Specialist, Pilot Operations

• Collaboration with senior Product Developers and Engineers to develop testing protocols and parameters 

• Set-up, execution, documentation and clean-up of Pilot Plant operations 

• Execute sample requests from Process group, Product Development group, Operations and Sales 

• Development and maintenance of process documentation systems and standards 

• Become proficient in operation, maintenance and optimal utilization of Pilot Plant equipment  

• Maintain Pilot Plant and equipment in clean, working order with emphasis on GMP and GLP procedures 

• Operation and calibration of various analytical support equipment 

• Present data and findings and assist senior researchers in development of presentations and reports 

• Be proficient in theory and practical operation of specific Van Drunen Farms processing technologies 

• Facilitate Pilot Plant resource scheduling and utilization 

• Oversight of Pilot Plant activities with Pilot Manager  

• Participate in testing of products produced and keeping track of data 

• Help keep track and maintain Pilot Plant inventory 

• Advise Pilot Manager on Pilot Plant needs, issues, and continuous improvement ideas 

• Receive product samples for Procurement 

• Assist at Riverview laboratory when needed  

• Perform other duties as needed 

JOB EXPERIENCE: 

• Minimum of 5 years of related experience in a manufacturing environment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS: 

• Strong ability to make good judgments and decisions 

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions 

• Analytical thinking 

• Hands-on initiative 

• Functional knowledge of mechanics, piping systems and flow dynamics 

• Attention to detail, with a thorough way of working 

• Organized 

• Facilitation skills 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills 

• Willing to accept and apply instruction 

• Proficiency in MS Office Suite 

• Proficiency in AutoCAD a plus 

• Ability to collaborate with others, but also work independently 

• Process-oriented 

• Inquisitive; hungry for wisdom and a quick learner 

• Diligent in leading and learning 

• Change management skills 

• Access to reliable transportation for travel between sites.  \

EDUCATION: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Food Science or Engineering preferred 

• Other combinations of education and relevant work experience will be considered 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:  

• Stand, sit, walk, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel  

• Reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl  

• Walk up and down stairs and ramps; climb ladders  

• Push or pull sizeable equipment from a standing position  

The employee must occasionally:  

• Lift and/or move objects weighing up to 50 pounds  

Additional requirements include:  

• Ability to sit and use a computer for extended periods, with frequent interruptions  

• Manual dexterity for operating a keyboard and handling paper documents  

• Sufficient near vision acuity to read screens, handwritten forms, and printed materials  

• Specific vision abilities including close range, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and focus adjustment  

• Adequate hearing and verbal communication skills for in-person and phone interactions  

Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required, including:  

• Respirators, hearing protection, eye protection, and head protection  

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

This position operates primarily in an office environment with periodic exposure to production areas. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally be exposed to:  

• Wet and/or humid conditions  

• Moving mechanical parts  

• Outdoor weather conditions  

• High, precarious places  

• Extreme cold or heat  

• Dust, loud noises, and other distracting environmental factors  

The work environment may range from frozen to ambient temperatures depending on the area visited. Noise levels are typically moderate in the office but may be louder in production zones.  

Additional conditions include:  

• Use of a computer and standard office equipment for extended periods  

• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety glasses, bump caps, and closed-steel toed shoes, when entering production areas  

• Occasional walking, climbing, or standing in production spaces during audits, meetings, or troubleshooting activities  

This is a full-time, onsite position based at our Mackin office in Momence, IL, with regular travel between facilities within Momence and Crown Point, IN.