Pilot Plant Technician

About Imbibe Imbibe is a dynamic, high-growth food and beverage development company based in Niles, Illinois. We specialize in developing, creating, and manufacturing beverage flavors, ingredient systems, and finished food and beverage products. Our mission is to design ingredients with impact for the food and beverage industry. Since our founding in 1963, Imbibe has been at the forefront of flavor innovation and product development. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including full product development, taste modulation, and finished product solutions. Our state-of-the-art campus features an Innovation Center and Pilot Plant that enable us to tackle industry-wide taste and texture challenges, ensuring that our clients receive the highest quality products. At Imbibe, we pride ourselves on our entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to continuous improvement. Our values of collaboration, accountability, and entrepreneurship drive us to deliver exceptional results for our clients. We also believe in giving back to the community. Through various initiatives we support efforts to combat food insecurity in the Chicagoland area by donating ingredients and our time. If you're passionate about the food and beverage industry and eager to make a meaningful impact, Imbibe is the place for you. Let's create something extraordinary together! Summary of Position Hands-on individual that works in a test plant operating equipment and assisting in key development work for food and beverage. The Pilot Plant Technician partners with Product Development and Flavorists to produce beverage and food products for customer projects across our scope of project work. This individual takes initiative, has great observational skills, and wants to be on the development edge of new product and process techniques. Essential Job Duties Become an expert in multiple new pieces of processing technology. In depth training will be provided on-the-jobMaintain proper stock of prepared packaging materialsTroubleshoot and repair damaged components in a timely mannerRun beverage formulations through a variety of pieces of beverage processing equipmentEnsure beverage products are properly packaged and labeledFollow all Good Manufacturing Practice guidelines during the production of beverage products. This includes properly cleaning and organizing all work areas and wearing all proper food safety and personal protective equipmentParticipate in Root Cause Analysis and Process Improvement projects Minimum Qualifications High school degree or GED equivalentA team player willing to do what it takes to support the development and launch of new products on tight timelines in a fast paced and complicated environmentAbility to adapt to the changing needs of the labProficiency with Microsoft Office software products including Outlook, Excel and WordAble to lift and carry objects up to 50lbs on a consistent basisAbility to work collaboratively and thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environmentAbility to observe details at close range.Constantly moves about the pilot plant, labs, and office Preferred Qualifications Forklift certificationPrevious Food and Beverage manufacturing experienceMechanical Background and familiarity with different parts to unit operations: Valves, Pumps, Seals, Thermocouples, etc. Working Conditions Conditioned plant with floors that can be wet and/or slipperyAt times will need to: bend and kneel on floor; carry, move, or push objects weighing 50+ lbs; and work at elevated heightsPlant equipment can be dangerous to touch due to rotary, electrical or temperature dangerExposure to food and beverage product tastings which may include allergens Approximate Salary Range: $50,000 USD - $60,000 USD Compensation & Benefits The salary range listed represents the expected earnings for this role. The low end of the range reflects the starting salary for candidates with less experience or qualifications that meet the basic requirements for the position. The high end of the range reflects potential earnings for candidates with extensive experience, specialized skills, or qualifications above the standard requirements for the role. Imbibe supports employee well-being and professional growth by offering a comprehensive benefits package that includes the following: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision care401k retirement plan with company contribution and matchFSA and HSA accountGenerous company holidays, PTO, and sick timeOnsite gym and wellness opportunities Paid parental leaveLife and disability insuranceLearning and professional development opportunities