Nutrition Pilot Plant Operator - R&D Trials

Leprino Foods; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Health insurance

401(k) plan with profit-sharing

Paid holidays

Sick time

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Leprino Foods in Denver is seeking a Pilot Plant Operator to support nutrition product development and pilot plant trials. You will set up and operate processing equipment, collect samples, and help research teams turn ideas into scalable manufacturing processes.

This hands-on role focuses on developing new nutrition products while keeping trials safe, accurate, and on track toward commercialization. A high school diploma and mechanical aptitude are required.

Qualifications

• 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.

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.
• Monitor operating conditions and adjust equipment to maintain product specifications throughout each experiment.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process issues, helping trials stay 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.

Skills

Industrial equipment operation

Pilot plant experience

Data collection and sampling

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Pumps

Valves

Piping

Filtration equipment

CIP/COP procedures

Job description

Leprino Foods in Denver is seeking a Pilot Plant Operator to support nutrition product development and pilot plant trials. You will set up and operate processing equipment, collect samples, and help research teams turn ideas into scalable manufacturing processes.

This hands-on role focuses on developing new nutrition products while keeping trials safe, accurate, and on track toward commercialization. A high school diploma and mechanical aptitude are required.