Empirical Foods
Meat processing, lean ground beef producer
Machinist Trainee
About the job
- Good math skills.
- Ability to learn how to read and interpret drawings and blueprints and maintain specified dimensional accuracy of machined parts.
- General computer knowledge and proficiency.
- Mechanical aptitude.
- Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 60 pounds.
- Ability to walk, stand, climb, bend, reach, and handle materials and tools.
- Regular and punctual attendance.
- Ability to perform all essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
- High school diploma or equivalent, or verifiable ability to perform essential job functions.
- Machine parts according to shop drawing specifications and measure and mark material for reference points and dimensions.
- Set up and program machining equipment, observe machine operation for malfunctions or out-of-tolerance parameters, and make adjustments as needed.
- Operate saws, grinders, machines, power tools, and hand tools to complete assigned jobs.
- Clean the machine shop and maintain a safe and clean work area.
- Maintain machine tools, store equipment appropriately, and ensure the normal and efficient operation of machine equipment and tools.
- Notify management of abnormal machine operation, noise, or problems requiring attention.
- Perform process inspections of parts using standard inspection equipment and measuring devices to verify measurements, dimensions, and tolerances.
- Complete assigned jobs on schedule and within drawing specifications, and communicate job or schedule issues.
- Train in the quality control inspection department and learn fundamental tasks of a quality control mechanical inspector while providing coverage as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Entry-level experience working in a fabrication shop is advantageous.
About the company
Empirical Foods processes beef to produce lean ground beef and other protein products for food service and retail. It uses an in-house proprietary process that warms beef trimmings, centrifuges fat, and treats the product to kill bacteria to yield about 95% lean ground beef. They also offer boxed beef and pork, portioned steaks and roasts, and fully cooked seasoned items under brands like Noble Valley, Two Rivers Meat Co, and Dos Rios Taco Meat. They differentiate themselves by owning the technology to turn by-products into high-value protein and serving large packers, ground beef producers, fast-food chains, and grocers, with capacity expansion including a new plant in Garden City, Kansas.
Company Size
201-500
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Dakota Dunes, South Dakota
Founded
N/A
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Garden City opened April 8, 2026, adding more than 250 jobs and new volume.
- Record-high beef prices strengthen Empirical’s pitch for cheaper lean ground beef.
- Phase II at Garden City targets 80 million pounds annually if demand supports it.
What critics are saying
- USDA forecast tighter calf supplies in late 2026 squeeze Empirical’s input volumes.
- Ground beef remains haunted by pink slime stigma, threatening restaurant and retail demand.
- A major food-safety incident at Dakota Dunes or Garden City would devastate the brand.
What makes Empirical Foods unique
- Garden City’s 280,000-square-foot plant doubled lean ground beef capacity in 2026.
- Empirical’s proprietary centrifuge process extracts 95% lean beef from trimmings, not cattle expansion.
- Forty-five years of technology claim 21 extra pounds of beef per head.
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Benefits
Flexible Work Hours