Production Associate

About the Role: We have been busy growing our new facility in Brea, CA. We need talented people to help us build what will become one of the largest cold-process soap manufacturing operations in the country.

This team member will be a vital part of launching our 2nd Shift. The Production Associate will report to the Production Manager. 

The compensation range for this role will be $20/hr to $22/hr. Compensation will be commensurate with the candidate's experience and local market rates.

What You'll Do: 

• Clean, line and prepare soap molds
• Weigh and measure ingredients including vegetable oils, lye and fragrance
• Blend and mix ingredients using hand tools and automated equipment
• Observe mixture while blending to detect variations of color, viscosity, and homogeneity
• Pour mixture into molds using manual and semi-automated equipment
• Learn by doing, troubleshoot and develop optimal soap making processes
• Assist in training, coaching, and developing new members of the soap making team
• Maintain a safe and productive soap making workplace
• R&D: work with Production Manager and R&D/product team to develop and optimize recipes
• QA: implement and maintain procedures to ensure all products meet quality requirements
• Process optimization: work with Production Manager to test and develop optimal processes and production equipment
• Inventory management: receive and put away raw materials; store, stage and ship finished goods and work-in-process
• Operate material handling and safety equipment including forklifts, manual pallet trucks, motorized hand/lift trucks for drums, totes and pallets
• Heavy manual lifting of soap molds, soap in drying trays, equipment, cartons etc.
• Operate manual and hydraulic soap cutting equipment
• Operate pumps and valves to handle liquid ingredients
• Package, label, box, palletize and ship finished products
• Maintain a database of soap making recipes and process steps

• High School Diploma or GED and/or 1-year production experience in a manufacturing environment required
• Experience working in a batch progress manufacturing operation (e.g. soap, cosmetics, food, commercial bakery, or similar)
• Capable of working in an uncomfortable environment -high temperatures and extensive PPE gear usage
• Experience operating material handling equipment (incl. OSHA forklift certification) highly desired
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a highly motivated team
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, juggle multiple tasks simultaneously, and operate under significant time pressure
• Demonstrated ability to learn on the job and quickly solve problems
• Familiarity with FDA regulated industry, highly desired
• Fast-paced learner, problem-solver and self-starter, comfortable operating in a rapidly changing startup environment
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) highly desired

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