Dry Process Operator (Spray Dryer)

We are looking for experienced Dry Process Operators with strong hands-on exposure to Spray Dryer operations to join our production team.

The role is responsible for operating, monitoring and controlling the Spray Dryer and associated powder-processing equipment used in the production of plant-based pea protein ingredients. The successful candidate will ensure stable process conditions, product quality, food safety, equipment reliability and safe plant operations.

Candidates with experience in spray drying, dairy, milk powder, protein powder, food ingredients, starch, cocoa, coffee, nutritional powder or other food-manufacturing processes are highly encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor and control the Spray Dryer system and associated production equipment.

• Perform Spray Dryer start-up, normal operation, shutdown and product changeover activities.

• Monitor process parameters through the HMI / automated process-control system.

• Monitor and control parameters including:

  • Inlet and outlet temperatures
  • Feed flow and concentration
  • Airflow and pressure
  • Atomization conditions
  • Product moisture
  • Powder discharge

• Monitor equipment including feed pumps, tanks, fans, blowers, cyclones, filters, powder collection and conveying systems.

• Conduct routine operator rounds and equipment inspections.

• Perform in-process sampling and basic product-quality checks.

• Adjust operating parameters within approved limits based on process conditions and quality results.

• Identify and respond to process abnormalities, alarms, blockages, abnormal temperatures, pressure changes or equipment issues.

• Support troubleshooting and root-cause investigation of production/process problems.

• Carry out cleaning, sanitation and CIP activities according to approved procedures.

• Maintain a high standard of GMP, hygiene and housekeeping in the production area.

• Perform basic operator-level preventive maintenance and equipment inspections.

• Coordinate with Engineering and Maintenance teams during equipment breakdowns and maintenance.

• Maintain accurate production, process, sampling, inspection and shift-handover records.

• Comply with GMP, HACCP, CCP, OPRP, food safety and company safety requirements.

• Follow LOTO, Permit to Work, PPE and other plant safety procedures.

• Support commissioning, process optimization and continuous improvement activities when required.

The original operator scope also requires close monitoring of HMI controls, food-safety controls, sampling, process records, preventive maintenance and sanitation activities.

Requirements

• Minimum SPM / Certificate / Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in manufacturing or production operations preferred.
• Food manufacturing experience is strongly preferred.
• Hands-on Spray Dryer operating experience is a major advantage.
• Experience in industrial drying or powder-processing operations is preferred.
• Familiarity with HMI / automated process-control systems.
• Basic understanding of pumps, valves, fans, blowers, cyclones, filters and powder-handling equipment.
• Knowledge of GMP, HACCP and food-safety requirements.
• Good mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Able to follow SOPs, work instructions and production requirements.
• Good teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Able to maintain accurate production records.
• Willing to work rotating shifts, including night shifts, weekends, public holidays and overtime when required.

Preferred Industry Experience

Candidates with previous experience in the following industries will have an advantage:

• Spray drying
• Dairy / milk powder
• Protein powder
• Food ingredients
• Plant-based protein
• Starch processing
• Cocoa / coffee processing
• Nutritional powder
• Powder-processing plants
• High-hygiene food manufacturing

What We Are Looking For

We are particularly interested in candidates who have actual hands-on experience operating Spray Dryers, understand process parameters and can identify and respond to production abnormalities in a continuous food-manufacturing environment.