Pilot Plant Supervisor

About the role

The Pilot Plant Supervisor oversees the APC pilot plant, responsible for experimental execution, equipment maintenance, and training personnel to safely operate the pilot plant.

Responsibilities

• Plan the pilot plant trials program according to project priority
• Ensure the supply of required equipment, raw materials, and packaging to meet business needs
• Prepare pilot plant trial test plans
• Ensure trials are conducted according to test plans and modify as required
• Ensure samples are obtained properly, identified, and analyzed according to the test plan
• Manage trials and save all important data and parameters from different projects
• Properly save and store pilot plant raw data
• Assure that a final report is provided for each trial conducted
• Maintain preventative maintenance schedule and ensure items are completed on time
• Supervise cleaning and proper organization of all APC common areas
• Ensure all APC equipment is maintained in good working order
• Continuously improve SOPs related to safety and efficiency
• Ensure common reagents and consumables are generally available
• Train LAB associates to safely operate pilot equipment
• Provide coaching to foster an excellent safety culture
• Write, update, and maintain working procedures for different equipment
• Supervise direct reports
• Manage assigned projects and equipment commissioning
• Provide technical opinions to management and recommend process changes
• Recommend effective solutions for technical department problems

Requirements

• Understand principles and application of reactors, continuous centrifuges, membrane systems, and spray dryers
• General knowledge of food sciences, biology, microbiology, and basic chemistry
• Good understanding of food/feed processing principles
• Interpretation and communication of product analytical data
• Strong troubleshooting skills
• Proven proactive approach
• Comfortable making autonomous decisions
• Ability to work well in a team environment
• Knowledge of basic statistics
• Knowledge of basic analytical techniques used in quality control labs for food and animal feed (protein, ash, moisture, etc.)
• Ability to work flexible hours and willing to travel up to 25% of the time
• Project management skills
• Knowledge of Windows and Microsoft Office
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s of Science in Biology, Chemistry, Food Science, Engineering, related field, or equivalent relevant experience.

Experience

4–5 years of experience in an industrial processing environment (food or feed preferred).

Basic Physical Requirements

• Standing: Frequent
• Sitting: Occasional
• Walking: Frequent
• Bending/Kneeling/Crouching/Stooping: Frequent
• Reaching above shoulder: Occasional
• Climbing (stairs, ladders, etc.): Occasional
• Lifting Weights (0–50 lbs): Occasional
• Push/Pull/Maneuver Equipment/Products/Materials: Frequent
• Operating a Vehicle: Occasional
• Read/Monitor Gauges on Various Equipment: Frequent
• Recording Data: Frequent
• Operating Lab Equipment: Frequent
• Operating Computer: Occasional
• Simple Grasping (right and left): Frequent
• Firm Grasping (right and left): Frequent
• Fine Manipulating (right and left): Frequent
• Vision: Good vision, corrected to normal
• Color Definition Required: Yes
• Hearing: Good hearing, corrected to normal
• Plant: Frequent
• Office: Frequent
• Multiple Locations: Occasional

Working Conditions and Exposures

Pilot plant working conditions with exposures to chemicals during plant trials, laboratory procedures, and analysis. May include exposure to acidic and alkaline substances, biohazards, odor, noise, moving equipment, and occasional use of poisonous chemicals. Employee may be required to travel on company business with exposures to inclement weather (10% travel estimated).