Technician, R&D – Pilot Plant

Kraft Heinz Company; Warrendale (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 48,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Kraft Heinz is seeking a Pilot Plant Technician to operate pilot plant machinery, control process flow, and perform basic packaging/processing tasks. The role supports day-to-day trial execution across one to two pilot plants, ensuring safety, food safety, and quality while reporting issues promptly.

The position emphasizes adherence to GMP, documentation of trials, and collaboration with site leaders to maintain efficient trial operations and equipment readiness.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 3 to 5 years of manufacturing or pilot plant experience required.
• Basic to intermediate computer skills required.
• Ability to complete production documentation and use digital systems.
• Ability to work autonomously and escalate issues when needed.

Responsibilities

• Carry out pilot plant operations following 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, developers, and relevant partners.
• Balance multiple work activities and accommodate changes in trial timing or schedule.
• Escalate non-standard process, equipment, or execution issues appropriately.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Technician Manager, including support across pilot plant areas as needed.

Skills

Autonomous work

Documentation skills

Computer literacy

Ability to learn digital systems

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job Description Job Description Under the direction and supervision of the Technician Manager, the Pilot Plant Technician is responsible for executing trial plans by operating pilot plant machinery and equipment, controlling process flow, and completing manual process work in packaging and/or less complex processing areas. This role supports day-to-day trial execution across one to two pilot plants and multiple lines with similar equipment, covering several business platforms. Beyond daily responsibilities, the Pilot Plant Technician must recognize the critical role their work plays in ensuring food safety, product quality, and reliable pilot plant operations, and promptly report any issues that could impact safety, food integrity, equipment performance, or trial execution.

Statement of the Job

Perform pilot plant duties in compliance with established policies, safety standards, GMP requirements, and food safety and quality guidelines.

The employee must be able to:

• Execute trial plans by operating machinery and equipment and completing assigned production activities
• Control process flow and conduct manual process work for packaging and/or less-complex processing areas
• Work across one to two different pilot plants and multiple lines with similar equipment covering several business platforms
• Support or participate in pre-trial meetings and trial planning activities
• Perform trial set-up and tear-down activities
• Support day-to-day running of production trials, including equipment self-checks and initial troubleshooting
• Ensure timely and precise completion of trial and production records
• Submit maintenance work orders and order materials as needed to support trial execution
• Support equipment swabbing, sanitizing, and minimal sanitation duties as required
• Explain workstation requirements and activities to other technicians and developers
• Shadow colleagues trained on specific workstations and build capability across assigned areas
• Complete work activities autonomously while escalating non-standard issues to the manager or more experienced colleagues

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, developers, and relevant partners
• Balance multiple work activities and accommodate changes in trial timing or schedule
• Escalate non-standard process, equipment, or execution issues appropriately
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Technician Manager, including support across pilot plant areas as needed

Safety Responsibility

Responsible for wearing proper PPE, compliance of safety training, policy & procedures, and reporting any unsafe safety conditions to management. Responsible for safely operating production equipment and tools required for production.

Quality Responsibility

Participate in audits and assist in the development of procedures and corrective actions.

Equipment Operated

Fork trucks, power tools, lift assist equipment, production operating equipment and tools across pilot plants, and production computer systems.

Responsibility of Equipment Operated

Responsible for ensuring equipment is in a safe and operable condition and must operate equipment in a safe manner.

Lifting Requirements

Lifting 5-50 pounds may be required. Employees should use assisted lifting techniques / devices or teamwork for equipment greater than 50 pounds.

Training And Experience

• High school diploma or GED required
• 3 to 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 elevate non-standard issues.

Location(s)

Heinz Innovation Center Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes.

ABOUT US

Kraft Heinz is a global food company with a delicious heritage. With iconic and emerging food and beverage brands around the world, we deliver the best taste, fun and quality to every meal table we touch. We're on a mission to disrupt not only our own business, but the global food industry. A consumer obsession and unexpected partnerships fuel our progress as we drive innovation across every part of our company. Around the world, our people are connected by a culture of ownership, agility and endless curiosity. We also believe in being good humans, who are working to improve our company, communities, and planet. We're proud of where we've been - and even more thrilled about where we're headed - as we nourish the world and lead the future of food.

WHY US

We grow our people to grow our business. We champion great people who bring ambition, curiosity, and high performance to the table as the guardians of our beloved and nostalgic brands. Good is not good enough. We choose greatness every day by challenging the ordinary and making bold decisions. All while celebrating our wins - and our failures - as we work together to lead the future of food. Challenging the status quo takes talent. We invest in your purpose and potential by developing skills and nurturing strengths that leave a legacy on our business and a lasting impact on your career. Because great people make great companies, and we're growing something great here at Kraft Heinz.

INCLUSION MATTERS TO US

Everyone is welcome at our table. In fact, we thrive on learning and growing from our diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Doesn't matter who you are, where you're from, or who makes your heart sing. We want you to show up as your authentic self, excited to work with amazing colleagues to solve complex challenges and innovate in an ever-changing industry. We're committed to: Hiring and growing talent from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Growing our Business Resource Groups - vibrant, celebrated communities that enhance our business through thought leadership employee engagement and professional development opportunities. Providing our managers and leaders high quality learning experiences to explore how to foster inclusion and belonging.