Process Machine Operator ; Nights

Modesto Facility, 555 Mariposa Road, Modesto, California, United States of America

Posted Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 6:00 AM

Sun Opta delivers customized supply chain solutions and innovation for top brands, retailers, and food service providers across a broad portfolio of beverages, broths, and better-for-you snacks. With over 50 years of expertise, Sun Opta fuels customers’ growth with high-quality, sustainability-forward solutions distributed through retail, club, food service, and e-commerce channels across North America.

This position is responsible for all functions relating to operating the processing equipment used to manufacture aseptic beverage products as well as cleaning (CIP) and sanitizing.

• Coordinate all function-related to cleaning (CIP), sterilizing, and operating the Tetra VTIS and supporting systems, while maximizing the quality of the product and efficiency of the department.
• Works in conjunction with the mix blend and filling departments to best coordinate plant production efforts.
• Performs light maintenance as needed (e.g., replacing gaskets) and completes work orders for needed parts.
• Full ownership of required quality checks to assure standards are met.
• Relieve other production team members for absences as required.
• Maintain clean and organized area around equipment.
• Troubleshoot and resolve basic to moderate operating difficulties involving area equipment.
• Complete inspections of all critical parameters.
• Understand the continuous process flow of the aseptic system.
• Must be able to work independently as well as professionally with all other team members.
• Completes all required paperwork in a neat and professional manner.
• Proficient and comfortable using a computer.
• Performs a variety of quality and food safety checks to ensure standards and specifications are met.
• Communicate to all other facility personnel regarding any delays or problems that would hinder production.
• Must follow all employee safety, food safety and quality procedures and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
• Responsible for proper shift handoff with incoming/outgoing operators.
• Must wear all required PPE, such as protective gloves, aprons, face shields and safety glasses.
• Leadership and ownership of the department, job responsibilities and job function.
• All other duties, as assigned.

• None.

• A desire to succeed and good work ethics are required.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• High energy, flexible, self-starter, hands-on, comfortable with little or no administrative support.
• Attention to detail is a must.
• Team player with a sense of urgency and a self-accountability mentality.

• Must learn all the above essential duties.

• Must be able to train new people in the position on Processor 1, 2 and/or 3.

• Must be an SME (Subject Matter Expert) in Filling and Mixing as it relates to Processing.
• Ability to swab processors.

• Candidate must possess the knowledge and understanding of basic math skills including weight calculations, averages, and percentages.
• Must be able to read and write in English.

• Travel Expectation:
  None as part of normal job requirements; but travel may occur per management due to training needs.
• Location:
  
  This position will be at the Sun Opta Plant in Modesto, CA.
• Shift: This role will be on Night Shift (D) on a 2-2-3 pattern; 6 pm to 6:30 am.
• Pay Rate:
  This position starts at $28.00/hour.
• Night Shift Differential:
  There will be a $2.00/hour shift differential for working nights (12-hour shift) on a 2-2-3 pattern.
• Work Environment:
  Approximately 100% of the work is performed in a manufacturing environment which is not climate controlled and may contain allergens.
• Physical Demands:
  Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds, climb stairs and stand for long periods of time.
• Flexibility and overtime may be required as part of this role.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED