Machine Operator - Milton, WI

VetJobs • Milton, WI

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Clasen Quality Chocolate is hiring a Machine Operator / Junior Technician at its manufacturing facility in Milton, Wisconsin. The role produces bulk and finished chocolate coatings by following recipes, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) procedures, and safety procedures. The Junior Technician must be flexible, able to multitask, and maintain a team-oriented approach.

This is a full-time night-shift position paying $29.00 per hour. The schedule is 4:55 p.m. to 5:25 a.m., working either every Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday plus every other Saturday, or every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday plus every other Saturday. The schedule includes eight hours of built-in overtime during the four-day workweek, and additional overtime may be required. Employees may volunteer for an available extra workday, paid at double time. Eligible new hires receive a $2,000 sign-on bonus after successfully completing the introductory period. The advertised bonus promotion applies to Milton Machine Operator applicants from November 14, 2025, through the end of the promotion.

The position includes mixing and refining ingredients, testing product samples, packaging finished coatings, and performing shipping, receiving, sanitation, and material-handling duties. Employees are trained and certified in eight designated areas and must complete production records, inspect products, follow inventory rotation procedures, operate equipment, and assist with troubleshooting. The work involves standing and walking for the entire shift, repeatedly lifting 55 pounds, working at heights above 10 feet and in extreme heat or cold, and working with allergens such as soy and milk.

The company lists health, dental, and vision insurance; company-paid life and disability insurance; a 401(k) match; paid vacation, personal and volunteer days, and holidays; paid maternity and paternity leave; wellness offerings; scholarships; summer camp and tuition reimbursement; employee appreciation events; and free chocolate and coating. Bonus potential includes quarterly perfect-attendance bonuses and a year-end bonus.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Three years of complex industrial experience, such as machine operation, troubleshooting, and multitasking.
• Ability to lift 55 pounds on a continual basis.
• Ability to stand and walk for the entire shift.
• Ability to speak, write, and read English.
• Intermediate math skills, including multiplication, division, and fractions.
• Ability to work at heights above 10 feet and in extreme heat and cold.
• Ability to work with allergens such as soy and milk.
• Flexibility and a positive, can-do attitude when performing a variety of tasks.
• Multitasking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Range of motion, strength, and physical stamina to perform the job safely in a fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to stay alert to safety hazards, maintain attention, manage time effectively, and work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work the stated night schedule and overtime as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Food manufacturing experience.
• Previous experience lifting 55 pounds.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Excel, SOLOCHAIN, Microsoft Navision, plant control systems, and/or label management.

Responsibilities

• Read coating recipes and add ingredients to mixers or bulk tanks by hand and through the plant control system.
• Collect and test product samples at different production stages, add necessary ingredients to conches, and melt ingredients for production orders.
• Prepare and operate the pre-refiner, refiners, and conches to achieve required fineness and viscosity.
• Operate packaging equipment, check that products meet customer standards, and complete required paperwork and checks.
• Move ingredients in and out of racking using the inventory management system and follow first-to-expire, first-out (FEFO) product rotation procedures.
• Load and unload inbound and outbound trailers and complete inspection forms, using fall protection when working at heights.
• Receive, inspect, sample, tag, and route incoming materials; pick, pack, load, and prepare orders for shipment.
• Perform production and non-production cleaning, including setting up, tearing down, and cleaning tanks, pipes, pumps, and plates.
• Train and become certified in all eight designated areas within required timeframes.
• Inspect finished products for color, shape, and size issues.
• Read and interpret production and distribution schedules.
• Assist the maintenance team with troubleshooting when necessary.
• Use the plant control system (PCS) and human-machine interfaces (HMI).
• Accurately complete production paperwork and logs, including labor reports, recipe weights, waste sheets, and Master Sanitation Schedule sheets.
• Operate forklifts and other material-handling equipment and drive a personal vehicle for work.
• Attend team, safety, and quality meetings; complete required training and certifications; and train others as needed.
• Perform assigned tasks in accordance with company, safety, and quality policies and procedures, and cover for coworkers during breaks and lunch.
• Maintain regular attendance and work overtime as needed.

Benefits

• Quarterly perfect-attendance bonus potential of $300 or more and year-end bonus potential of 5% or more.
• Double-time pay for an available extra workday volunteered for by the employee.
• Health insurance with low deductibles and copays, LASIK reimbursement, and adult orthodontics.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Company-paid life insurance.
• Company-paid disability insurance.
• 401(k) match of up to 5%.
• Paid vacation, personal days, volunteer days, and 11 holidays.
• Paid maternity and paternity leave.
• Wellness offerings, including free fruit, insurance discounts, gym and run/walk/bike event reimbursement, and free wellness checks.
• Scholarships for employees, spouses, and children.
• Summer camp reimbursement for employees' children.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Employee appreciation events.
• Free chocolate and coating.
• $2,000 sign-on bonus after successful completion of the introductory period.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED