CIP Operator

The CIP Operator is responsible for operating and monitoring the Clean-in-Place (CIP) systems used to sanitize processing equipment and pipelines in accordance with established standards and procedures. This role plays a critical part in ensuring food safety, product quality, and regulatory compliance in a sanitary manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, dependable, and committed to upholding high sanitation and safety standards.

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

CIP System Operation:

• Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot Clean-in-Place (CIP) systems to clean and sanitize process equipment, tanks, piping, and lines.
• Ensure all cleaning cycles meet specified parameters, including time, temperature, flow rate, and chemical concentration.
• Program or adjust automated CIP control systems according to specific cleaning protocols and production schedules.
• Verify the correct cleaning circuit is selected and connected to the proper equipment before initiating the CIP cycle.
• Record cleaning times and performance data to verify effectiveness and regulatory compliance.

Chemical Handling and Monitoring:

• Safely handle and mix sanitation chemicals per manufacturer specifications and internal procedures.
• Monitor chemical levels and concentration using titration, test kits, or digital sensors; adjust dosages as necessary.
• Maintain and replenish chemical inventories, report low stock or irregularities to the supervisor.
• Ensure proper labeling, storage, and disposal of all sanitation chemicals according to OSHA and company guidelines.

Sanitation and Cleaning Validation:

• Ensure all cleaned equipment meets sanitary standards before being released for production use.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance to investigate and resolve cleaning or hygiene-related issues.
• Assist in the development and improvement of sanitation procedures and CIP protocols.

Documentation and Compliance:

• Complete detailed and accurate documentation of all cleaning and sanitation activities in logs, forms, or digital systems.
• Maintain records for internal audits, customer inspections, and regulatory agencies (e.g., FDA, USDA).
• Ensure compliance with GMPs, HACCP, FSMA, and other applicable sanitation standards.
• Participate in regular internal sanitation audits and implement corrective actions as needed.

Equipment Maintenance and Support:

• Conduct routine inspections of CIP equipment for leaks, wear, and proper function.
• Perform basic preventive maintenance, such as replacing gaskets, valves, or fittings as directed.
• Report any malfunctioning equipment or system abnormalities to the maintenance team or supervisor immediately.
• Assist maintenance or external technicians during service and repair of CIP-related systems.

Production and Cross-Departmental Support:

• Coordinate with production, maintenance, and quality departments to schedule cleaning activities without disrupting operations.
• Assist in pre-operational checks and reassembly of equipment after cleaning.
• Support training efforts for new sanitation or production staff regarding CIP procedures and safety.
• Assist with manual cleaning (Clean-Out-of-Place - COP) when equipment cannot be cleaned via CIP systems.
• Assist in production operations during CIP downtime, including scaling of ingredients, staging built work orders, unloading of kettles, and other activities critical to production or sanitation.

Safety and Housekeeping:

• Follow all workplace safety protocols, including the use of PPE, chemical handling procedures, and lockout/tagout protocols.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, ensuring all equipment and tools are returned to their designated locations.
• Clean up spills immediately and report any slip, trip, or fall hazards to the safety team or supervisor.
• Actively participate in safety meetings, training sessions, and hazard identification activities

• 6 months prior experience in a CIP role in a food, beverage, pharmaceutical, or dairy manufacturing environment preferred.
• Knowledge of CIP systems, cleaning chemicals, and sanitation principles.
• Ability to understand and follow detailed instructions, SOPs, and safety procedures.
• Familiarity with HACCP, GMPs, and food safety regulations is a plus.
• Basic computer skills and ability to complete electronic records or logbooks.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to cleanliness and safety.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., stand for long periods, and work in wet/hot/cold environments.
• Willingness to work nights, weekends, or overtime as needed.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen.

The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is required to stand, walk, sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must lift and/or move up to twenty-five pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.