Production Technician

At Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition, we are making significant advances in food and health with new ideas and innovative technologies. We are seeking candidates with energy and enthusiasm to be part of our growing team throughout North America. As an Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition employee, you are part of a diverse, innovative, and collaborative community committed to enhancing lives through nutrition and health. Our team is committed to providing amino acid-based solutions that create better lives for all.

This position is responsible for monitoring & controlling the fermentation/purification process through field work, communication, and lab testing, all while maintaining safety, quality, and productivity standards.

· High School diploma or equivalent

· Experience in food or feed industry manufacturing setting is preferred

· Must be self-motivated and show a willingness to learn

· Computer knowledge (Microsoft Office, EMaint., SAP, Velocity, etc.)

· Ability to multi-task · Ability to professionally interact and communicate with others

· Good written and verbal communication skills

· Strong teamwork and collaboration skills

· Mechanical aptitude and/or a willingness to learn how to troubleshoot mechanical issues

· Use of required personal protective equipment when in the manufacturing environment

· Working around large manufacturing machines and equipment

· Lab analytical and measurement instrumentation

· Other general equipment used at an industrial site (i.e. hoist, pallet jack, freight elevator, etc.)

• Sitting, standing, walking, repetitive use of hands/arms/legs, and eye/hand coordination for 4+ hours a day
• Occasional bending, reaching overhead, crouching, balancing, pushing or pulling
• Occasional lifting of 50 lbs. or less, occasional need to lift up to 75 lbs.
• Ability to operate general manufacturing powered equipment and tools
• Ability to wear a respirator according to the Company respiratory program

· Utilize safe work habits and follow all policies and procedures

· Make sound decisions while not compromising safety, environmental or quality standards

· Assist with audits as required

· Turn in any hazards as they are identified to get them corrected as soon as possible

· Attend regularly scheduled training sessions to stay current on all compliance initiatives

· Ensure compliance with all governmental regulations and policies

· Test product samples in a field lab and log proper documentation of the results

· Maintain a clean lab environment while operating lab equipment & perform necessary calibrations on lab equipment

· Diagnose, troubleshoot & correct any issues when they develop outside of normal operating conditions while at workstation

· Maintain data sheets with necessary test results completed and documented in required fields

· Gain an understanding for the automation of the process, keeping process running within required parameters

· Maintain process consistency and monitor process trends to troubleshoot abnormal conditions

· Communicate process status to production management via daily memos, emails, documentation

· Perform light maintenance duties such as diaphragm replacement, pre and final filter replacement, change out valves or probes, etc.

· Suggest/implement process improvement, cost down, or best practice ideas

· Continually strive for increasing processing efficiencies

· Complete 5S activities to keep the work area clean and organized

• Complete shift notes and exchange information between shifts.

Ajinomoto is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis protected by state, federal, or local law.  All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.