Lead Production Equipment/Tortilla Line Operator
Company Overview
Ancient Crunch Inc. is the fastest-growing healthy snack brand in the U.S. Our flagship product, MASA Chips, is the #1 selling tallow-fried tortilla chips in premium retailers like Erewhon. We manufacture all MASA products in-house at our Hackettstown facility using real ingredients—no seed oils, artificial flavors, or preservatives. All operations adhere to strict Good Manufacturing Practices.
Reports To: Production Supervisor(s)
Location: All Company Facilities. Daily facility assignments and duties may change.
Direct Reports: Production Equipment/Tortilla Line Operator(s). Additional direct reports may be added or removed based on operational needs.
Position Summary
The Lead Production Equipment/Tortilla Line Operator is responsible for leading and coordinating a small team of production equipment operators while overseeing the safe operation, monitoring, and adjustment of production equipment to ensure product quality, food safety, and operational efficiency standards are consistently achieved. This position serves as the lead operator for the production/tortilla line area and is accountable for guiding team members, maintaining compliance with established standards, and serving as the primary point of contact between the operating team and supervision.
The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, mechanically inclined, comfortable working in an industrial manufacturing environment, capable of leading a small team, and able to accurately complete and oversee operational documentation and equipment monitoring tasks.
The responsibilities listed below are not exhaustive. As Ancient Crunch scales, the requirements of this position will expand and adapt. The Lead Production Equipment/Tortilla Line Operator is expected to lead new initiatives and assume additional duties consistent with this title and the long-term evolution of our production strategy.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate a team of approximately 1–4 production equipment operators within the assigned line or area
- Operate and monitor production equipment through HMI and control systems
- Evaluate product quality against established specifications and production standards
- Make operational and equipment adjustments as needed to maintain product quality and production efficiency
- Ensure team members are following SOPs, production schedules, process parameters, and work instructions
- Accurately complete and verify production, quality, downtime, and operational documentation in English
- Monitor equipment performance and report mechanical or operational issues to supervision or maintenance
- Perform and oversee startup, shutdown, changeover, and operational checks
- Train and support team members on proper operational procedures, equipment operation, and safety expectations
- Maintain compliance with food safety, GMP, sanitation, and workplace safety requirements
- Maintain clean and organized work areas throughout the shift
- Work collaboratively with supervisors, QA, sanitation, maintenance, and other production personnel
- Identify and communicate deviations, quality concerns, or safety issues to supervision promptly
- Support continuous improvement efforts and operational efficiency initiatives
- Assist with cleaning, inspections, and general operational support activities as needed
Required Skills & Competencies
- Previous manufacturing or food production experience required
- Prior leadership or lead operator experience preferred
- Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English
- Comfortable operating industrial equipment and HMI/control systems
- Strong attention to detail and ability to identify and address product quality issues
- Ability to lead a small team and communicate expectations clearly
- Ability to safely make operational adjustments while following established procedures
- Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability preferred
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a fast-paced industrial environment
- Ability to stand for extended periods throughout the shift
- Ability to frequently use stairs and ladders safely during normal job duties
- Ability to work around moving machinery, noise, heat, dust, and varying production conditions
- Ability to follow and enforce all PPE, safety, food safety, and company policy requirements
Physical Requirements (Onsite)
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
- Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry materials throughout the shift
- Ability to use stairs and ladders throughout the shift
- Ability to work in hot, humid, wet, and industrial production environments
- Ability to wear required PPE, including respirators, gloves, hearing protection, face shields, and protective clothing
Qualifications
- Authorized to work in the U.S. and able to commute to Hackettstown, NJ
- Good memory, follow-up skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities
- Interest in product quality, manufacturing, or food/science environments a plus
- Bachelor’s degree preferred
What We Offer
- Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
- A health and wellness-focused culture
- All the chips you can eat!
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) & Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement
Ancient Crunch Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
All employment decisions at Ancient Crunch Inc.—including hiring, promotion, discipline, or discharge—are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.
In accordance with the ADA, we provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the job, unless doing so creates an undue hardship for the company. Applicants requiring accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact the HR Department.