Production Associate

Production Associate at Rayne Production Associate at Rayne in Lincoln, Nebraska Posted in about 23 hours ago.

Type:

full-time

Job Description:

Production Associate - R D Pilot Plant Position Summary Join our R D team as a Production Associate to support pilot-scale food manufacturing and research activities. This hands-on role will be directly accountable to the R D Director and will focus on reliably executing production runs, documenting process data, and ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards during scale-up and new product development trials. Responsibilities Carry out routine production operations including weighing, batching, mixing, heating/cooking, cooling, and packaging; ensure consistent execution across batches. Set up, operate, and maintain pilot-scale equipment (e.g., paddle mixers, ribbon blenders, cookers, homogenizers, fillers, capping and sealing equipment, and small packaging lines). Monitor and record critical process parameters (temperatures, times, pressures, RPMs) and maintain accurate batch logs to support reproducibility and troubleshooting. Follow and enforce GMP, sanitation, allergen control, and food safety procedures; participate in regular cleaning and deep sanitation as required by SOPs. Assist in pilot trials for new formulations and process conditions, providing hands-on feedback and practical suggestions to improve manufacturability. Coordinate with R D, QA, and operations teams to ensure materials, packaging, and documentation are prepared for each run. Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying process inefficiencies and recommending practical solutions. As the pilot plant grows, help onboard and train new production personnel and contribute to development of training materials and work instructions. Qualifications & Skills High school diploma or equivalent required; vocational training or coursework in food technology or manufacturing is advantageous. Prior experience in a food production environment or pilot plant is preferred; trainees with mechanical aptitude and a willingness to learn will be considered. Comfortable operating mechanical equipment and following technical SOPs; able to read and record process data accurately. Strong attention to detail, excellent time management, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, hands-on environment. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for prolonged periods, and perform repetitive tasks as needed; compliant with PPE and safety procedures. Work Schedule Full-time, 40 hours per week, w/ benefits. Flexibility in scheduling required to meet production needs and pilot trial timelines, which may include varied start times or occasional extended days. This position reports to the R D Director and offers a practical role in supporting product development and scale-up efforts within a collaborative pilot plant setting.

Salary/Compensation:

$24.00 per hour recblid d0g2pnj7ja3qxcsq05ih4a0kxjimes