Pilot Plant Technician

Ferrara; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Comprehensive benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Ferrara in Bellwood is seeking a hands-on operator to run pilot plant equipment, keep a sanitary production environment, and support safe, efficient operations across processes. You will help ensure quality, safety, and innovation every step of the way.

This role requires in-person attendance, flexibility with schedules, and a proactive mindset to collaborate with R&D, QA, and production teams; prior GMP experience and a degree are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Associate degree highly preferred.
• Experience with SAP or ERP systems.
• Knowledge of GMPs in a food processing environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate confectionary pilot plant equipment and produce samples.
• Maintain sanitary working conditions and support safety.
• Perform preventive maintenance on equipment.
• Execute trials on pilot scale equipment.
• Follow SSOP, CIP and COP procedures.
• Balance inventories and maintain records.
• Coordinate with cross-functional partners to ensure smooth operations.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Communication

Equipment operation

Teamwork

Project management

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s or Associate degree

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

Work Location: Bellwood

Due to the highly interactive nature of this manufacturing position, in-person attendance and flexibility are essential for supporting production schedules, effective communication and collaboration, real-time problem solving, and participation in cross-functional initiatives. Schedules may vary and are subject to change.

Core Hours: 7:30am-4:00pm Monday-Friday

Want to make an impact?

Play a key role in bringing products to life by operating pilot plant equipment, maintaining a clean and sanitary production environment, and supporting the safe and efficient operation of equipment and processes. Your work will help ensure quality, safety, and innovation every step of the way.

Ways you will make a difference

• Operation of various processing equipment (confectionary equipment) with support from pilot plant technicians producing various samples for internal and external use as requested by R&D
• Assist in maintaining equipment in good sanitary and working condition
• Perform preventive maintenance on equipment
• Execute trials on pilot scale equipment
• Follow SSOP, CIP and COP procedures
• Maintain a safe, clean, and sanitary work area (cleaning floors, walk in coolers, sinks, etc. when necessary)
• Adhere to GMP and other safety regulations
• Organize supplies and maintain records of all inventories (chemical/equipment/ingredients)
• Maintain security and confidentiality of information within the research and development and quality group
• Understands and demonstrates the company’s core values

Performs other duties as assigned:

• Chemical testing: ATP, Pathogens, Allergens (soy, diary, wheat, gluten, etc.)
• Alchemy and food safety training
• Key member of safety team as sugar representative
• UW online candy school
• Food Safety Compliance team
• Warehouse labelling, organization, and tracking
• Waste Tracker Form
• Putting together action plans for agreed upon improvements
• Ordering of ingredients and raw material (as well as tracking)
• Daily, Weekly, Monthly Checklist: 56 additional tasks outside Plant Trials

Skills that will make you successful

• General mechanical abilities up to and including using complex tools
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• Ability to operate and maintain equipment safely
• Ability to use complex equipment in an effective manner
• Excellent interpersonal skills to foster a positive team environment
• Self-starter, self-motivating
• Ability to maintain a safe working environment through proper housekeeping and safety practices
• Foster a positive and inclusive work environment where team members feel respected, valued, and empowered to contribute
• Demonstrate a commitment to excellence through innovative thinking, continuous improvement, and strong attention to detail
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks, manage competing priorities, and meet critical deadlines
• Strong project management skills with experience coordinating multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with equipment vendors and cross-functional partners

Experiences that will support your success

• Bachelor’s or Associate degree highly preferred
• Experience with Microsoft Office, SAP or other similar ERP system
• Knowledge of and experience adhering to Quality standards and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) within a food processing environment

Working conditions and physical requirements:

• 8+ hours sitting/standing/walking
• Ability to safely handle and move materials using established material handling methods, including carts, team lifting, mechanical assistance, or other available controls, as required by the position
• Exposure to hazards (steam, chemicals, machinery, confined spaces, etc.)

What We Offer

At Ferrara, we’re proud to support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits at https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Benefits-Resource-Center

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $49,575-$69,405 annually.