Pilot Plant Technician

Mars; Tennessee; On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

MARS’ Pilot Plant team in Tennessee seeks a Technician to support pilot plant runs, equipment configuration, and data collection for R&D trials. The role emphasizes collaboration with Quality, HSE, and other stakeholders to maintain safety and food-safety standards.

The technician will batch raw ingredients, operate processing and sanitation equipment, and help develop SOPs while adapting to evolving trial demands. This is a hands-on, cross-functional position supporting site-wide operations.

Qualifications

• AA/AS or BS in Science or Technology, or HS/Vocational with relevant experience.
• Knowledge of food production equipment and processes.

Responsibilities

• Operate food processing and sanitation equipment.
• Record and distribute data from experiments.
• Batch raw materials for trials and update inventory systems.
• Cross-train on pilot plant operations.
• Support Quality and HSE departments.
• Develop and update standard operating procedures for applicable areas.
• Provide quality control for pilot plant produced finished product and ensure all products leaving the site are food safe.
• Clean and sanitize equipment/machinery and plant facility according to good manufacturing and sanitation practices.
• Maintain associate safety and food safety in the Pilot Plant.
• Use creativity and innovation to solve problems.
• Flexible to evolving pilot plant demands.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

Skills

GMP compliance

Equipment operation

Lab testing

Data recording

Team collaboration

Education

AA/AS or BS in Science/Tech

Job description

Job Description:

SHIFT: 4 day work schedule, 10 hour days; 7am-5:30pm

The Pilot Plant Technician role is responsible to be part of a cross-functional and highly collaborative team reporting to the Pilot Plant Manager. This role Is responsible to help on the completion of projects including preparation of Pilot Plant runs, configuration of equipment, equipment sanitation, routine clean up, pack outs, and housekeeping. They will be relied upon to support ever-evolving trial demands and to collect data for efficient operations.

The technician role should help to ensure open communication with the pilot plant manager as well as all other Pilot Plant and trial stakeholders including site HSE, Quality and Food Safety, and R&D platform partners. This Includes the escalation of concerns, equipment reliability, planning, and resource concerns. It will also include attending all required team meetings, completing all required documentation, and participation in continuous Improvement activities.

The Pilot Plant technician role may help in supporting operations with Wet, Dry, C&T, and Innovation process trials to support delivery of site business objectives.

This role executes business essentials tasks for pilot plant operations and R&D trials such as batching raw ingredients, operating food processing equipment, and sanitation support. Their support ensures efficient operations both site wide and on a global scale. The role will operate in compliance with Mars standards and expectations related to Quality (QMP) and Safety. Key responsibilities include:

• Operate food processing and sanitation equipment
• Record and distribute data from experiments
• Batch raw materials for trials and update impacted inventory systems
• Cross train on several pilot plant operations, such as wet and sanitation
• Support key stakeholders, such as Quality and HSE departments
• Develop and update standard operating procedures for applicable areas
• Provides quality control for pilot plant produced finished product and ensure all products leaving the site are food safe
• Clean and sanitize equipment/machinery and plant facility according to good manufacturing and sanitation practices.
• Responsible for always maintaining associate safety and food safety in the Pilot Plant
• Use creativity and innovation to solve mechanical or organizational problems
• Flexible to ever-evolving pilot plant demands
• Performs other tasks as assigned

Education & Professional Qualifications

This position requires an AA/AS, BS degree in Science (e.g., Chemistry, Physics, Analytical Chemistry, Food Science, etc.) or Technology (e.g., Engineering Technology), or a HS/Vocational School degree with relevant work experience. with diverse knowledge of food production equipment and processes.

Knowledge/Experience

Familiar with food processing GMP standards, equipment operations, and laboratory testing. Attention to detail and able to participate in HSE/QA annual auditing. Ability to stand and bend for 8+ hours during a 10-hour shift. Ability to lift 50 lbs. Ability to operate forklift. Familiarity with computers and iPad/tablet, as well an ability to navigate general software programs like email, online time keeping and electronic calendars.