Food Production - Pilot Plant Technician - Product Development - To Roughly

Job Description

Job Title:
Pilot Plant Technician – 2nd Shift (ITQ Technologist – Cereal)

Job Description

This role supports pilot plant and test kitchen operations with a primary focus on the cereal platform during 2nd shift. You will autonomously set up, sanitize, and operate production equipment for trials, working closely with food product developers and other pilot plant teams. The position offers a flex environment where you support multiple platforms beyond cereal, building broad operational capabilities and gaining valuable food science exposure.

This is a hands‑on role in a food production setting that combines technical equipment operation, sanitation, and strong safety leadership.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate pilot plant and production equipment for cereal and other food platforms, following all food safety and Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Independently set up equipment for trials, including assembling and disassembling components using hand tools.
• Lead and perform sanitation activities before and after production runs, including cleaning and inspecting equipment to ensure proper sanitation.
• Apply strong human and food safety practices, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment and adherence to safety procedures such as HACCP and lock-out/tag-out.
• Conduct risk assessments to identify and mitigate human and food safety risks in the pilot plant environment.
• Maintain and develop skills across multiple unit operations and systems, achieving mastery on some systems and operating them efficiently.
• Train and coach others on specific unit operations and systems, sharing knowledge to drive incremental value for internal customers.
• Support maintenance, electrical, and controls-related activities with a technical focus, escalating issues as needed.
• Collaborate closely with food scientists, product developers, and production staff to execute trials and test variables in new and existing food products.
• Participate in projects and efforts to find and resolve safety risks, demonstrating leadership in safety initiatives.
• Handle, manipulate, and transport ingredients and equipment weighing up to 55 pounds consistently and repeatedly.
• Perform manual work including standing, walking, climbing, bending, pushing, pulling, and twisting for extended periods.
• Flex between different pilot plant platforms (such as cereal, fruit snacks, dairy, pet food, grains and bars) to support evolving business needs.
• Adapt to changing schedules, including flexing to different shifts or hours with advance notice based on business requirements.
• Work occasional overtime before or after scheduled shifts and support weekend production or trials as needed.
• Operate powered lifts such as stackers and pallet jacks to move materials safely.
• Work around industrial high-speed moving machinery and equipment that may generate electromagnetic interference.
• Follow all safety standards and policies, including working carefully around hazardous compounds and gases.
• Adhere to all Good Manufacturing Practices to ensure food safety and maintain a clean, organized work area.
• Comply with allergen control procedures and work safely around common food allergens.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent with 1–3 years of relatable experience in production, machine operation, labor roles, or warehouse environments.
• 6–12 months of sanitation experience, ideally involving food-grade chemicals.
• Experience operating industrial equipment in a production or manufacturing setting.
• Familiarity with using hand tools for assembling and disassembling equipment.
• Understanding of fundamental human and food safety practices, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Knowledge of food safety systems such as HACCP.
• Awareness of…