Pilot Plant Manager

Ready to turn big ideas into real‑world solutions? Grain Processing Corporation, a KENT WORLDWIDE™ company, in Muscatine, Iowa, is looking for a hands‑on, forward‑thinking Pilot Plant Manager to lead both the daily operations of our TDC Pilot Plant and the talented team that keeps it running. In this role, you’ll guide new processes from the lab to pilot scale, ensure safe and efficient plant performance, and work closely with R&D, engineering, quality, and production to bring new technologies to life.

If you thrive in an environment where technical expertise meets collaboration and leadership, this is a chance to make a direct impact on the future of our products.

This position is designed and intended to be performed in Muscatine, Iowa and offers a comprehensive benefits package, with the opportunity to join a high‑performing innovative team!

• Process Development & Scale‑Up:
  Lead the transition of new formulations or process from the lab to pilot scale; identify adjustments needed to make a process feasible for large‑scale manufacturing.
• Operations Management:
  Plan, schedule and oversee daily pilot plant activities, ensuring equipment is properly used, maintained and calibrated; optimizing run conditions to improve yield, efficacy or quality.
• Safety & Compliance:
  Ensure safety protocols specific to experiment or evolving processes; ensure compliance with environmental, chemical handling and industry regulations. Conduct or oversee hazard analyses (HAZOP, risk assessment).
• Data Collection & Analysis:
  Capture detailed data during pilot runs to evaluate process performance; analyze results to guide decision‑making – what works, what needs redesign and what can scale.
• Cross‑Functional
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Work closely with R&D scientists, engineering, quality, production teams, safety and maintenance.
• Budgeting & Resource Management:
  Manage materials consumption, labor, maintenance and capital improvements within budget.
• Monitor and report on all phases of project planning and execution to ensure alignments with objectives, timelines and budgets.
• Oversee coordination among all stakeholders in the planning, design and execution process by assigning tasks and providing guidance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• 5+ years of experience in pilot plant or plant operations, process development/operation or manufacturing scale‑up.
• Strong understanding of chemical and process principles.
• Experience with equipment (reactors, mixers, extruders, dryers, filtration systems, etc).
• Experience and knowledge of laboratory equipment.
• Familiarity with PFDs, P&IDs and SCADA/DCS Systems.
• Data analysis and troubleshooting expertise.
• Skills in both verbal and written communication.

• 5–10% travel for training, equipment evaluations, and occasionally based on travel.