This position is responsible for assisting with, organizing and performing pilot plant trials and associated support work under general supervision.  Specifically, individual will work as part of a team developing, planning and executing day to day pilot operations.  The mission of this role is to support the ongoing development and improvement of products, packaging and processes for Danone by applying technical knowledge and logic running small scale experimentation in the pilot plant setting.  This role will work closely with R&I scientists and technicians to ensure the accuracy of all trial products.

Key Responsibilities

As a key member of our team, you will play an important role in driving our mission forward. The following responsibilities outline the core expectations and contributions for this position:

• Responsible for knowing how to operate and maintain all equipment in the pilot plant
• Maintains a safe and clean working environment for all employees and visitors
• Ensures all safety rules, pilot plant rules, GMP’s and code of ethics are followed at all times
• Leads cross training activities for pilot plant technicians
• Works closely with pilot plant management and technical teams to provide robust technical rigor and data collection when executing pilot trials to identify risks and opportunities for industrialization and scale-up.
• Prioritizes and balances a dynamic production schedule
• Provides supervisory support when called upon in the areas of scheduling, planning and equipment operations.

• Learns and demonstrates proficiencies on all pilot plant equipment and processes thereby demonstrating technical knowledge and aptitudes across the range of existing and future product types 
• Creates, communicates and regularly updates standard operating procedures for machine operation and maintenance, safety practices and food handling practices
• Learns and demonstrates proficiencies on all analytical equipment and tests thereby demonstrating technical knowledge and aptitudes for essential laboratory skills

• Assist R&I developers in the preparation, execution and review of experiments, including the staging of raw materials in accordance with R&I submitted formulations.
• Keep clear and concise records of plant operations as outlined by FSMA regulations
• Prepare summaries of trial results with recommendations for product/process improvements

• Troubleshoots and optimizes current products and manufacturing processes for commercialization and to eliminate quality and production errors in the pilot plant

• Aptitude for troubleshooting minor mechanical and equipment issues when they arise
• Following equipment and maintenance operations as established by SOP’s
• Inventory management and raw materials prep and weigh ups.
• Safe usage of chemicals
• All other duties as assigned

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Physical Demands: 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop, kneel or crouch; talk and hear.  The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee is also required to be able to taste and smell various food products and detect various attributes including taste, odor, and/or texture.

Work Environment: 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to a lab and pilot plant environment where the noise level is usually moderate, but can be high.

The ideal candidate will bring a combination of education, experience, and skills that enable them to excel in this position. The following qualifications outline what we’re looking for, including both required and preferred criteria:

Education & Experience:

• Minimum 4 years of experience in food & beverage manufacturing operations.
• B.S. or B.A. from a 4-year college or university OR relevant experience in the food industry

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Basic understanding of food safety and handling procedures
• Basic understanding of lab safety rules and procedures
• Ability to read and analyze experimental and process designs to reach a desired outcome
• Ability to write and communicate observations and test summaries 
• Ability to interpret instructions in written, oral, diagram or schedule form
• Ability to interpret analytical results to form conclusions
• Ability to solve problems based on facts and trends
• Able to work a flexible schedule. Weekends are not included.
• Strong organization skills with ability to manage work flow and prioritize multiple tasks with limited direct supervision

The salary range for this position is $54,000-70,000 USD. The exact salary offered will depend on several factors, including the candidate’s relevant experience, geographic location, internal equity, and market conditions. Danone USA additionally offers a performance-based bonus and has a strong benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, 401k Plan, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Time Off, and Paid Parental Bonding Leave, among other benefit plan options. To give our employees flexibility, Danone is a hybrid work environment.

This role is considered a “hybrid” position that allows for flexible work, meaning it is a role where collaboration with key stakeholders in Danone Hubs occurs. While you may have the option to work from home on a schedule as agreed to with your supervisor, you are also expected to regularly report to your assigned office location at least 3 days per week.

The ideal candidate will bring a combination of education, experience, and skills that enable them to excel in this position. The following qualifications outline what we’re looking for, including both required and preferred criteria:

Education & Experience:

• Minimum 4 years of experience in food & beverage manufacturing operations.
• B.S. or B.A. from a 4-year college or university OR relevant experience in the food industry

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Basic understanding of food safety and handling procedures
• Basic understanding of lab safety rules and procedures
• Ability to read and analyze experimental and process designs to reach a desired outcome
• Ability to write and communicate observations and test summaries 
• Ability to interpret instructions in written, oral, diagram or schedule form
• Ability to interpret analytical results to form conclusions
• Ability to solve problems based on facts and trends
• Able to work a flexible schedule. Weekends are not included.
• Strong organization skills with ability to manage work flow and prioritize multiple tasks with limited direct supervision

Life at Danone

With 5,000 employees across two headquarters and 10+ U.S. manufacturing locations, Danone offers a vibrant culture, meaningful work and growth opportunities that make employees proud to be Danoners.
Rooted in our mission to bring health through food to as many people as possible, Danone is proud to be the world’s largest B Corp. Learn more about Life at Danone

Our Brands

When you join Danone USA, you’ll work with some of the best known food and beverage brands in the world, including Activia®, Danimals®, Oikos®, Silk®, Dannon®, evian®, International Delight®, STŌK® Cold Brew Coffee®, and more. View our full lineup of brands.

Our Benefits

Our benefits support your physical, mental, financial and family wellbeing through health coverage, flexible time off, retirement savings, family care support and more. Learn more about our benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Danone USA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. It is our policy to give equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to legally protected characteristics, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state/provincial and/or local law. For our EEO policy statement and your EEO rights under law click here.

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