What are the responsibilities and job description for the CIP Specialist position at MUSH?
MUSH is a people-first food company on a mission to fuel humanity with positive energy. We believe that food's first job is to nourish us, and public health is a public good. If you aspire to make the world a little healthier and want to build a reputation of doing hard things well, MUSH may be a great place for you.
Role Description
The CIP Specialist executes, monitors, and documents automated and semi-automated cleaning cycles to ensure equipment and product-contact surfaces are cleaned, sanitized, and allergen-controlled per validated procedures. This role safeguards food safety, supports production uptime, and drives continuous improvement in cleaning effectiveness, chemical usage, and water/energy efficiency
Key Responsibilities
- Plan & Execute CIP
- Set up CIP circuits/loops (tanks, kettles, HTST/pasteurizer, regen, fillers, transfer lines, valves, pumps)
- Run validated cycles and verify temperature, flow, and conductivity meet setpoints; adjust as needed
- Manage pre-rinses, caustic/acid washes, sanitizer steps, final rinses; perform line breaks when required
- Verification & Validation
- Perform/record ATP, allergen swabs, titrations, and chemistry checks; verify sanitizer
- Troubleshoot misses (e.g., low temp/flow, weak chemistry, air locks, trapped product, valve alignment)
- Documentation & Compliance
- Complete CIP logs: start/end times, achieved temps, flow rates, conductivity, corrective actions
- Support audits with records, trend charts, and CAPA evidence
- Equipment Care
- Inspect gaskets, spray balls, filters/strainers, seals; escalate wear or damage
- Partner with Maintenance on PMs and basic repairs; verify proper reassembly and zero cross-connections
- Safety
- Follow Lockout/Tagout, hot water, and chemical handling PPE requirements
- Mix chemicals safely (dilution, venting, eyewash); immediately report spills or exposures
- Collaboration & Training
- Coordinate CIP windows with Production, QA, and Maintenance to minimize downtime
Tactical Requirements:
- 1 to 2 years of relevant work experience in food manufacturing
- Bachelor’s degree in related area (preferred)
- Experience in GMPs and safety regulations, technical experience in machine mechanics and equipment troubleshooting
- Self starter, with a desire to learn, grow, and evolve as a professional
- Ability to multitask, prioritize and work in an extremely fast-paced environment
- Impeccable attention to detail
- Exceptional organizational and communication skills, bilingual in English and Spanish preferred
Physical and Work Related Requirements:
- Standing and walking for long periods of time
- Bending and lifting up to 50 LB
- Ability to handle allergens including peanuts and treenuts