Machine Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Add Flavor to Your Career – Explore New Opportunities at Lee Kum Kee!

Ready to bring fresh energy to your career? At Lee Kum Kee, we’re committed to your growth, offering a place where creativity and innovation thrive. If you're eager to make an impact and advance your career, apply today and start adding flavor to your professional life!

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Founded in 1888, Lee Kum Kee, a Hong Kong-based global food company, specializes in creating condiments and sauces that promote Chinese cuisine worldwide. With more than 300 products to choose from, Lee Kum Kee takes the mystery out of cooking authentic and delicious Asian foods in the comfort of your kitchen. Lee Kum Kee is committed to providing authentic and innovative condiments and sauces featuring the highest quality ingredients. Armed with a unique management culture, stringent quality control, superb and innovative products, coupled with the century long brand reputation, Lee Kum Kee has achieved unanimous recognition and won numerous prestigious awards.

Lee Kum Kee (USA) Inc., a division of Lee Kum Kee International Holdings Ltd., has its headquarters and manufacturing facilities in City of Industry, CA with more than 500 employees (Americas Zone). We are looking for the best and brightest talents to join our company and work together to bring the next level of success!

BENEFITS

• Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance coverage
• 401(k) Retirement Plan through Principal
• Two (2) Weeks Vacation
• Ten (10) Paid Holidays
• Five (5) Sick Days
• …And More!

POSITION SUMMARY

The Soy Sauce Production Machine Operator is responsible for independently operating production equipment across multiple process areas, including Koji Making, Fermentation Processing, Pressing/Filtration, Pasteurization, and Filling. Operators will rotate into different modules after completing required training, and are not expected to master all process areas at the time of hire. This role ensures stable equipment operation, accurate process control, proper sanitation (including CIP), and compliance with GMP and food-safety standards.

• Independently operate cooking, steaming, mixing, pumping, conveying, and material-handling equipment
• Operate pasteurization systems (UHT or holding tanks) and filling lines, including temperature verification, flow adjustment, nozzle checks, and in-process weight checks
• Monitor machine displays: temperature, pressure, speed, flow, torque, vacuum, and weight
• Verify sensors, gauges, thermometers, and data loggers are functioning correctly
• Complete production, batch, sanitation, and deviation logs accurately
• Perform CIP operations, including selecting CIP programs, monitoring chemical concentration, verifying cleaning steps, and completing CIP checklists
• Maintain clean floors, drains, filters, mats, and equipment surfaces
  
• Assist with filter cloth replacement, minor equipment adjustments, and component organization

Koji Making Operations (Operators will rotate into this module after completing koji training.)

• Independently operate grain cooking, steaming, cooling, mixing, and inoculation equipment
• Control koji room environment: temperature, humidity, airflow, mixing intervals
• Monitor koji development: moisture, enzyme activity, uniformity, aroma
• Clean screens, trays, mats, filters, and surrounding equipment Record koji production and sanitation logs accurately
  
• Adjust environmental parameters within SOP limits

Fermentation Processing Operations (Operators will rotate into this module after fermentation training.)

• Independently operate mixing, pumping, heating/cooling, and transfer systems
• Monitor fermentation parameters: temperature, pH, salinity, aroma, foaming
• Conduct fermentation sampling for QA/QC
• Perform yeast or koji inoculation steps as instructed
• Complete fermentation logs, deviation reports, and sanitation documents
• Support material transfers from fermentation tanks to pressing

Pressing & Filtration Operations (Operators will rotate into this module after pressing training.)

• Independently operate hydraulic presses, filters, conveyors, pumps
• Adjust pressure, speed, flow, and filtration cycles for optimal yield
• Monitor filtrate clarity, color, sediment, and pressing output
• Troubleshoot screen clogging, low flow, pressure spikes, and cloth issues
• Clean filter screens, gaskets, filter plates, and associated assemblies
• Complete pressing logs, yield records, and sanitation documentation

QUALIFICATIONS

• 1+ years manufacturing or equipment operation experience
• Ability to read and interpret machine parameters
• Strong discipline and ability to follow SOP
• Ability to maintain accurate records
• Able to lift 50 lbs and work in hot/wet environments
• Basic English; bilingual preferred
• Experience with koji machines, fermenters, pressing systems, filters, steam cookers, filling lines preferred
• Experience with CIP systems preferred
• Experience with GMP / HACCP / BRC preferred
• Mechanical troubleshooting ability preferred
• Must be able to work overtime, including weekends, as needed

It is Lee Kum Kee’s policy to seek and employ the most qualified persons in all jobs in a manner which will ensure equal employment opportunity as well as administer personnel actions in a manner as to not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability or protected veteran status. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Monday - Friday, 8am - 4:30pm
Overtime, and Saturdays as needed