LeNa Operator

For our state-of-the art 600+ person Lubbock, TX cheese and whey manufacturing facility, Leprino is seeking a LeNa Operator. Leprino Foods broke ground on the $1 billion facility in the summer of 2022. The plant will become operational in 2025 with Phase 1 and will become fully operational by 2026! 

The LENA Operator is responsible for the operation and monitoring of the extruding & dicing operation in the LENA area and the conveying of product.

All other duties as assigned.

Job Duties (Accountability Categories and Essential Functions/Key Responsibilities):

NOTE: The job may include other “non-essential” responsibilities and duties that are not listed on this form.

• Ability to learn and understand mixing/extruding objectives to control the ribbon quality, start-up parameters and auger RPMs and screens for the LeNa area
• Utilize MES and SAP functions, including documented checks during the run
• Assist in generating work orders associated LeNa area and processes
• Control throughput through LeNa machine by monitoring belt speeds, cheese width and thickness, including impact on how final cheese cuts are controlled
• Complete CIP hook ups, flows and procedures including manual cleaning when necessary, as well as sanitation of production area.
• Ability to learn and understand the critical operating parameters of the extruders when discharging cheese to the LeNa system, how cheese flows through the FreeSlice & belt specifications                                                       
• Must be able to learn and understand the purpose of the cheese scrapers.    
• Calibrate and test laser sensors for accuracy
• Ability to troubleshoot all equipment and identify potential problems
• Communicate effectively with co-workers, team leads, and supervisors
• Follow sanitation procedures of all equipment at shutdown
• Complete assigned GMP and housekeeping duties and maintain 5S standards as required
• Perform work in a safe manner by following safety procedures and policies, critical safety rules, and expected standard conduct
• Ensure product meets food safety, regulatory, and quality requirements by following the Food Safety Plan, Quality Plan, and company policies

Minimum Qualifications & Experience:

• Must be 18 years of age
• Must be able to speak, read, write, and comprehend basic English language
• Ability to evaluate and identify mechanical conditions and make adjustments as necessary
• Basic math skills to be able to perform mathematical functions
• Ability to understand and apply standard operating procedures
• Ability to maintain clean work area according to good manufacturing processes
• Good communication skills to communicate with co-workers and oncoming/outgoing shifts

Preferred Qualifications & Experience:

One year of work experience in a manufacturing environment; experience in machine operation and troubleshooting in a manufacturing environment are preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities/Competencies: 

• Problem solving
• Applied and continuous learning
• Work standards
• Initiating action
• Quality orientation
• Safety awareness
• Working effectively with others
• Communication
• Professional presence

Physical/Mental Requirements and Work Environment:

Work Environment Description:

• This position will be exposed to an operations environment including both wet and dry production areas with loud noise and varying degress of temperature from freezer to extreme heat
• Specific vision may be required for this position, including close vision, distance vision, color and depth perception, and the ability to read computer screens for extended time periods
• Requires good hand dexterity
• Frequent climbing of stairs, standing and walking
• Occasional bending and reaching
• Requires the handling of hazardous chemicals

Additional:

This position requires the incumbent to work on site at the facility and to be able to perform the associated job responsibilities.