Pilot Plant Technician

Job Description:

The Pilot Plant Technician role is responsible to be part of a cross-functional and highly collaborative team reporting to the Pilot Plant Manager. The role assists in the completion of projects including preparation of Pilot Plant runs, configuration of equipment, equipment sanitation, routine clean up, pack outs, and housekeeping. They support evolving trial demands and collect data for efficient operations.

The technician role helps ensure open communication with the pilot plant manager and all other Pilot Plant and trial stakeholders including site HSE, Quality and Food Safety, and R&D platform partners. It includes escalation of concerns, equipment reliability, planning, and resource concerns. It also includes attending all required team meetings, completing all required documentation, and participating in continuous Improvement activities.

The Pilot Plant technician may support operations with Wet, Dry, C&T, and Innovation process trials to support delivery of site business objectives.

• Operate food processing and sanitation equipment
• Record and distribute data from experiments
• Batch raw materials for trials and update impacted inventory systems
• Cross train on several pilot plant operations, such as wet and sanitation
• Support key stakeholders, such as Quality and HSE departments
• Develop and update standard operating procedures for applicable areas
• Provide quality control for pilot plant produced finished product and ensure all products leaving the site are food safe
• Clean and sanitize equipment/machinery and plant facility according to good manufacturing and sanitation practices.
• Maintain associate safety and food safety in the Pilot Plant
• Use creativity and innovation to solve mechanical or organizational problems
• Be flexible to ever-evolving pilot plant demands
• Perform other tasks as assigned

This position requires an AA/AS, BS degree in Science (e.g., Chemistry, Physics, Analytical Chemistry, Food Science, etc.) or Technology (e.g., Engineering Technology), or a HS/Vocational School degree with relevant work experience. It also requires diverse knowledge of food production equipment and processes.

• Familiar with food processing GMP standards, equipment operations, and laboratory testing.
• Attention to detail and ability to participate in HSE/QA annual auditing.
• Ability to stand and bend for 8+ hours during a 10 hour shift.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Ability to operate forklift.
• Familiarity with computers and iPad/tablet, as well as an ability to navigate general software programs like email, online time keeping and electronic calendars.