Pilot Plant Technician
Danone, Louisville, CO, United States
About The Job
This position is responsible for assisting with, organizing and performing pilot plant trials and associated support work under general supervision. The individual will work as part of a team developing, planning and executing day‑to‑day pilot operations. The mission of this role is to support the ongoing development and improvement of products, packaging and processes for Danone by applying technical knowledge and logic running small‑scale experimentation in the pilot plant setting. This role will work closely with R&D scientists and technicians to ensure the accuracy of all trial products.
Key Responsibilities
Know how to operate and maintain all equipment in the pilot plant
Maintain a safe and clean working environment for all employees and visitors
Ensure all safety rules, pilot plant rules, GMPs and code of ethics are followed at all times
Prioritize and balance a dynamic production schedule
Learn and demonstrate proficiencies on all pilot plant equipment and processes, demonstrating technical knowledge across the range of existing and future product types
Create, communicate and regularly update standard operating procedures for machine operation and maintenance, safety practices and food handling practices
Learn and demonstrate proficiencies on all analytical equipment and tests, demonstrating technical knowledge and aptitudes for essential laboratory skills
Assist R&D developers in the preparation, execution and review of experiments
Keep clear and concise records of plant operations as outlined by FSMA regulations
Prepare summaries of trial results with recommendations for product/process improvements
Troubleshoot and optimize current products and manufacturing processes for commercialization and to eliminate quality and production errors in the pilot plant
Have aptitude for troubleshooting minor mechanical and equipment issues when they arise
Follow equipment and maintenance operations as established by SOPs
Use chemicals safely
Perform other duties as assigned
Physical Demands & Work Environment
Physical Demands: Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop, kneel or crouch; talk and hear. May occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Required to taste and smell various food products and detect attributes including taste, odor, and texture.
Work Environment: Exposed to a lab and pilot plant environment where the noise level is usually moderate, but can be high.
About You
Education & Experience
Minimum 1 year of experience in food & beverage manufacturing operations.
B.S. or B.A. from a 4‑year college or university OR relevant experience in the food industry.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Basic understanding of food safety and handling procedures.
Basic understanding of lab safety rules and procedures.
Ability to read and analyze experimental and process designs to reach a desired outcome.
Ability to write and communicate observations and test summaries.
Ability to interpret instructions in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.
Ability to interpret analytical results to form conclusions.
Ability to problem‑solve based on facts and trends.
Able to work a flexible schedule. Weekends not included.
Strong organization skills with ability to manage workflow and prioritize multiple tasks with limited direct supervision.
The salary range for this position is $42,500–60,000 USD. The exact salary offered will depend on several factors, including the candidate’s relevant experience, geographic location, internal equity, and market conditions. Danone North America additionally offers a performance‑based bonus and has a strong benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, 401k Plan, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Time Off, and Paid Parental Bonding Leave, among other benefit plan options. To give our employees flexibility, Danone is a hybrid work environment.
Life at Danone
With approximately 5,000 employees and 13 production locations across the U.S., our vibrant culture and endless growth opportunities are just a couple of the reasons our employees call themselves “Proud Danoners.”
Our Brands
When you join us, you’ll work with some of the best‑known food and beverage brands in the world, including Activia, DanActive, Danimals, Dannon, Evian, Follow Your Heart, Happy Family Organics, International Delight, Light + Fit, Nutricia, Oikos, Silk, So Delicious Dairy Free, STOK Cold Brew Coffee, Too Good & Co, and YoCrunch.
Our Purpose
We’re committed to making a positive impact on our world. Rooted in our mission to bring health through food to as many people as possible, we’re proud to be the world’s largest B Corp.
Our Benefits
Our commitment to making the world healthier starts with our employees.
Physical Wellbeing – We pay for the majority of your medical benefits – which include medical, dental and vision – with our competitive 80%/20% cost‑sharing model.
Mental Wellbeing – Danoners receive fitness discounts, unlimited flexible time off and hybrid work schedules. We also have a range of programs that support mental health and substance abuse.
Financial Support – We offer a performance‑based bonus, a 401(k) plan, tuition reimbursement, employee discount programs and voluntary perks.
Family Care – We offer caretaker benefits, 18 weeks of parental bonding, fertility, surrogacy, adoption benefits and pet insurance.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Danone North America is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. It is our policy to give equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to legally protected characteristics, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state/provincial and/or local law. For our EEO policy statement and your EEO rights under law.
