Chocolate Molding Machine Operator

Company Overview

Astor Chocolate is a 4th generation privately held, family-owned company and has been a leading purveyor of chocolate for over 90 years with core strengths in innovation, creativity, and dedication to creating premium products. The company services multiple industries ranging from Hospitality, Travel Retail, Food Service, ASI, and Gourmet specialty retailers.

Astor Chocolate, with its energetic team atmosphere, believes the success of its growth is rooted in a strong commitment to developing employees' potential. The company is committed to building a workplace with talented and motivated individuals who will uphold its mission of being a market leader by innovating and servicing customers with extreme dedication.

Position Summary

The Machine Operator – Chocolate Molding Production is responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining chocolate molding production equipment to ensure efficient production runs, high-quality output, and minimal downtime. This role plays a key part in maintaining continuous production flow and product consistency.

The ideal candidate is a reliable, hands-on team player with strong mechanical aptitude, the ability to troubleshoot independently, and confidence working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Success in this role includes quickly learning processes, maintaining high attendance reliability, and independently managing machine operation and basic maintenance tasks.

Essential Functions

• Set up, operate, and monitor chocolate molding production machinery according to production specifications.
• Perform routine maintenance, basic troubleshooting, and adjustments to ensure optimal machine performance.
• Disassemble and deep clean equipment as part of changeovers and sanitation procedures.
• Execute product changeovers by adjusting machinery settings for different production runs.
• Monitor operations to identify malfunctions or irregularities and resolve or escalate issues as needed.
• Inspect finished products to ensure quality standards are consistently met.
• Record production data accurately and maintain required logs and documentation.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment in compliance with company policies and OSHA standards.
• Communicate production issues, downtime, or equipment needs promptly to supervisors.
• Support team members to meet production goals, deadlines, and efficiency targets.
• Participate in preventive maintenance activities as required.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English (required).
• Bilingual in Spanish (required).
• Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort working with industrial machinery.
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment issues independently.
• Ability to learn processes quickly and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 40 lbs.
• Strong reliability and consistent attendance record.
• Ability to work overnight shift and occasional overtime, including weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in a manufacturing or food production environment.
• Experience working with production line equipment and changeovers.
• Familiarity with preventive maintenance processes.
• Strong decision-making skills in real-time production environments.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision while maintaining productivity and safety standards.

Schedule

• Shift: 5:30 PM – 4:00 AM EST
• Includes two 10-minute breaks and one 30-minute lunch
• Occasional overtime, including extended weekday hours and potential Saturday/Sunday night shifts
• Training will be conducted on the day shift prior to assignment to overnight schedule

Compensation & Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation package including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid Time Off (PTO) & Paid Holidays
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional Development Opportunities

Commitment to Diversity

Astor Chocolate is committed to creating an inclusive culture that values each employee's unique perspective and diverse backgrounds. We provide equal opportunities to all employees, fostering an environment that promotes inclusion and celebrates cultural differences.

Astor Chocolate is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all.