CIP Valve Operator (Clean-In-Place Lines)

The Mid-Level CIP Valve Operator is responsible for independently operating, monitoring, and troubleshooting Clean-In-Place (CIP) valve systems across sanitary process lines. The role ensures proper cleaning and sanitization of tanks, pipelines, vessels, and associated systems in accordance with regulatory and quality standards. The operator plays a key role in maintaining hygienic integrity in industries such as food & beverage, dairy, pharmaceutical, and biotech manufacturing.

This position requires a working knowledge of automated valve systems, piping routes, cleaning sequences, and sanitation documentation.

Key Focus Areas:

1. Operation and Monitoring of Automated CIP Valve Systems

2. Sanitation Cycle Execution and Validation

3. Troubleshooting and Minor Maintenance Support

4. Compliance with Quality and Regulatory Standards (GMP, HACCP, etc.)

5. Collaboration with Production, QA, and Maintenance Teams

Key Responsibilities:

1. Operation and Monitoring of Automated CIP Valve Systems

• • Operate, monitor, and verify performance of CIP valve control systems during cleaning cycles.

  • Set up correct routing of chemical, rinse, and sanitizing flows through process lines and vessels.

  • Confirm valve integrity through manual checks and HMI/system diagnostics.

2. Sanitation Cycle Execution and Validation

• • Execute scheduled CIP cycles based on batch records or production schedules.

  • Record cycle data including temperature, conductivity, duration, and valve sequencing.

  • Assist in pre- and post-cleaning inspections to verify cleanliness and system readiness.

3. Troubleshooting and Minor Maintenance Support

• • Detect and report anomalies such as valve leakage, failed positioning, or improper routing.

  • Perform basic corrective actions like reseating valves, tightening fittings, or flushing lines.

  • Coordinate with maintenance teams for deeper mechanical or pneumatic issues.

4. Compliance with Quality and Regulatory Standards

• • Ensure all CIP procedures meet GMP, HACCP, FDA, and site-specific sanitation standards.

  • Maintain accurate cleaning logs, system performance records, and deviation reports.

  • Participate in internal and external audits by demonstrating system knowledge and documentation.

5. Collaboration and Support

• • Work closely with QA, sanitation, and production personnel to schedule and validate cleaning activities.

  • Provide input for improving CIP efficiency, valve layout, and documentation accuracy.

  • Assist in training junior operators or new hires on proper valve handling and CIP protocols.

Required Qualifications:

• • Technical diploma or certificate in mechanical, process operations, food technology, or industrial sanitation.

  • 2–4 years of hands-on experience with CIP systems and valve operations in a regulated production environment.

  • Familiarity with automated valve systems, HMIs, and process flow diagrams (P&IDs).

Preferred Skills:

• • Working knowledge of sanitary valve types (e.g., mixproof, butterfly, diaphragm, seat valves).

  • Experience with major CIP system brands (Alfa Laval, SPX, GEA, Burkert).

  • Understanding of cleaning agents, chemical concentration control, and rinse verification.

  • Basic troubleshooting skills for pneumatic/electric valve actuators.