Pilot Plant Operator

Davita Inc.; Kannapolis (NC); On-site; USD 33,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in food innovation is seeking a Pilot Plant Operator in Kannapolis, NC. The successful candidate will support production activities, including equipment maintenance and support of analytical testing in a state-of-the-art facility. This role encourages personal and professional growth in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience related to the area of assignment.
• Basic knowledge of food production and related standards is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support all pilot plant production activities.
• Manage food equipment set-up and sanitation.
• Ensure compliance with good manufacturing practices (cGMP).

Skills

Excellent written and oral communications skills

Ability to work independently

Team player

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Job description

Job Posting Information

The North Carolina Food Innovation Lab (NCFIL) is a state-of-the-art facility assisting food companies and entrepreneurs in creating plant-based foods located on the NC Research Campus in Kannapolis, NC. The NC Research Campus was created to have all aspects of human health and nutrition in one place complimented by multiple state and private entities providing academic and research resources to promote human health.

Other duties as assigned.

Posting Number	PG194454SP
Internal Recruitment	No
Working Title	Pilot Plant Operator
Anticipated Hiring Range	$46,000
Work Schedule	Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm
Job Location	Kannapolis, NC
Department	North Carolina Food Innovation Lab (NCFIL)
About the Department
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
Essential Job Duties	This position will act as program support for NCFIL and the Innovation Lab's activities with food companies and entrepreneurs. The successful candidate is expected to support all pilot plant production activities including equipment maintenance, warehouse management, ordering, and shipping of materials or equipment. This position will also support routine and non-routine analytical testing. Duties include (but are not limited to): Management of food equipment set-up, sanitation, processing, and cleaning Follow all safety procedures and practices and maintain a safe work environment Make recommended changes in a manufacturing process to improve or produce final products Supervise routine maintenance of equipment in the Pilot Plant, warehouse, and lab area and familiarity with making repairs in an expedited manner Management of warehouse and inventorying of ingredients and packaging materials and familiarity with FIFO and disposal requirements per FDA. Oversee of ordering and shipping of materials Document all production runs and results in batch records and per protocols Responsible for contributing to FDA inspection or audit readiness and for participating in quality audits Ensure all documentation produced is in compliance with current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) You Belong Here! At NC State, our goal is for all employees to reach their fullest potential at work. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition (https://news.hr.ncsu.edu/you-belong-here/) and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone. This position is located in Kannapolis, NC.
Other Responsibilities

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalency and two years of experience related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Minimum Experience/Education
Other Required Qualifications	Excellent written and oral communications skills Ability to work independently and as a team player
Preferred Qualifications	Experience in Food Science, Hospitality, or related field to FSMA/food production Preferred knowledge of FSMA requirements, inventory control, and market analysis
Required License or Certification	N/A
Valid NC Driver's License required	No
Commercial Driver's License Required?	No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Please make sure that the work history you list on your application is identical to the work history listed on your resume. The application must be filled out completely, do not use the phrase "see resume".

Please attach a Cover Letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

Job Open Date	02/04/2025
Earliest Close Date---- (Positions will be posted until 5:00 PM ET on this date. Positions remaining posted after this date are still accepting applications but may close at any time.)	06/30/2025
Notice to Applicants
Special Instructions

Position Details

If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.

NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail].

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Position Number	00109976
Position Type	SHRA
Position Classification Band Title	Specialty Trades Technician
Position Classification Band Level	Contributing
Position Classification Salary Range	$ 33,540 - $ 86,240
Salary Grade Equivalency	GN07
Alternate Option
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)	1.0
Appointment	12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather	Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events	Mandatory - Medical Emergencies
Time Limited Position	Yes
Time-Limited Appointment Length (if applicable)	2 years
Department Id	110309 - NC Food Innovation Lab
EEO