Pilot Plant Technician

Nestle Operational Services Worldwide SA•Paris Township, OH

10h•$40,486 - $64,538

About The Position

Pilot Plant Technicians organize and execute pilot plant trials and provide associated support under general supervision. They perform mechanical troubleshooting and repairs as needed, interact with project teams, and participate in project discussions. Technicians also participate in cross-training and learn new skills in response to global technological advances. The role supports innovation through trial preparation, execution, follow-up, review, and process improvement, with a focus on soluble coffee manufacturing processes.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Minimum of 1–3 years of previous operational or manufacturing experience.
Strong critical and analytical skills, including problem-solving.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds; occasionally, lifting more than 50 pounds with assistance may be required.

Nice To Haves

Experience working on complex manufacturing systems such as roasters, evaporators, centrifuges, aroma recovery systems, cell extraction systems, and spray or batch dryers.
Experience working with equipment used for thermal and aseptic processing.
Experience and understanding of equipment that uses rupture discs and safety valves.
Previous mechanical operation experience or schooling in a maintenance, mechanical, or trades program.

Responsibilities

Set up, start up, operate, clean, and shut down food processing equipment.
Execute equipment changeover activities.
Perform mechanical repairs, inspections, and troubleshooting as required.
Apply calculations as illustrated in the training program.
Complete specified training programs and learn end-to-end soluble coffee manufacturing processes, including roasting, extraction, aroma recovery, evaporation, and drying.
Maintain equipment in good sanitary and working condition.
Document trial data records and prepare summaries of trial results, including log sheets.
Analyze information from test results, process controls, trending, and monitoring, and troubleshoot deviations.
Run sediment, moisture, powder density, and other specified quality monitoring.
Trace and understand process flows, such as fluidizing lines, and operate heaters and coolers.
Support Project Leaders, Pilot Plant Team Members, and others with pilot plant trial preparation, execution, follow-up, review, and process improvement.
Understand and follow applicable job-specific safety and security rules, including LOTO.
Review and provide feedback on updates to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Apply good manufacturing practices, follow SOPs, and maintain a safe, clean, and sanitary work area.
Support the site's Sustainability Roadmap.
Perform additional duties as assigned.