Melt Technician/Cheese Grader

For our state-of-the art 600+ person Lubbock, TX cheese and whey manufacturing facility, Leprino is seeking a Melt Technician/Cheese Grader to join our Quality Team. We take pride in our vision to be the "world's best." It's why we work harder, invest more, and continually innovate.

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 with Phase 2!

Summary Description:

This position requires responsibility for the monitoring of all aspects of product quality for finished product cheese sampling and evaluations.

• Manage sampling requirements per policy and manufacturing specifications for all cheese products.
• Perform equipment checks and calibrations (i.e. oven checks, thermometer checks, scale checks, etc.).
• Perform metal detector and magnet checks as required.
• Advise appropriate management personnel about specification conditions, recommending corrective measures where applicable.
• Demonstrate proper sample collection, preparation and evaluations.  Examples include pulling samples from the production line, melt evaluations per melt method and specification requirements, fines testing, visual grades for cut quality and cellulose, dimension measurements and any performance/physical evaluation required per mfg. specification or quality policy. 
• Schedule and prepare samples for product showing meetings.  This task requires communicating sample evaluation details to plant leadership team, identifying OOS conditions and proper documentation. 
• Perform routine checks for addback consumption and tracking. 
• Perform routine GMP/Housekeeping audits, completing standard forms.
• Utilize the Fiori, MES and SAP to input data, review reports, update required information for QA’s.
• Represent the Quality Execution Department during corporate, regional or customer visits.
• Perform work in a safe manner by following safety procedures and policies, critical safety rules, and expected standard conduct.
• Maintain 5S standards and complete required master sanitation duties for role.  Other accountabilities as given direction by QE supervisor and/or Manager.
• This position is responsible and accountable to ensure product meets food safety, regulatory, and quality

Minimum Qualifications & Experience:

• Must be 18 years of age
• Must be able to read, write and speak the English language in order to understand/adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's), to communicate effectively with others, to complete required documentation both in written and electronic form, and to troubleshoot systems utilizing the English language. 
• Must have the ability to perform essential job functions
• Must wear required personal protective equipment
• Must comply with all applicable safety practices
• Maintain a clean work area
• Complete written reports
• Perform basic and intermediate mathematical calculations
• Enter data into and pull data from computer systems
• Must possess considerable problem-solving ability in dealing with equipment or troubleshooting when supervision is not readily available for consultation

Preferred Qualifications & Experience:

• 2 years of work experience in similar type positions
• Experience in instrumentation operation and troubleshooting in a manufacturing environment
• Experience with computers and programs
• Experience with aseptic technique and sample pulling
• Experience in a manufacturing environment is preferred

Offering you in return:

A chance to be part of a global team of individuals passionate about producing and delivering high-quality products that help feed and nourish families around the world. Leprino Foods could not be where it is today without our incredible employees. That is why we share in our success together by rewarding you for your hard work. Hiring great people who are in it for the long run is our goal. Through competitive salaries, tuition assistance, vacation, holiday, dedicated sick time, matching 401(k), annual merit increases and bonuses, as well as our annual Profit-Sharing plan. Your impact will be noticed and rewarded, as you seek to further our company, our customers, and one another.

Our Story:

Leprino Foods’ history dates back over 65 years, when Jim Leprino first started making small batches of mozzarella for local markets and eateries in the Little Italy neighborhood of Denver. We’ve grown a bit since then. Today, Leprino is the world’s largest manufacturer of mozzarella and lactose, and a leading producer of whey protein. Still owned by Jim and the Leprino family, our sights are set to be the “World’s Best Dairy Food and Ingredient Company.” To help us achieve that bold vision, we’re looking for our secret ingredient: You. A motivated team member who is the best at what you do. Three people in a small corner grocery store in the early 1950s have now grown to over 4,300 employees throughout 16 global locations. Will you join us on our journey?

Leprino Foods Company utilizes the services of Psychemedics to perform our Hair Follicle Drug Testing.  Additional information about this process can be obtained at www.psychemedics.com  

Leprino Foods Company supports a drug-free workplace and is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer – M/F/Disability/Veteran

 
Leprino Foods requires all individuals to wear the appropriate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) as required by the role and location