Within our Pilot Plant team located in Denver – Leprino is seeking a Pilot Plant Vat Operator to move our organization to even larger levels of cheese and dairy ingredient growth! We take pride in our vision to be "world's best", it is why we work harder, invest more, and continually innovate.

At Leprino, starting compensation for this role typically ranges between $26 and $30 This position has an annual target bonus of 3.5%.

What You’ll Do:

• Operate and monitor cheese-making systems including High Temperature Short Time (HTST), cheese vats, De-Matting Conveyor (DMC), preheat, and mixing equipment to craft high-quality products.
• Follow make plans precisely—measuring, adding, and documenting ingredients to ensure consistent results.
• Collect samples, perform basic tests, and record production data accurately for each cheese trial.
• Adjust equipment and settings during operations to maintain product specifications and process efficiency.
• Set up, sanitize, and prepare equipment between trials, following safety and sanitation standards.
• Support experimental trials and new product development work in the Pilot Plant—your work helps shape what may be produced in our larger facilities!
• Prepare and use starter and secondary cultures for cheese production.
• Coordinate with the operations and research teams to align timing and materials during production.
• Maintain a clean, safe workspace in full compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Identify opportunities for improvement and share ideas that help our team work more efficiently and safely!

You Have At Least (Required Qualifications):

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in food production or manufacturing.
• Working knowledge of cheese vat and finishing operations, or similar processing systems.
• Basic computer skills for data entry and production tracking.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand or walk for extended periods.
• Availability to work 10-hour shifts in varying temperature environments.

We Hope You Also Have (Preferred Qualifications):

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in food science, Dairy Science, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in cheese production, dairy processing, or pilot plant operations.
• Experience using automated data collection or process control systems.
• Familiarity with pumps, valves, and piping systems in a food manufacturing setting.
• Forklift certification or prior forklift operation experience.

At Leprino, we believe in equal employment opportunity and make employment decisions based on each individual’s unique talents, experience, skills, and knowledge; we do not discriminate on the basis of any personal characteristics. We know we are better together and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive culture in which all employees can thrive.

Offering You In Return:

A chance to be part of a global team of individuals passionate about producing and delivering high-quality products that help feed and nourish families around the world. Leprino could not be where it is today without our incredible employees. That is why we share in our success together by rewarding you for your hard work. Hiring great people who are in it for the long run is our goal. Through competitive salaries and bonuses, life, medical/dental/vision coverage, voluntary benefits, employee assistance programs, wellness incentives, tuition assistance, vacation, ten paid holidays, sick time, paid parental leave, annual merit increases, as well as the LFC Profit-Sharing & 401(k) plan. Your impact will be noticed and rewarded, as you seek to further our company, our customers, and one another.

Our Story:

Leprino’s history dates back to the 1950s, when Jim Leprino first started making small batches of mozzarella for local markets and eateries in the Little Italy neighborhood of Denver. We’ve grown a bit since then. Today, Leprino is the world’s largest manufacturer of mozzarella and lactose, and a leading producer of whey protein. Still owned by the Leprino family, our sights are set to be the “World’s Best Dairy Food and Ingredient Company.” From a small corner grocery store we have grown to over 5,500 employees throughout the globe. Will you join us on our journey?

Learn more at Leprino.com

Leprino Foods Company

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Pilot Plant Vat Operator