Pasteurizer

Join our amazing family of professionals at Sigma! We believe in truly taking care of our associates to ensure they feel empowered to be their best selves at work. You are not just applying for a job — this is the start of a rewarding career with a fast-growing, innovative global food organization.This opportunity is based onsite at Los Altos Foods, a proud part of Sigma and a leading manufacturer of authentic Mexican cheeses and dairy products. For decades, Los Altos Foods has been dedicated to producing high-quality products such as Queso Fresco, Oaxaca, Cotija, Crema Mexicana, and other traditional Hispanic dairy products enjoyed across the country. Our commitment to quality, food safety, innovation, and tradition has made us a trusted name in the dairy industry.At Los Altos Foods, we foster a collaborative, team-oriented culture where employees are valued, supported, and encouraged to grow professionally. We believe our success comes from individuals who take pride in precision, safety, accountability, and continuous improvement. If you are looking for a hands-on technical role where your work directly impacts product quality and food safety, we invite you to come join our table!Position SummaryThis role is responsible for overseeing pasteurization and whey processing operations to ensure optimal efficiency, product quality, and compliance with food safety standards. The position plays a critical role in maintaining sanitary conditions, monitoring production parameters, and ensuring all regulatory and company requirements are met.The Pasteurization & Whey Process Operator is responsible for operating specialized processing equipment, performing quality assurance testing, and ensuring accurate documentation of all production activities. This role is essential to maintaining safe, high-quality dairy production and supporting overall plant performance.Essential Job FunctionsOperate and monitor pasteurization and whey processing equipment to ensure proper function and product qualityConduct quality assurance testing on raw materials, in-process product, and finished goodsSanitize equipment and maintain strict cleanliness standards in accordance with food safety requirementsDocument and record all operational data accurately, including process parameters and quality resultsTroubleshoot operational issues and report equipment or process deviations to management promptlySupport continuous monitoring of process efficiency and assist in identifying improvement opportunitiesFollow all GMPs, SOPs, SSOPs, HACCP principles, and SQF requirementsMaintain compliance with all safety, sanitation, and regulatory standardsCommunicate effectively with supervisors and management regarding production status and issuesPerform additional duties as assigned to support plant operationsMinimum QualificationsHigh school diploma, GED, or equivalent requiredPrevious experience in a food production or manufacturing environmentLICENSES / CERTIFICATIONSState Sampler License requiredState Pasteurization License requiredKnowledge, Skills & AbilitiesKnowledge of SQF Code and food safety systemsStrong understanding of food production processes, equipment, and industry standardsFamiliarity with quality control standards and regulatory compliance requirementsKnowledge of chemical handling and sanitation proceduresStrong communication and interpersonal skillsAbility to follow instructions accurately and work independently or as part of a teamStrong organizational skills and attention to detailGood decision-making, time management, and problem-solving abilitiesBasic math skills requiredAbility to operate and understand food processing equipment safely and effectivelyAbility to support or motivate team members when neededENVIRONMENTAL / WORKING CONDITIONSWork in environments with varying temperatures, including hot and cold conditions (up to approximately 90°F or higher)Exposure to cleaning chemicals, sanitation agents, dust, fumes, and food processing environmentsRequired use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, respirators or masks, and protective footwearWork may be performed in loud production environments with machinery and equipmentPhysical RequirementsFrequent standing, sitting, walking, climbing, bending, kneeling, crouching, and crawlingAbility to use hands and arms for operating machinery and equipmentOccasional lifting and/or moving of up to 25 lbsClose vision, color vision, depth perception, and focus requiredExposure to moving mechanical parts, chemicals, fumes, and airborne particlesStrong communication ability, including verbal and auditory interaction in a production environmentAbility to work in environments ranging from office-level noise to loud industrial settings