Pilot Plant Technician

ALAMANCE FOODS INC; Burlington (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Alamance Foods Inc. is seeking a hands-on R&D Pilot Plant Technician to join the team in Burlington, NC. This 2nd shift role (2:30pm–11:00pm) involves working in the pilot plant and laboratory to develop high-quality, safe food products.

You will conduct lab testing, produce pilot-scale batches, and maintain detailed records while ensuring GMPs and FDA regulations are followed. The position requires strong multitasking, problem-solving, and communication skills, with a focus on teamwork and

Qualifications

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Understanding of GMPs and food safety requirements.
• Ability to perform under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Professional demeanor and ability to interact with customers, visitors, and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory: conduct testing on samples, including micro testing and performance evaluation.
• Routinely test samples for TPC, Coliforms, and Yeast/Mold as applicable.
• Ensure food safety and proper handling during storage, prep, and cleanup of samples.
• Pilot Plant Manufacturing: manufacture pilot scale batches according to formulations and specifications.
• Develop and improve understanding of small-scale equipment and how it translates to full production scale.
• Demonstrate problem solving to address batching issues and sample performance.
• Communicate progress, observations, challenges, and improvements with the R&D team.
• Maintain accurate production logs and batch records.
• Organize and maintain pilot plant areas and equipment.
• Ensure GMPs, FDA regulations, and SOPs are followed.
• Represent the company professionally with customers, visitors, and cross-functional teams.

Skills

Multitasking

Troubleshooting

GMPs

Communication

Teamwork

Microsoft Office

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: DC2 Plantation - Burlington, NC 27215

Company Background

Alamance is recognized as a leading manufacturer of aerosol whipped cream, flavored drinks, freeze pops, and bottled water, offering beloved brands like Classic Cream, Fun Pops, Coffee Toppers, Whipt, and Groovy Glacier. We produce, pack and ship private labels based on customer specific needs. An innovative company with proven experience in creating exciting new products that redefine what is possible in the food and beverage manufacturing industry.

Position Opportunity

As a R&D Pilot Plant Technician at Alamance Foods, you will work hands-on in the pilot plant and laboratory to help the team develop high quality and safe food products. This will be a 2nd Shift position, scheduled 2:30pm to 11:00pm.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

Laboratory Responsibilities

• Conduct testing on all samples, including micro testing and performance evaluation.
• Routinely test samples for TPC, Coliforms, and Yeast/Mold, as applicable for the given sample.
• Ensure food safety and food handling techniques are followed during storage, preparation, and cleanup of all sample testing.

Pilot Plant Manufacturing

• Manufacture pilot scale batches according to formulation and processing specifications.
• Develop and continuously improve understanding of small-scale equipment and how it translates to full production scale.
• Demonstrate problem solving skills to combat issues seen with batching and performance of samples.
• Communicate clearly and frequently with the R&D team regarding batching progress, observations, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
• Maintain accurate and complete production logs and batch records.
• Organize, clean, and maintain all pilot plant work areas, including equipment, fridge, cooler, storage area, etc.
• Ensure all activities comply with Good Manufacturing Practices, FDA regulations, food safety requirements, and standard operating procedures.
• Represent the company professionally when interacting with customers, visitors, auditors, and cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities
• Understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and food safety requirements
• Ability to perform under pressure and meet deadlines
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Professional demeanor and ability to interact effectively with customers, visitors, and cross-functional teams
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and time management skills

Travel Requirements

Locally

Physical Requirements

• Standing
• Walking
• Sitting
• Use of hands, fingers
• Reaching with hands and arms
• Climb and balance
• Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl
• Talk and hear
• Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more)
• Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)
• Peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point)
• Depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships)

Alamance Foods Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against persons because of age, race, color, creed, religion, disability, gender, ethnic or national origin, or veteran status. Alamance Foods Inc. prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and will reasonably accommodate applicants with a disability, upon request, and will also ensure reasonable accommodation for employees with a disability.

Employment Eligibility: Alamance Foods Inc. participates in the federal E-Verify program. All employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a Form I-9 and verification of authorization to work in the United States.