Pilot Plant Operator

About the role

Within our Corporate R&D/Pilot Plant team in Denver, Leprino is seeking a Pilot Plant Operator to support our Nutrition side product development and pilot plant trials. In this role, you will set up and operate processing equipment, support experiments, collect samples, and help research teams turn new ideas into scalable manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and clean pilot-scale filtration, evaporation, drying, UHT, and reaction equipment.
• Support nutrition trials that help Leprino develop new products, processes, and equipment for future manufacturing use.
• Prepare experiments by setting up equipment, unloading materials, and coordinating trial requirements with research scientists.
• Operate pumps, valves, piping, filtration systems, dryers, and related processing equipment during scheduled trials.
• Maintain product specifications throughout each experiment by monitoring operating conditions and adjusting equipment as needed.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process issues to keep trials on schedule and produce accurate results.
• Collect samples and record production data, operating conditions, and trial information accurately.
• Label, package, and prepare finished nutrition products for storage following established procedures.
• Complete production logs and follow trial plans to provide reliable information for research and development teams.
• Clean and sanitize processing equipment using clean-in-place (CIP), clean-out-of-place (COP), manual, and scheduled sanitation methods.
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and established food safety requirements.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or GED.
• A working knowledge of standard manufacturing equipment, including pumps, valves, piping, or similar mechanical systems.
• A basic mechanical aptitude for operating, adjusting, and troubleshooting processing equipment.

Qualifications

• Experience working in food, dairy, beverage, nutritional ingredient, pharmaceutical, or other sanitary manufacturing operations.
• Experience operating filtration, evaporation, drying, UHT, or similar processing equipment.
• Experience with CIP, COP, or other sanitary equipment cleaning systems.
• Experience supporting pilot plant, research and development, product development, or small-batch production trials.

Skills

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve equipment issues.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.

Benefits

At Leprino, starting hourly compensation for this role typically ranges between $24.31 and $26.34. This position has an annual target bonus of 3.5%.

Pay

Starting hourly compensation for this role typically ranges between $24.31 and $26.34.

Schedule

Not specified.