Spray Dryer operator

Vitalis Ingredients is seeking an experienced Spray Dryer Operator with practical expertise in producing dairy powders, including agglomerated and instant powders. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience operating and controlling spray drying systems, with a strong understanding of critical parameters that influence powder quality. These parameters include inlet and outlet air temperatures, feed solids concentration, atomization, fines return, fluid-bed operation, moisture content, bulk density, particle size, solubility, dispersibility, and instant properties. Experience working with products such as skim milk powder and whole milk powder, as well as familiarity with instantization and agglomeration processes, is highly valued.

Key Responsibilities
- Operate and monitor spray dryer and fluid-bed systems to ensure efficient production.
- Control drying conditions to achieve target moisture levels and desired powder characteristics.
- Manage agglomeration and fines return systems to maintain product quality.
- Produce instant powders that are readily dispersible and meet quality standards.
- Monitor critical process variables including feed concentration, atomization, air temperatures, pressure, and product flow.
- Troubleshoot issues related to powder quality such as poor solubility, excessive fines, high moisture, deposits, scorching, or low bulk density.
- Perform product changeovers, cleaning, and Clean-In-Place (CIP) procedures in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Maintain accurate production and process documentation for traceability and quality control.
- Collaborate closely with Quality Assurance and production teams to ensure consistent product quality and compliance with specifications.

Required Qualifications
- Proven plant-floor experience operating spray drying systems, particularly in the dairy powder industry.
- Practical knowledge of instantization and agglomeration processes.
- Ability to understand and control key process parameters affecting powder quality.
- Strong troubleshooting skills related to powder production issues.
- Familiarity with cleaning and maintenance protocols in a production environment.
- Experience working with skim milk powder, whole milk powder, or similar dairy powders is preferred.
- Commitment to maintaining safety and quality standards on the production floor.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits
Candidates with real, hands-on experience in spray drying and instantization processes will be given priority over those with theoretical knowledge alone. The role offers a competitive salary range from Rs50,000 to Rs200,000 per month, reflecting the candidate’s experience and expertise. This position requires working on-site to ensure direct involvement with production operations and close coordination with the team.

This opportunity is ideal for professionals looking to apply their specialized skills in a dynamic manufacturing environment focused on high-quality dairy powder production.