Technician, R&D, Pilot Plant

The Kraft Heinz Company•Glenview, IL

3d•$61,000 - $76,200•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction and supervision of the Pilot Plant Quality and Sanitation Program Manager, the Pilot Plant Quality Technician is responsible for the day-to-day execution of pilot plant quality activities. Employees are responsible for understanding the relevance and importance of their activities in contributing to food safety and reporting situations that may impact food. The employee must perform pilot plant duties in compliance with established policies, safety standards, GMP requirements, and food safety and quality guidelines. This role involves learning and performing lab tasks for all production areas, including Micro and Pathogen swabbing, touch plate testing, GMP categories, water & air sample testing, and clean trace swabs. The technician will develop and maintain records of test results, communicate findings, and escalate serious issues. They will also participate in logistical planning for sample collection to meet regulatory and internal protocol requirements, and evaluate equipment by performing reference control check samples. Additionally, the role includes ordering and maintaining lab supplies, conducting process audits, working on special projects, partnering with developers and maintenance, and completing required training on production equipment, processes, sanitation, and food safety and quality requirements. The ability to inspect equipment and products for cleanliness and foreign material, and to work across multiple pilot plant production areas is essential.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED Required.
1 – 5 years of relevant manufacturing, food production, pilot plant, or similar operation environment experience required.
Excellent Communication Skills (written, verbal, and presentation)
Ability to work autonomously within standard work, while using judgement to escalate non-standard issues.
Ability to learn - must be able to adapt and learn new skills quickly.
Ability to complete production documentation and learn to use required digital systems
Intermediate Computer Skills Required
Must have the ability to learn additional EAM and purchase order system (e.g. SAP, Ariba Procurement Buying) requirements as system progresses or applications change.
Ability to use spreadsheets, databases (e.g. Microsoft, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and analytical tools such as Lablynx / ATP Novalum.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge in HACCP, Microbiology, Sanitation, Chemical Safety, Pest Control, and Quality Systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

Perform the duties of general pilot plant quality technician duties consistent with planned policies and standards with respect to product quality, GMPs, and safety.
Responsible for supporting the upkeep and safe operation of all necessary pilot plant lab and calibration equipment.
Responsible for reporting trouble calls and supporting lab equipment review.
Other duties as assigned by the Pilot Plant Quality and Sanitation Program Manager, which may include assignments to other departments or areas of the pilot plant and or local offsite locations.
Responsible for communicating project status to department and cross-functional employees.
Responsible for time management and project deadlines.
Responsible for balancing multiple project priorities and accommodating requests or changes in schedule.
Responsible for wearing proper PPE, compliance of safety training, policy & procedures, and reporting any unsafe safety conditions to management.
Responsible for safely operating any production equipment and tools.
Participate in any internal and external quality audits as needed and assist in the development of procedures and corrective actions and KHMS activities as needed.
Complete training on PCQI, HACCP and other relevant courses that support pilot plant and Glenview site quality programs.
Responsible for ensuring equipment and tools are in a safe and operable condition and must operate equipment and tools in a safe manner.