Drying Technician

Description

Job Role: Drying Technician 

Classification: Regular, Full-Time | Hourly, Non-Exempt from Overtime

Location: Pendleton, IN 

Schedule: Friday through Sunday (6:00 am until 6:00 pm)

Supervisor: Shift/Team Lead, Shift Supervisor 

Direct Report(s): None

Company Overview:

Nutrition 101 LLC - headquartered in Pendleton, IN - is a niche provider of complex, eco-friendly liquid waste handling & feed solutions that offers innovative end-to-end solutions for the food processing lifecycle. 101 is the industry leader in the recovery and diversion of food waste byproducts. Our products recover millions of tons of food waste and convert them to livestock feeds creating value for food processors and livestock producers alike. For more information, check us out online at www.101.us!

Role Summary: The Drying Technician at 101 is responsible for operating specialized drying equipment to convert liquid materials into powdered form. This role combines hands-on machine operation with precision process control, quality assurance, and routine maintenance. Experience in machine operation, PLC (programmable logical controller) systems, and production environments requiring consistency, attention to detail, and ability to troubleshoot/problem solve.

 Key Responsibilities:

• Uphold and maintain the Company’s vision, mission, and core values.
• Follow all Company policies, processes, and procedures in accordance with Department Manuals, Employee Manuals, and Safety Manuals.
• Show up to work on time, as scheduled. *Schedule can be variable based on the needs of the business.
• Become certified to operator the dryer, evaporator and fork truck. Safely operate company equipment.
• Set up, operate, and monitor dryers. Follow batch instructions and drying parameters to ensure consistent product quality.
• Accountable for continuous equipment operation to process products according to schedule. Monitor system performance using control panels, sensors, and automated PLC systems.
• Ensure proper handling and storage of finished powders.
• Perform in-process checks including moisture content, particle size, and product appearance.
• Adjust machine settings and troubleshoot equipment during production runs as needed. Identify and troubleshoot procedures to ensure continuous operation. Troubleshoot all mechanical issues and repair as needed to ensure optimal uptime.
• Record production data, batch logs, and deviations accurately. Complete all preventative maintenance logs and schedules as required.
• Prepare products for outbound shipment, including sampling, inventory, and labeling.
• Perform routine cleaning and maintenance on equipment in accordance with cGMPs and safety standards.
• Follow all safety, sanitation, and quality protocols, including PPE use and hazard communication.
• Communicate effectively with upstream and downstream team members to ensure smooth workflow.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and report any inefficiencies or safety concerns. Identify crucial control points in the process and notify Supervisor of any discrepancies.
• Complete other tasks as assigned by team leader/supervisor.
• Attend all Company meetings and trainings as required. 

Key Requirements:

•  High school diploma or equivalent, preferred.
• 1-3 years of experience in machine operation, drying processes, or PNC-controlled equipment.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and familiarity with industrial control systems.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow complex instructions.
• Comfortable working in hot, noisy, or dusty environments with physical stamina and ability to lift up to 50 – 75 lbs.
• Willingness to work rotating shifts, early mornings, late evenings, and occasional weekends, holidays, or overtime as needed.
• Valid forklift operator certification. Proven experience as a forklift operator in a warehouse or manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of safety protocols and procedures in a manufacturing environment. 

Summary of Benefits:

• Quarterly Performance Based Bonuses
• Health Insurance Coverage & Wellness Program Incentives
• Dental/Vision
• Life, STD/LTD, Accident & Critical Illness Coverages
• 401k with up to 4% Match
• Company Holidays & Paid Time Off
• Opportunities for Career Growth and Development
• Collaborative and Supportive Work Environment
• Employee Empowerment Program - We are all owners!

Application Instructions: If you are an experienced fork truck operator who is comfortable working in a non-climate controlled facility, working with dairy products, submit your resume outlining your relevant experience and why you believe you'd be perfect in the role to jobs@101.us.

Nutrition 101 is owned by Palo Alto, CA based Altamont Capital Partners. Founded in 2010, Altamont Capital Partners is a private equity firm with over $4.5 billion of capital under management, focused primarily on making long term, control investments in middle market businesses. Altamont is often drawn to companies undergoing a transition, either operational or strategic, which they believe they can help navigate. Their approach relies on partnering with strong management, supporting the business with considerable resources, and bringing a constructive and pragmatic mindset to drive significant long-term value. The firm primarily seeks to invest in the business services, financial services, healthcare, technology, consumer, retail, aerospace and defense sectors. For more information, please visit https://www.altamontcapital.com/

Requirements

Physical Abilities

• Ability to safely operate heavy machinery and equipment.
• Ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 50-75 pounds regularly.
• Ability to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods of time. 
• Dexterity to operate forklift controls and other material handling equipment.
• Ability to bend, kneel, stoop, climb, and reach to complete tasks.
• Visual acuity/spatial awareness to ensure safe and accurate handling of materials.
• Hearing ability sufficient to hear safety signals, warnings, and instructions.