Machine Operator

LEE KUM KEE•Newnan, GA

13d•Onsite

About The Position

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! 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.

Requirements

1–3 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
Must be able to work overtime, including weekends, as needed

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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
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
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
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