Oven Operator (3960)

The Oven Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating and monitoring industrial baking ovens used in the production of Stellar Snacks pretzels. This role ensures pretzels are baked to quality standards for color, texture, and food safety specifications while maintaining a clean, efficient, and safe production environment.

Scope

The Oven Operator reports directly to the Production Supervisor and is responsible for the full baking cycle — from oven startup and product loading through monitoring, quality inspection, and shutdown. The role requires cross-functional communication with Maintenance and QC teams and active participation in changeovers, sanitation, and continuous improvement of throughput.

Roles & Responsibilities

Oven Operation & Monitoring

• Operate and monitor industrial ovens used in pretzel baking
• Adjust oven temperature, belt speed, and bake time to meet product specifications
• Load, monitor, and unload pretzel products throughout the baking process
• Visually inspect pretzels for proper color, texture, and doneness; make adjustments as needed
• Record production data including temperatures, bake times, and lot information

Equipment Adjustments & Changeovers

• Adjust kiln belt speed to correct moisture issues
• Adjust the mixer to correct for texture issues with the dough
• Perform complete changeovers without assistance from management, including loading proper oven and mixer profiles
• Ensure all proper ingredients are added and set to correct set points
• Adjust transfer points from proofer to cooker and from cooker to oven
• Change the blade on the Guillotine and adjust the sweep properly for the product running
• Change the fingers on the Band Cutter and adjust for proper operation
• Assist with startups and shutdowns as required

Sanitation & Maintenance

• Perform routine cleaning and sanitation of ovens and surrounding equipment
• Clean and replace filters on combustion blowers
• Adhere to all safety procedures including lockout/tagout (LOTO) and heat-related safety protocols

Quality & Compliance

• Follow all food safety, quality, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
• Monitor product quality continuously and escalate concerns promptly
• Complete all required documentation accurately and on time

Team & Communication

• Communicate equipment issues or production concerns to the Supervisor or Maintenance team
• Support overall production goals by maintaining throughput and minimizing downtime
• Perform other duties as assigned

In the Event of an Absence

Another experienced employee will assume responsibility for the essential functions of this position.

Qualifications

Qualifications & Education Requirements

• High school diploma or GED preferred
• 1+ year of experience in food manufacturing, baking, or oven operation preferred
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Basic math skills for measurements, timing, and documentation
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Ability to work comfortably in a hot environment for extended periods
• Prior Oven Experience Required
• LOTO (Lockout/Tagout) understanding and compliance

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those required by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Working conditions are normal for a manufacturing bakery environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, and communicate. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. The work environment involves exposure to high heat from industrial ovens; the noise level is usually moderate to loud. Use of safety equipment — including eye protection, hearing protectors, heat-resistant gloves, and hair nets — is required.