Pilot Plant Engineer

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. The Pilot Plant Engineer works collaboratively with the FoodPIC Director, Assistant Director, administrative staff, extension specialists, research personnel, and students to lead applied research and commercialization projects for industry clients. The role requires deep expertise in food science, food analysis, and food engineering principles, along with knowledge of regulatory and food safety requirements to ensure that processes are designed and executed in a safe and compliant manner.

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.

Plant Engineering

• Provide technical leadership and oversight for all pilot plant equipment, systems, and facility infrastructure.
• Ensure proper development, implementation, and continuous improvement of operating procedures and training protocols for all processing and analytical systems.
• Oversee equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and lifecycle management, including coordination of repairs, preventive maintenance, and installation of new systems.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Director to design and implement effective sanitation, cleaning, and hygienic process systems that align with food safety and regulatory requirements. Maintain pilot plant orderliness and operational readiness.
• Oversee utility systems—including boiler, steam, compressed air, chilled water, and HVAC—in coordination with UGA facilities to ensure reliable and safe plant operations.

Project Execution

• Lead applied product and process development projects from initial concept through execution and reporting, including process design, experimental planning, statistical test design, pilot‑scale execution, product evaluation, data analysis, and preparation of technical reports. Product categories may include beverages, sauces, confectionery, and other food systems.
• Coordinate and collaborate with faculty, extension specialists, technical staff, students, and industry clients to achieve project objectives.
• Provide technical guidance on process feasibility, scale‑up considerations, and equipment capabilities in support of commercialization and research initiatives.

Plant Run Execution

• Actively set up, operate, monitor, and troubleshoot pilot‑scale food processing and laboratory equipment during client and research trials.
• Lead and participate in production runs, ensuring adherence to safety, quality, and experimental protocols.
• Perform equipment adjustments, minor repairs, cleaning, and sanitation as needed to maintain operational integrity.
• Support other project leaders by assisting with plant trials and ensuring efficient workflow and resource utilization.
• Maintain a strong hands‑on presence in the plant to ensure reliable execution of processing activities and continuous improvement of operational performance.

Strategic Development & Innovation

• Identify and advance opportunities to enhance FoodPIC’s technical capabilities, equipment portfolio, facility infrastructure, and service offerings.
• Evaluate emerging processing technologies, instrumentation, and manufacturing approaches to strengthen applied research and commercialization outcomes.
• Contribute technical expertise to grant proposals,…