Pilot Plant Technologist

Huel Birmingham; Tring; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food and beverage company is seeking a Pilot Plant Technologist in Tring to manage its UHT pilot plant and drive innovation in its Ready-to-Drink range. The role involves executing trials, maintaining equipment, and working with cross-functional teams to enhance product quality. Ideal candidates have experience in food manufacturing and a degree in a relevant field. Attractive benefits include 30 days leave, free gym access, and various wellness programs.

Benefits

30 days annual leave PLUS bank holidays

Free Huel

Remote work options

On-site gym with classes

Private medical insurance

Qualifications

• Experience in food and drink manufacturing, ideally with thermal processing knowledge.
• Degree in a relevant scientific discipline or 1-2 years of related hands-on experience.
• Confidence in running trials and troubleshooting lab equipment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and document trials in the pilot plant.
• Maintain equipment and ensure calibration.
• Conduct product testing and analyse results.

Skills

Food and drink manufacturing experience

Process and equipment knowledge

Ability to design and execute experiments

Familiarity with quality testing methods

Education

Degree in Food Science or related field

Job description

Hey! We're Huel, and we're pleased to meet you 👋

Our culture thrives on high performance, and we set the bar high for new Hueligans who join us.

We invite you to read the advert below for our new Pilot Plant Technologist position to understand the role, and explore our 7 Huel values before applying to ensure we have the right working environment for you!

The role

We’re looking for a Pilot Plant Technologist to lead and manage our UHT pilot plant, driving innovation in our Ready-to-Drink range – one of the fastest-growing parts of the business.

This hands‑on, scientific role sits at the heart of our RTD innovation pipeline. You’ll run and maintain the pilot plant, plan and execute trials, and turn experiments into real products – working closely with our NPD team to optimise processes and ensure every bottle of Huel is consistently top quality.

• Lead and manage our UHT pilot plant – planning, running, and documenting trials to generate data and insights that inform product development and process optimisation.
• Look after and maintain lab and pilot plant equipment, ensuring all instruments are in excellent working order, calibrated, and ready for use.
• Carry out experimental work and research projects aimed at optimising processing conditions, improving efficiency, and enhancing product quality.
• Conduct product testing and analysis, applying both laboratory and sensory methods to assess quality, stability, and consistency.
• Work closely with NPD and EPD teams to provide process expertise and technical input during development, ensuring concepts are tested and refined ahead of scale‑up.
• Analyse trial and test data and translate findings into clear recommendations for both product and process improvements.
• Support factory scale‑up trials and first productions, helping to establish robust processing parameters and ensuring smooth transition from pilot to full‑scale manufacturing.
• Explore and evaluate new technologies and methods, keeping up to date with scientific and engineering advances in UHT and RTD processing.

Not yet sure if this is the right role for you? Click HERE to read a more detailed job description.

What we're looking for in you

• Experience in food and drink manufacturing, ideally with exposure to thermal processing, UHT, or aseptic technologies.
• A degree in Food Science, Chemical/Process Engineering, or a related scientific discipline, or 1–2 years’ hands‑on experience in a similar role.
• Strong process and equipment knowledge, with confidence in running pilot plant trials, maintaining lab equipment, and troubleshooting technical issues.
• Ability to design and execute experiments, analyse data, and translate results into clear actions for process and product optimisation.
• Familiarity with quality testing methods (chemical, physical, microbiological, and/or sensory) to assess product stability and consistency.

And as always, we’re on the lookout for new Hueligans who love a fast‑paced environment and are always striving to be their best. We want people who aren’t afraid to think differently and push boundaries. If you’re all about setting big goals and believe that amazing things happen through creativity and teamwork, you’ll fit right in at Huel!

What do we offer in return?

We know that at times, our teams face demanding pressures, and exceptional effort deserves meaningful rewards. That’s why we’ve created a world‑class perks and benefits program designed to support our Hueligans in achieving their best, both professionally and personally, while celebrating the global impact they’re making!

🌴 30 days annual leave PLUS bank holidays

🥤 Free Huel to keep you going

🏖️ 2 weeks a year to work remotely from anywhere!

🐾 Dog friendly

🙋 Paid Volunteering Days

🏋️ Free on‑site gym with free classes, and we will give you your own nutrition plan

🧘 Free on‑site wellness area offering infrared saunas and an ice bath

🧠 Free 1‑on‑1 therapy provided by Self‑Space.

🏥 Private Medical and Health insurance for you and your loved ones, including free life insurance covering up to 4x your salary

⚡ Electric Car Scheme with onsite charging

🚴Cycle to Work Scheme

🤰 Enhanced Family Leave

👪 Workplace Nursery Scheme

💸 Paid Employee Referral Scheme

🎉 Biannual events to celebrate success – Have you heard about Huelchella?

We are Hueligans

We know that diversity isn’t just important; it’s essential, and it makes us stronger. We’re all about embracing our differences, celebrating what makes us unique, and bringing together Hueligans from all walks of life.

Whilst we all share the 7 values of Huel, it’s our individual differences that truly enhance our culture of belonging. We seek out Hueligans from around the world, encouraging authenticity, diverse views, and fresh ideas to create products that our global customers love.

Meet our teams here.