Clean-in-Place (CIP) Operations Technician

Role overview

Help safeguard product quality by executing end-to-end sanitation programs in a food manufacturing environment. This role focuses on CIP operations, equipment teardown and reassembly, meticulous documentation, and adherence to GMP and safety protocols.

Key responsibilities

• Run CIP cycles to sanitize equipment, tanks, and pipelines; set up and prepare lines and equipment for CIP.
• Assemble/disassemble machinery per manufacturer specifications; disassemble and reassemble manufacturing equipment as required.
• Conduct pre-op checks on product-contact surfaces (pumps, valves, agitators, alcoves, clamps) before startup.
• Perform manual cleaning and sanitation on filler equipment, support equipment, and surrounding areas.
• Complete preventive maintenance on gaskets, seals, O-rings, plates, and other contact components per the Master Sanitation Schedule.
• Record cleaning cycle times, chemical concentrations, flow rates, and heat-up temperatures; document sanitation chemical strengths; keep accurate CIP and filler cleaning records.
• Collect samples for QA testing; verify cleanliness via swabbing; complete pre-/post-CIP inspections; release equipment to production following verification.
• Follow plant safety rules, general sanitation procedures, GMPs, and allergen sanitation and isolation protocols.
• Safely handle hazardous chemicals; perform chemical titration; operate chemical foaming equipment.
• Operate a scissor lift with fall protection and safely use an electric walk-behind hand jack and forklift for sanitation tasks.
• Maintain housekeeping across floors, walls, ceilings, vents, lights, equipment exteriors, and plant areas; sustain an organized workspace.
• Conduct area and 5S audits; support productivity and continuous improvement initiatives; participate in root cause investigations related to sanitation.
• Enter and track requests through the automated Maintenance Work Order System; collaborate with maintenance, operations, and management.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & experience

• Able to lift 50 lbs occasionally.
• Work continuously in a wet environment with exposure to dust, gas or fumes, and cleaning chemicals.
• Flexible availability, including overtime, weekends, and holidays.
• Strong teammate who performs well under demanding conditions.
• Read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures; present information and respond to questions from groups of managers and clients.
• Math proficiency: add, subtract, multiply, and divide with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
• Mechanical familiarity with plant machines and equipment.
• Ability to wear a company-provided uniform.

Tools & proficiency

• You should be proficient in: Industrial Cleaning Equipment Operation
• Machines & technologies you'll use: Cleaning-In-Place (CIP)

Compensation & benefits

• Starting Pay Rate: $19 per hour
• Employment Type: Hourly / Full-time
• Medical (base plan, employer paid), Vision, Dental
• HSA
• 401(k) with company match after a 90-day probationary period
• Free lunch
• PTO
• Six paid holidays per calendar year

Standards of performance

• Use correct CIP and cleaning processes and complete thorough inspections within standard times to uphold food safety and product quality.
• Strictly follow GMP and safety guidelines, including chemical handling.

Pre-employment requirement

Must be able to pass all pre-employment screens (including drug, background, and criminal checks).