and log production information accurately (labor reports, recipe weight, waste sheets, Master Sanitation Schedule (MSS) sheets, etc.).   
• Operate forklift and other material handling equipment.   
• Attend team, safety, and quality meetings, complete the necessary training / certification required by supervision, and train others as needed. Perform all tasks assigned by the supervisor, while following all company, safety, and quality policies and procedures. Cover for other employees while on break/lunch. Maintain regular attendance at work, and work overtime as needed.    

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:   

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 3 years of complex industrial experience (machine operation, troubleshooting, mechanical, etc.)
• Food manufacturing experience would be helpful, but not required
• Previous experience lifting 55 lbs. is preferred
• Knowledge of Microsoft Excel, RSS, Microsoft Navision, Plant Control Systems, and/or Label Management would be helpful

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:   

• Lift 55 pounds, sometimes repetitively
• Stand and walk for a 12-hour shift
• Communicate, write and read in English  
• Perform math at an intermediate level (multiplication, division, fractions, etc.)   
• Work at heights above 10 feet and in extreme heat    
• Work with allergens, such as soy, milk, etc.    
• Positive, can-do attitude and flexibility to perform a variety of tasks   
• Multi-tasking, problem-solving and decision-making skills    
• Accuracy and attention to detail   
• Demonstrate range-of-motion, strength, and physical stamina needed to safely perform the job in fast-paced work environment.   
• Remain alert to safety hazards, maintain attention to stay on task, manage time effectively, and work independently and in a team to complete assigned tasks.   

CQC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability, protected veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.

For more information, please visit our website at

*$2,000 after successful completion of the introductory period and $1,000 after 6 months of employment. Applies to Watertown Machine Operator/Technician applicants from 4/28/26 to end of promotion. 

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