Senior Pilot Plant Technician

Danone•Louisville, CO

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Pilot Plant Technician assists with, organizes, and performs pilot plant trials and related support work under general supervision. Working as part of a team, the technician helps develop, plan, and execute daily pilot operations to support the development and improvement of Danone products, packaging, and processes through small-scale experimentation. The role works closely with R&I scientists, technicians, and developers to ensure trial product accuracy and to support the preparation, execution, and review of experiments. The technician operates and maintains pilot plant equipment, follows safety, GMP, food-handling, and operating procedures, and supports robust technical execution and data collection during pilot trials. The role also involves cross-training technicians, balancing a dynamic schedule, maintaining trial records, preparing trial summaries and recommendations, managing raw materials, and troubleshooting equipment and process issues. The position is hybrid, with regular attendance at the assigned office location at least three days per week and work-from-home flexibility as agreed with the supervisor.

Requirements

At least 4 years of experience in food and beverage manufacturing operations.
A bachelor's degree (B.S. or B.A.) from a four-year college or university, or relevant experience in the food industry.
Basic understanding of food safety and handling procedures.
Basic understanding of laboratory safety rules and procedures.
Ability to read and analyze experimental and process designs to achieve desired outcomes.
Ability to write and communicate observations and test summaries.
Ability to interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule-based instructions.
Ability to interpret analytical results and form conclusions.
Ability to solve problems based on facts and trends.
Ability to work a flexible schedule; weekends are not included.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage workflow and prioritize multiple tasks with limited direct supervision.
Ability to perform the physical demands of the role, including frequent standing, walking, sitting, using hands, reaching, balancing, stooping, kneeling, or crouching; occasional lifting or moving of up to 50 pounds; and tasting and smelling food products to detect attributes such as taste, odor, and texture.

Responsibilities

Operate and maintain all equipment in the pilot plant.
Maintain a safe and clean working environment for employees and visitors, and ensure compliance with safety rules, pilot plant rules, GMPs, and the code of ethics.
Lead cross-training activities for pilot plant technicians.
Work with pilot plant management and technical teams to ensure technical rigor and collect data during pilot trials, identifying risks and opportunities for industrialization and scale-up.
Prioritize and balance a dynamic production schedule.
Provide supervisory support for scheduling, planning, and equipment operations when called upon.
Develop proficiency with pilot plant equipment and processes across existing and future product types.
Create, communicate, and regularly update standard operating procedures for machine operation and maintenance, safety, and food handling.
Develop proficiency with analytical equipment and tests and perform essential laboratory skills.
Assist R&I developers with experiment preparation, execution, and review, including staging raw materials according to submitted formulations.
Maintain clear and concise records of plant operations in accordance with FSMA regulations.
Prepare trial-result summaries and recommendations for product and process improvements.
Troubleshoot and optimize products and manufacturing processes for commercialization and to eliminate quality and production errors in the pilot plant.
Troubleshoot minor mechanical and equipment issues as needed.
Follow established SOPs for equipment and maintenance operations.
Manage inventory and prepare and weigh raw materials.
Use chemicals safely.
Perform other duties as assigned.