California Data Privacy Law
#J-18808-Ljbffr
This position is responsible for assisting with, organizing and performing pilot plant trials and associated support work under general supervision. The individual will work as part of a team developing, planning and executing day‑to‑day pilot operations. The mission of this role is to support the ongoing development and improvement of products, packaging and processes for Danone by applying technical knowledge and logic running small‑scale experimentation in the pilot plant setting. This role will work closely with R&D scientists and technicians to ensure the accuracy of all trial products.
Key Responsibilities
Know how to operate and maintain all equipment in the pilot plant
Maintain a safe and clean working environment for all employees and visitors
Ensure all safety rules, pilot plant rules, GMPs and code of ethics are followed at all times
Prioritize and balance a dynamic production schedule
Learn and demonstrate proficiencies on all pilot plant equipment and processes, demonstrating technical knowledge across the range of existing and future product types
Create, communicate and regularly update standard operating procedures for machine operation and maintenance, safety practices and food handling practices
Learn and demonstrate proficiencies on all analytical equipment and tests, demonstrating technical knowledge and aptitudes for essential laboratory skills
Assist R&D developers in the preparation, execution and review of experiments
Keep clear and concise records of plant operations as outlined by FSMA regulations
Prepare summaries of trial results with recommendations for product/process improvements
Troubleshoot and optimize current products and manufacturing processes for commercialization and to eliminate quality and production errors in the pilot plant
Have aptitude for troubleshooting minor mechanical and equipment issues when they arise
Follow equipment and maintenance operations as established by SOPs
Use chemicals safely
Perform other duties as assigned
Physical Demands & Work Environment
Physical Demands: Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop, kneel or crouch; talk and hear. May occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Required to taste and smell various food products and detect attributes including taste, odor, and texture.
Work Environment: Exposed to a lab and pilot plant environment where the noise level is usually moderate, but can be high.
About You
Education & Experience
Minimum 1 year of experience in food & beverage manufacturing operations.
B.S. or B.A. from a 4‑year college or university OR relevant experience in the food industry.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Basic understanding of food safety and handling procedures.
Basic understanding of lab safety rules and procedures.
Ability to read and analyze experimental and process designs to reach a desired outcome.
Ability to write and communicate observations and test summaries.
Ability to interpret instructions in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.
Ability to interpret analytical results to form conclusions.
Ability to problem‑solve based on facts and trends.
Able to work a flexible schedule. Weekends not included.
Strong organization skills with ability to manage workflow and prioritize multiple tasks with limited direct supervision.
The salary range for this position is $42,500–60,000 USD. The exact salary offered will depend on several factors, including the candidate’s relevant experience, geographic location, internal equity, and market conditions. Danone North America additionally offers a performance‑based bonus and has a strong benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, 401k Plan, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Time Off, and Paid Parental Bonding Leave, among other benefit plan options. To give our employees flexibility, Danone is a hybrid work environment.
Life at Danone
With approximately 5,000 employees and 13 production locations across the U.S., our vibrant culture and endless growth opportunities are just a couple of the reasons our employees call themselves “Proud Danoners.”
Our Brands
When you join us, you’ll work with some of the best‑known food and beverage brands in the world, including Activia, DanActive, Danimals, Dannon, Evian, Follow Your Heart, Happy Family Organics, International Delight, Light + Fit, Nutricia, Oikos, Silk, So Delicious Dairy Free, STOK Cold Brew Coffee, Too Good & Co, and YoCrunch.
Our Purpose
We’re committed to making a positive impact on our world. Rooted in our mission to bring health through food to as many people as possible, we’re proud to be the world’s largest B Corp.
Our Benefits
Our commitment to making the world healthier starts with our employees.
Physical Wellbeing – We pay for the majority of your medical benefits – which include medical, dental and vision – with our competitive 80%/20% cost‑sharing model.
Mental Wellbeing – Danoners receive fitness discounts, unlimited flexible time off and hybrid work schedules. We also have a range of programs that support mental health and substance abuse.
Financial Support – We offer a performance‑based bonus, a 401(k) plan, tuition reimbursement, employee discount programs and voluntary perks.
Family Care – We offer caretaker benefits, 18 weeks of parental bonding, fertility, surrogacy, adoption benefits and pet insurance.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Danone North America is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. It is our policy to give equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to legally protected characteristics, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state/provincial and/or local law. For our EEO policy statement and your EEO rights under law.
California Data Privacy Law
#J-18808-Ljbffr