Pilot Plant Operator

Pilot Plant Operator

Location: Louisville, KY

Job Type: Direct Hire

Industry: Food Manufacturing / Product Development

Pay: $28.00/hour on 2nd shift

Base Pay: $26.00/hour + $2.00/hour 2nd Shift Differential

Schedule: 3:00 PM – 11:30 PM

Sign-On Bonus: $2,000

Reports To: Quality Director

About the Position

Snelling Staffing is recruiting a Pilot Plant Operator for an established food manufacturing and product development operation in Louisville.

Earn $28.00/hour on 2nd shift, plus a $2,000 sign-on bonus! This position supports the development of new and improved food color products, including caramel and other natural color products.

The Pilot Plant Operator will operate specialized pilot plant equipment, conduct analytical testing, document trial results, and assist with scaling new products from development into manufacturing.

Training will take place on 1st shift. Once training is successfully completed, the position will move to the regular 2nd shift schedule of 3:00 PM – 11:30 PM.

Key Responsibilities

Assist with developing product formulations by understanding food and chemical interactions and creating finished products.

Operate pilot plant research cookers for process and ingredient evaluation and new product development.

Provide observations and suggestions based on the cooking process.

Conduct scale-up trials using a 50-gallon cooker.

Perform routine analytical testing and interpret results to support product development.

Operate ultrafiltration equipment, agglomerators, and other pilot plant equipment.

Follow established product development procedures and safe operating practices.

Maintain cleanliness and sanitation throughout the pilot production area and food laboratory.

Accurately document and record experimental trials and results.

Assist with knowledge transfer for new products and troubleshooting at manufacturing locations.

Participate in quality improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

Associate degree in a technology-related field preferred, or comparable industrial technology experience in the food industry.

Computer literate with the ability to research information online and use spreadsheet software.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to perform analytical testing and interpret results.

Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Good judgment and decision-making skills.

Dependable and productive.

Ability to adapt to changing priorities and processes.

Food manufacturing, industrial technology, laboratory, chemical processing, or related experience is a plus.

Physical Requirements

Ability to regularly handle packages weighing up to 55 pounds.

Must be physically capable of conducting pilot and small cooker trials.

Some travel may be required.

Ability to work in a pilot plant and food laboratory environment.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Background check required.

Drug screen required.

Must be able to successfully complete 1st shift training before transitioning to 2nd shift.

Apply Today

If you have experience in food manufacturing, production, laboratory work, industrial technology, or process operations and are looking for a $28.00/hour 2nd shift opportunity with a $2,000 sign-on bonus, we want to hear from you!

Snelling Staffing is an Equal Opportunity Employer.