What are the responsibilities and job description for the Retort Operator position at Thermal Kitchen?
Position Summary
Retort Operator
Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Location: Daytona Beach, Florida (On-Site)
Position Summary
Thermal Kitchen is seeking a reliable, detail-oriented Retort Operator to join our growing food manufacturing team in Daytona Beach, Florida.
This hands-on position supports the operation of industrial retort equipment used to produce shelf-stable food products. Working alongside our experienced Lead Retort Operator, the successful candidate will help ensure safe, efficient, and consistent thermal processing operations.
Ideal candidates will have experience in food, beverage, or pharmaceutical manufacturing, particularly with retorts, autoclaves, sterilization equipment, aseptic processing systems, or similar automated production equipment. Direct retort experience is preferred but not required for candidates with relevant technical experience and a willingness to learn.
Key Responsibilities - Retort Operator
- Operate and monitor industrial retort equipment following established procedures and scheduled thermal processes.
- Monitor critical processing parameters, including temperature, pressure, time, and other required process controls.
- Maintain accurate production records, batch documentation, and equipment logs, immediately reporting process deviations or equipment issues.
- Perform routine equipment inspections, basic troubleshooting, and cleaning while coordinating equipment repairs with Maintenance.
- Work closely with the Lead Retort Operator, Production, and Quality teams to maintain food safety, product quality, and efficient production schedules.
Required Qualifications - Retort Operator
- Experience in food, beverage, pharmaceutical, or similar regulated manufacturing environments.
- Experience operating industrial processing equipment, automated production machinery, or sterilization systems.
- Ability to follow detailed operating procedures, maintain accurate records, and work safely in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Preferred Qualifications - Retort Operator
- Experience operating commercial retorts, autoclaves, sterilizers, or aseptic processing equipment.
- Better Process Control School (BPCS) training or certification.
- Familiarity with GMP, HACCP, FDA/USDA requirements, or pharmaceutical manufacturing practices.
- Experience with automated equipment controls, PLC/HMI interfaces, or electronic process monitoring.
- Experience with thermal processing, shelf-stable food production, or other controlled manufacturing processes.
Training & Development - Retort Operator
Thermal Kitchen provides hands-on training with our experienced operators and equipment. Candidates with transferable manufacturing experience will be considered, with opportunities to develop specialized skills in commercial thermal processing.
Required training and demonstrated competency must be completed before independently operating applicable thermal processing systems.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Thermal Kitchen is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Pay: $18.00 - $21.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $18 - $21