R&D Pilot Plant Technician: Food-Grade Trials

All Aviation Jobs; Warrendale (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Kraft Heinz, at the Heinz Innovation Center in Warrendale, is seeking a Pilot Plant Technician to execute trial plans, operate pilot plant machinery, control process flow, and perform manual packaging tasks across one to two plants. You will support day-to-day trial execution and ensure safety, food safety, and quality across multiple lines.

Ideal candidates have a high school diploma or GED and 3–5 years in manufacturing or pilot plant environments, plus basic to intermediate computer skills.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 3–5 years of relevant manufacturing, food production, pilot plant, or similar operation environment experience required.
• Basic to intermediate computer skills required.
• Ability to complete production documentation and learn to use required digital systems.
• Ability to work autonomously within standard work, while using judgement to escape non-standard issues.

Responsibilities

• Carry out pilot plant operations following established policies and standards for product quality, GMP compliance, and safety.
• Support successful day-to-day execution and completion of production trials.
• Be accountable for on-time trial set-up, tear-down, and routine operation during assigned trials.
• Perform machinery and equipment self-checks and carry out initial troubleshooting during trial execution.
• Complete required trial, production, and related operational documentation.
• Submit maintenance work orders and order materials needed for trial support.
• Support sanitation, swabbing, and related food safety and quality activities as required.
• Communicate workstation needs, project status, and trial issues to pilot plant leaders and relevant partners.
• Balance multiple work activities and accommodate changes in trial timing or schedule; escalate non-standard issues appropriately.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Technician Manager, including support across pilot plant areas as needed.

Skills

Autonomy at work

Documentation

Computer skills

Judgment

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Kraft Heinz, at the Heinz Innovation Center in Warrendale, is seeking a Pilot Plant Technician to execute trial plans, operate pilot plant machinery, control process flow, and perform manual packaging tasks across one to two plants. You will support day-to-day trial execution and ensure safety, food safety, and quality across multiple lines.

Ideal candidates have a high school diploma or GED and 3–5 years in manufacturing or pilot plant environments, plus basic to intermediate computer skills.