Pilot Plant Engineer

Position Information

Classification Title Engineer-Res Instrument II FLSA Exempt FTE 1.00

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience

Preferred Qualifications

* Master's degree in Food Science & Technology, Food Engineering or similar

* At least three years of experience in food product and/or food process development

Position Summary

The Food Product Innovation and Commercialization Center (FoodPIC) Pilot Plant Engineer serves as the technical leader for pilot-scale food processing systems, facility operations, and applied process design. This position integrates engineering expertise with applied research leadership to support client-based product and process development. The Pilot Plant Engineer is responsible for designing, optimizing, and executing food processing workflows that translate scientific concepts into scalable manufacturing solutions.

The position provides technical authority over equipment systems, utilities, and facility operations while remaining actively engaged in hands-on operation of pilot-scale processing and analytical equipment. This position will work collaboratively with the FoodPIC Director, Assistant Director, administrative staff, extension specialists, research personnel, and students. The Pilot Plant Engineer leads applied research and commercialization projects that serve industry clients. The role requires deep expertise in food science, food analysis, and food engineering principles, along with working knowledge of regulatory and food safety requirements to ensure that processes are designed and executed in a safe and compliant manner.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

* Demonstrated expertise in food engineering principles and food processing systems, including heat transfer, mass transfer, fluid flow, mixing, thermal and non-thermal processing, and scale-up methodology. Advanced ability to design, optimize, and troubleshoot pilot-scale processing operations and translate laboratory concepts into manufacturable food systems.

* Comprehensive knowledge of food chemistry, food microbiology, ingredient functionality, and food analysis techniques, with the ability to integrate scientific principles into process design and product development. Working knowledge of consumer and sensory science as it relates to product optimization and commercialization.

* Extensive hands-on competency in operating, calibrating, maintaining, and troubleshooting pilot-scale food processing and analytical equipment. Ability to develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs), training protocols, and process validation documentation.

* Strong understanding of food manufacturing systems, facility utilities (steam, compressed air, chilled water, HVAC), sanitation design, and hygienic equipment principles. Ability to design processes and workflows that align with preventive controls, regulatory expectations, and food safety best practices.

* Proven applied research and development skills, including experimental design, statistical analysis, test planning, process optimization, data interpretation, and preparation of technical reports. Demonstrated ability to lead projects from concept through execution and reporting.

* Effective project management skills, including planning, coordination of multidisciplinary teams, resource management, and use of project management tools and software. Ability to manage multiple concurrent client projects while maintaining quality, safety, and timelines.

* Strong technical writing and communication skills, including preparation of proposals, experimental plans, technical reports, and grant materials. Ability to clearly communicate complex technical concepts to clients, faculty, students, and industry partners.

* Excellent client engagement and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with industry clients, faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders. Demonstrated professionalism in dynamic pilot plant environments, including maintaining composure, adaptability, and a solution-oriented mindset during operational challenges.

* Working knowledge of…