Pilot Plant Technician

Job Description 

The Technician is responsible for executing trial plans by operating pilot plant machinery and equipment, controlling process flow, and completing manual process work in packaging and/or less complex processing areas. This role supports day-to-day trial execution across one to two pilot plants and multiple lines with similar equipment, covering several business platforms. 

Beyond daily responsibilities, the Technician must recognize the critical role their work plays in ensuring food safety, product quality, and reliable pilot plant operations, and promptly report any issues that could impact safety, food integrity, equipment performance, or trial execution. 

Statement of the Job: 

Perform pilot plant duties in compliance with established policies, safety standards, GMP requirements, and food safety and quality guidelines. The employee must be able to: 

• Execute trial plans by operating machinery and equipment and completing assigned production activities 

• Control process flow and conduct manual process work for packaging and/or less-complex processing areas 

• Work across one to two different pilot plants and multiple lines with similar equipment covering several business platforms 

• Support or participate in pre-trial meetings and trial planning activities 

• Perform trial set-up and tear-down activities 

• Support day-to-day running of production trials, including equipment self-checks and initial troubleshooting 

• Ensure timely and precise completion of trial and production records 

• Submit maintenance work orders and order materials as needed to support trial execution 

• Support equipment swabbing, sanitizing, and minimal sanitation duties as required 

• Explain workstation requirements and activities to other technicians and developers 

• Shadow colleagues trained on specific workstations and build capability across assigned areas 

• Complete work activities autonomously while escalating non-standard issues to the manager or more experienced colleagues 

Responsibilities 

The employee is responsible for the following duties: 

• Carry out pilot plant operations following established policies and standards for product quality, GMP compliance, and safety. 

• Support successful day-to-day execution and completion of production trials 

• Be accountable for on-time trial set-up, tear-down, and routine operation during assigned trials 

• Perform machinery and equipment self-checks and carry out initial troubleshooting during trial execution 

• Complete required trial, production, and related operational documentation 

• Submit maintenance work orders and order materials needed for trial support 

• Support sanitation, swabbing, and related food safety and quality activities as required 

• Communicate workstation needs, project status, and trial issues to pilot plant leaders, developers, and relevant partners 

• Balance multiple work activities and accommodate changes in trial timing or schedule 

• Escalate non-standard process, equipment, or execution issues appropriately 

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Technician Manager, including support across pilot plant areas as needed 

Safety Responsibility:  

Responsible for wearing proper PPE, compliance of safety training, policy & procedures, and reporting any unsafe safety conditions to management. Responsible for safely operating production equipment and tools required for production.  

Quality Responsibility: 

Participate in audtis and assist in the development of procedures and corrective actions.  

Equipment Operated: 

Fork trucks, power tools, lift assist equipment, production operating equipment and tools across pilot plants, and production computer systems.  

Responsibility of Equipment Operated: 

Responsible for ensuring equipment is in a safe and operable condition and must operate equipment in a safe manner.  

Lifting Requirements 

Lifting 5-50 pounds may be required.  Employees should use assisted lifting techniques / devices or teamwork for equipment greater than 50 pounds.  

Training And Experience: 

The employee must have the following required qualifications:     

• High school diploma or GED required 

• 3-7 years of relevant manufacturing, food production, pilot plant, or similar operation environment experience required 

• Basic to intermediate computer skills required 

• Ability to complete production documentation and learn to use required digital systems 

• Ability to work autonomously within standard work, while using judgement to escalate non-standard issues.