Overview Job Summary We are seeking an experienced and mechanically inclined Lead Continuous Cooker to oversee and operate our high-capacity continuous cooking and batching systems for hard lozenge production. In this technical lead role, you will be responsible for setting up, monitoring, and adjusting continuous cooking equipment (e.g., rotor cookers, vacuum cookers, film cookers, dosing units) to maintain precise temperature, moisture, viscosity, and API/flavor inclusion profiles. You will lead a team of operators on the cooking line, ensuring safety, efficiency, and strict adherence to cGMP quality standards.

Key Responsibilities Line Operations & Process Control:

Set up, operate, and continuously monitor automated continuous cooking lines, vacuum chambers, mixing vessels, and inline dosing pumps for sugar and sugar-free lozenge formulations.

Process Optimization:

Monitor critical process parameters—including cook temperature, steam pressure, vacuum levels, mass flow rates, and residence times—adjusting controls in real time to meet strict product specifications.

Batching & Ingredient Management:

Oversee pre-weigh and slurry preparation; ensure precise dosing of active ingredients, colors, acidulants, and flavors into cooked masses prior to forming/stamping.

Team Leadership:

Direct and mentor line operators and batchers on shift; manage line assignments, ensure SOP adherence, and conduct shift handoffs.

Quality Assurance & Compliance:

Monitor quality checks (e.g., Brix, moisture content via refractometer/Karl Fischer, mass temperature, visual checks) and production parameters in batch records under cGMP and FDA guidelines.

Troubleshooting & Maintenance:

Lead frontline mechanical troubleshooting of cookers, pumps, scraped surface heat exchangers, and vacuum valves; partner with Maintenance/Engineering to execute PM schedules and minimize downtime.

Sanitation & CIP Execution:

Direct and perform Clean-in-Place (CIP) and manual washdown procedures between production runs or flavor/allergen changes to prevent cross-contamination.

Qualifications & Requirements Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate degree, vocational training, or technical certification in Manufacturing, Process Control, or Food Science is a plus.

Experience:

3-5+ years of experience operating continuous cooking or thermal processing equipment in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, confectionery, or food manufacturing (experience with candy/lozenge cookers such as Hansella, Klöckner, Ter Braak, or Bosch/Syntegon highly desirable).

Technical & Leadership Skills:

Demonstrated understanding of thermal fluid dynamics, vacuum systems, steam valves, and automated PLC/HMI control panels. Proven ability to lead a small team in a fast-paced continuous manufacturing environment. Basic mechanical aptitude for equipment setup, teardown, and minor repairs.

Physical & Environmental Requirements:

Ability to work in a thermal environment (heat and humidity around cooking equipment). Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand/walk for extended periods during an 8- to 12-hour shift. Willingness to follow strict PPE, hairnet, and gowning protocols required in a cGMP clean environment. Join us as a Lead Continuous Cooker where your expertise will directly impact the quality of our products! We value energetic leaders who thrive on operational excellence, safety adherence, and craftsmanship—help us cook up success every day!

Pay:

$30.00 - $35.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person