Pilot Plant Technician

Imbibe; Niles (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401k with company match

Onsite gym and wellness opportunities

Parental leave

Job summary

Imbibe in Niles, IL seeks a hands-on Pilot Plant Technician to work with Product Development and Flavorists on beverage and food projects. You will operate processing equipment, maintain stock, and support rapid development with a focus on quality and safety.

The role requires adaptability, teamwork, and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs in a fast-paced lab environment. GMP compliance and proper labeling are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Team player willing to support development and launch of new products on tight timelines.
• Ability to adapt to changing lab needs.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software including Outlook, Excel and Word.
• Ability to lift and carry objects up to 50lbs regularly.
• Comfort working in fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Attention to detail in a hands-on lab setting.
• Constant movement through pilot plant, labs, and office.

Responsibilities

• Operate test plant equipment and assist in development work for beverage and food products.
• Maintain stock of prepared packaging materials.
• Troubleshoot and repair damaged components promptly.
• Run beverage formulations through processing equipment.
• Ensure products are properly packaged and labeled.
• Follow GMP guidelines and keep work areas clean and safe.
• Participate in Root Cause Analysis and process improvement projects.

Skills

Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word

Team player

Adaptability

Detail observation

Lift up to 50 lbs

Fast-paced environment

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Valves

Pumps

Seals

Thermocouples

Job description

Imbibe is a dynamic, high-growth food and beverage development company based in Niles, Illinois. We specialize in developing, creating, and manufacturing beverage flavors, ingredient systems, and finished food and beverage products. Our mission is to design ingredients with impact for the food and beverage industry.

Since our founding in 1963, Imbibe has been at the forefront of flavor innovation and product development. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including full product development, taste modulation, and finished product solutions. Our state-of-the-art campus features an Innovation Center and Pilot Plant that enable us to tackle industry-wide taste and texture challenges, ensuring that our clients receive the highest quality products.

At Imbibe, we pride ourselves on our entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to continuous improvement. Our values of collaboration, accountability, and entrepreneurship drive us to deliver exceptional results for our clients. We also believe in giving back to the community. Through various initiatives we support efforts to combat food insecurity in the Chicagoland area by donating ingredients and our time.

If you're passionate about the food and beverage industry and eager to make a meaningful impact, Imbibe is the place for you. Let's create something extraordinary together!

Summary of Position

Hands‑on individual that works in a test plant operating equipment and assisting in key development work for food and beverage. The Pilot Plant Technician partners with Product Development and Flavorists to produce beverage and food products for customer projects across our scope of project work. This individual takes initiative, has great observational skills, and wants to be on the development edge of new product and process techniques.

• Become an expert in multiple new pieces of processing technology. In depth training will be provided on-the-job
• Maintain proper stock of prepared packaging materials
• Troubleshoot and repair damaged components in a timely manner
• Run beverage formulations through a variety of pieces of beverage processing equipment
• Ensure beverage products are properly packaged and labeled
• Follow all Good Manufacturing Practice guidelines during the production of beverage products. This includes properly cleaning and organizing all work areas and wearing all proper food safety and personal protective equipment
• Participate in Root Cause Analysis and Process Improvement projects

Minimum Qualifications

• High school degree or GED equivalent
• A team player willing to do what it takes to support the development and launch of new products on tight timelines in a fast paced and complicated environment
• Ability to adapt to the changing needs of the lab
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software products including Outlook, Excel and Word
• Able to lift and carry objects up to 50lbs on a consistent basis
• Ability to work collaboratively and thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
• Ability to observe details at close range.
• Constantly moves about the pilot plant, labs, and office

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous Food and Beverage manufacturing experience
• Mechanical Background and familiarity with different parts to unit operations: Valves, Pumps, Seals, Thermocouples, etc.

Working Conditions

• Conditioned plant with floors that can be wet and/or slippery
• At times will need to: bend and kneel on floor; carry, move, or push objects weighing 50+ lbs; and work at elevated heights
• Plant equipment can be dangerous to touch due to rotary, electrical or temperature danger
• Exposure to food and beverage product tastings which may include allergens

Approximate Salary Range

$50,000 - $60,000 USD

The salary range listed represents the expected earnings for this role. The low end of the range reflects the starting salary for candidates with less experience or qualifications that meet the basic requirements for the position. The high end of the range reflects potential earnings for candidates with extensive experience, specialized skills, or qualifications above the standard requirements for the role.

Imbibe supports employee well-being and professional growth by offering a comprehensive benefits package that includes the following:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision care
• 401k retirement plan with company contribution and match
• FSA and HSA account
• Generous company holidays, PTO, and sick time
• Onsite gym and wellness opportunities
• Paid parental leave
• Life and disability insurance
• Learning and professional development opportunities