Press Operator

As part of Richardson’s global agriculture and food business, our food and ingredients division plays a central role in connecting farm to table through our vertically integrated supply chain. As a leading pasta manufacturer, Richardson produces a wide range of high-quality dry pasta products for diverse markets and end uses.

Richardson provides an excellent compensation package consisting of a competitive salary, flexible benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, paid holidays, and training and career development opportunities.

Working with Richardson opens the door to a world of possibility. We currently have an opportunity for a Press Operator at our Winchester, VA pasta production facility, where we produce Ronzoni pasta. The Press Operator is responsible for running , maintaining , and troubleshooting automated equipment that mixes, extrudes, and dries pasta.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, start up, and shut down all press and drying systems (long goods, short cuts, noodles, lasagna) to meet product specifications
• Monitor and adjust recipes, extrusion patterns, drying parameters, moisture levels, and ingredient/flour transfer systems to ensure proper product quality
• Perform die and format changes, including setup, tap-out, storage, and operation of die wash equipment using hoists and cranes
• Identify and respond to alarms, defects, or process issues quickly; understand equipment run-time impact and escalate issues as needed.
• Conduct cleaning, sanitizing, disassembly, and reassembly of presses, mixers, dryers, shakers, augers, and barrels in compliance with GMPs and safety standards
• Complete required documentation and reports, including downtime, cleaning logs, product specifications, flour transfers, and changeover records
• Support minor maintenance activities, maintain housekeeping standards, communicate effectively with team members, and maintain reliable attendance

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent from an accredited institution
• Able to respond to alarms and resolve problems in a timely manner
• Able to work well with teammates and communicate with all employees with respect and courtesy
• Computer proficiency
• Strong attention to detail
• Problem-solving skills and a commitment to continuous learning

Physical Requirements

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the following physical job requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Climb and work off stairs/ladders while carrying heavy loads up to 50 pounds
• Lift heavy loads up to 70 pounds
• Twist/bend to enter or exit tight/cramped areas for cleaning and clearing jams
• Work in temperatures greater than 95 degrees Fahrenheit for long periods of time , and in temperatures greater than 150 degrees for short periods of time
• Work in dust filled area with proper equipment
• Respond to pages of PA or walkie-talkies
• D aily scraping/cleaning and sanitation of mixers/feeders which requires continuous arm and hand movement for extended periods of time
• P erform keyboard functions on a computer.