Senior Production Operator Jobs in Rochester, NY

Are you ready for your next adventure?
At Oregon Freeze Dry, innovation isn’t just a buzzword, it’s our foundation. We are a purpose driven company with six decades of expertise in freeze-drying technology. Best known as the makers of Mountain House© meals, we are experts in advanced lyophilization solutions that can help people live healthier lives. Our headquarters in Albany, Oregon sits at the crossroads of science and nature, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes that fuel bold ideas and transformative breakthroughs. We're driven by a commitment to quality, creativity, and continuous improvement, and we're always looking ahead to what's next. We’re proud of our legacy, but our future is even more exciting. If you're passionate and ready to make an impact, Oregon Freeze Dry isn't just a place to work, it's where your adventure begins.

We are looking for a Back-Up Chamber Operator to join our Production team on a rotating night shift. This position supports the efficient operation and maintenance of freeze‑drying equipment to ensure safe, high‑quality food production. This role works in close partnership with the Chamber Coordinator to support daily operations and assumes leadership and ownership of the freeze‑drying process when the Chamber Coordinator is unavailable. The ideal candidate with prior manufacturing experience thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys working as part of a team, and enjoys making an impact.

You will get to:

• Collaborate closely with the Chamber Coordinator to operate and monitor freeze-drying chambers and associated equipment in compliance with established procedures, taking ownership of the process as needed.
• Support and execute the loading and unloading of product carts into chambers, ensuring accurate identification, placement, and documentation throughout the process.
• Initiate, monitor, and record process parameters, including temperature, pressure, vacuum levels, and cycle times to ensure adherence to product specifications.
• Perform & oversee thorough cleaning, sanitization, and preparation of chambers and surrounding areas between production runs in accordance with food safety and sanitation standards.
• Identify and communicate deviations, alarms, or equipment malfunctions to supervision or maintenance for timely resolution.
• Maintain detailed production records, logs, and process data to support traceability and quality assurance requirements.
• Support freeze dryer maintenance, calibration, and validation activities as directed.
• Assist with cold room defrosting, sanitation, and overall cleaning, including carts, equipment, and processing areas during setup and changeover.
• Follow all safety, sanitation, and environmental protocols to maintain a clean and compliant production area.

Schedule: PB Night Shift (6:45pm-7:00am), 2, 2, 3 Rotation
2, 2, 3 schedule rotation - Night shift: 6:45 PM – 7:00 AM

(please see rotation example below)

MON

TUE

WED

THUR

FRI

SAT

SUN

Week 1

Off

Off

Work

Work

Off

Off

Off

Week 2

Work

Work

Off

Off

Work

Work

Work

Environment of this position:

• Frequent exposure to extreme temperatures
• Noise level in the work environment can be loud
• Exposure to various food allergens
• Regular requirement to stand, walk, climb, push, pull, reach, carry, and lift and twist
• Must be able to regularly lift 15 pounds and up to 50 pounds

OFD contains office, manufacturing and outdoor workspaces where this position is required to access and work. The position requires a person to be able to frequently walk, stand and climb; bend and twist; see, hear and talk; use hands to type, handle or feel tools, controls; use hands and arms to reach, hold and carry tools or items. This position also requires a person to handle environments of varied temperatures and with various food allergens present; and be comfortable at various heights.

We are looking for someone who has:

• • Generally, a minimum of Two to Three (2-3) years of food manufacturing or related field experience, preferably in freeze- drying, with a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Working knowledge of food processing, food safety and GMP standards.
  • Strong attention to detail, accuracy in data entry, and adherence to procedures.
  • Ability to safely lift, move, and handle product trays, carts, and racks.
  • Effective communication and teamwork skills to coordinate with production crews and adapt to changing priorities.
  • Basic computer proficiency; including experience with data entry, digital forms, or manufacturing software systems.
  • Solid mathematical skills, with the ability to perform basic calculations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and understand measurements, weights, and unit conversions.
  • Ability to read and follow work instructions, SOPs and technical documents with accuracy.
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple tasks effectively and staying organized under pressure.
  • While a standard shift will generally be assigned, flexibility is required to support operations across multiple shifts in a 24/7 manufacturing environment.
  • Capable of working in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple tasks effectively and staying organized under pressure.
  • While a standard shift will generally be assigned, this role requires flexibility to support operations across multiple shifts in a 24/7 manufacturing environment.

Thriving together: Your OFD Total Rewards and Benefits:
At Oregon Freeze Dry, we believe that our employees are the key to our success. That’s why we offer a competitive total rewards package aimed at supporting the health, financial security, and overall wellbeing of you and your family.

• Customize your healthcare coverage: including medical, dental, and vision options to fit your needs.
• Boost your savings: Choose an FSA or HSA for extra flexibility.
• Plan for your future: enroll into our 401(k) with employer match and immediate vesting.
• Peace of mind: Life and disability insurance to keep you and your loved ones protected.
• Furry friends: Pet insurance for your four-legged family members.
• Recharge & Refresh: Enjoy paid company holidays, PTO and sick time
• Give back: join us in making a difference with community support opportunities.
• Score savings: Unlock exclusive employee discounts and special savings on Mountain House product.
• Spread the word: Earn bonuses for referring awesome new team members.

Oregon Freeze Dry is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace. We value diversity and are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all employees. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or disability.
All applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment may be required to take and pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.