Press Operator

As part of Richardson’s global agriculture and food business, our food and ingredients division plays a central role in connecting farm to table through our vertically integrated supply chain. As a leading pasta manufacturer, Richardson produces a wide range of high-quality dry pasta products for diverse markets and end uses. 

Richardson provides an excellent compensation package consisting of a competitive salary, flexible benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, paid holidays, and training and career development opportunities.  

Working with Richardson opens the door to a world of possibility. We currently have an opportunity for a Press Operator at our Winchester, VA pasta production facility, where we produce Ronzoni pasta. The Press Operator is responsible for running, maintaining, and troubleshooting automated equipment that mixes, extrudes, and dries pasta. 

Responsibilities: 

• Operate, monitor, start up, and shut down all press and drying systems (long goods, short cuts, noodles, lasagna) to meet product specifications 

• Monitor and adjust recipes, extrusion patterns, drying parameters, moisture levels, and ingredient/flour transfer systems to ensure proper product quality 

• Perform die and format changes, including setup, tap-out, storage, and operation of die wash equipment using hoists and cranes 

• Identify and respond to alarms, defects, or process issues quickly; understand equipment run-time impact and escalate issues as needed. 

• Conduct cleaning, sanitizing, disassembly, and reassembly of presses, mixers, dryers, shakers, augers, and barrels in compliance with GMPs and safety standards 

• Complete required documentation and reports, including downtime, cleaning logs, product specifications, flour transfers, and changeover records 

• Support minor maintenance activities, maintain housekeeping standards, communicate effectively with team members, and maintain reliable attendance 

Qualifications: 

• High school diploma or GED equivalent from an accredited institution 

• Able to respond to alarms and resolve problems in a timely manner 

• Able to work well with teammates and communicate with all employees with respect and courtesy 

• Computer proficiency 

• Strong attention to detail 

• Problem-solving skills and a commitment to continuous learning 

Physical Requirements:  

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the following physical job requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation: 

• Climb and work off stairs/ladders while carrying heavy loads up to 50 pounds 

• Lift heavy loads up to 70 pounds 

• Twist/bend to enter or exit tight/cramped areas for cleaning and clearing jams 

• Work in temperatures greater than 95 degrees Fahrenheit for long periods of time, and in temperatures greater than 150 degrees for short periods of time 

• Work in dust filled area with proper equipment 

• Respond to pages of PA or walkie-talkies 

• Daily scraping/cleaning and sanitation of mixers/feeders which requires continuous arm and hand movement for extended periods of time 

• Perform keyboard functions on a computer.