Production Operator, 1st Shift - Waukesha, WI
Job Title: Production Operator – 1st Shift
Location: Waukesha, WI
As a Production Operator, with direction from the Lead and Supervisor, you will produce various food ingredients, learn good manufacturing practices and how to follow standardized formulas for weighing, measuring, and mixing raw materials. You will set up and control processes, i.e., blending, drying, and filtration. The Production Operator also completes the appropriate documentation. The 1st shift operating hours are Monday to Friday, 6:00AM to 2:30PM.
Your Key Responsibilities:
• Acts in such a way that safety awareness and accident prevention are considered in performing all tasks.
• Works to SHE standards and encourages fellow colleagues to work to the same standards.
• Operates process and utility equipment in a hygienic and safe manner in accordance with all process procedures, cGMP, HAACP and SHE instructions and guidelines. Acts in such a way that safety awareness and accident prevention are considered in the performance of all tasks.
• Sets up, calibrates, and monitors instruments, i.e., pH meter, temperature meter, conductivity meter, hydrometer, thermometers, and metal detection devices.
• Tears down, cleans and re-assembles equipment, i.e., pumps, mills, grinders, valves, etc. Clean utensils, vessels, and lines.
• Identifies, troubleshoots, and responds to deviations in process, product, equipment, and performance variations.
• Sets up recipes and/or standard operating procedures (SOP’s), understands and executes operations in mixing, pH adjustment, transfers and process sequences while documenting steps and other records.
• Identifies and takes appropriate action for variations in raw materials, foreign debris, color changes, smell, moisture, and temperature variations.
We Offer:
• A strong sense of accountability – you take initiative, speak up, and see things through. You are responsible and focus on what matters.
• An innovator’s instinct – you’re always looking for better, smarter, more sustainable ways to make an impact.
• Curiosity and an open mind - because you believe progress starts with asking, “Is there a better way?”
• A collaborative spirit – you’re at your best when working across teams, functions and countries.
• A focus on unity - with stakeholders and customers.
• A competitive compensation package – with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.
You Bring:
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Must be 18 years old to work in a plant job.
• At least one year of production or food service experience is preferred.
• Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds as needed throughout the shift.
• Basic computer skills.
• The clean and sanitized environment requires the ability to wear PPE (personal protective equipment) including a hard hat, eye protection and in some cases, other area specific PPE needs (e.g. ear protection, respirator). Employees may handle hazardous cleaning chemicals.
The hourly wage scale provided reflects the pay range dsm-firmenich expects to pay the successful candidate for the position. Individual pay offered will be based on the applicant’s job-related skills, experience, relevant education, or training, and primary work location. The hourly wage is $24.00.
In addition to base salary, we also offer a comprehensive total rewards package, inclusive of annual incentive pay, a retirement savings plan, health care coverage, paid time off, recognition programs and a broad range of other benefits. All benefits and incentives are subject to eligibility requirements.
About dsm-firmenich:
At dsm-firmenich, we don’t just meet expectations – we go beyond them.
Join our global team powered by science, creativity, and a shared purpose: to bring progress to life.
From elevating health to making fortified food and sustainable skincare, the impact of your work here will be felt by millions – every single day. Whether it’s fragrance that helps you focus, alternative meat that’s better for the planet, or reducing sugar without losing flavor, this is where you help shape the future of nutrition, health, and beauty for everyone, everywhere.
And while you’re making a difference, we’ll make sure you’re growing too. With learning that never stops, a culture that lifts you up and the freedom to move across businesses, teams, and borders. Your voice matters here. And your ideas? They’re essential to our future.
Because real progress only happens when we go beyond, together.
Inclusion, belonging and equal opportunity statement:
At dsm-firmenich, we believe being a force for good starts with the way we treat each other. When people feel supported, included, and free to be themselves, they do their best work – and that’s exactly the kind of culture we’re building. A place where opportunity is truly equal, authenticity is celebrated, and everyone has the chance to grow, contribute, and feel they belong.
We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we’re serious about making our hiring process as fair and inclusive as possible. From inclusive language and diverse interview panels to thoughtful sourcing, we’re committed to reflecting the world we serve.
We welcome candidates from all backgrounds — no matter your gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes you, you.
And if you have a disability or need any support through the application process, we’re here to help – just let us know what you need, and we’ll do everything we can to make it work.
Agency statement:
We’re managing this search directly at dsm-firmenich. If you’re applying as an individual, we’d love to hear from you. We’re not accepting agency submissions or proposals involving fees or commissions for this role.