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
• Prioritizes and balances a dynamic production schedule

• 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
• 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
• 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 salary range for this position is $42,500-60,000 USD. The exact salary offered will depend on several factors, including the candidate’s relevant experience, geographic location, internal equity, and market conditions.  Danone North America 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.

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 1 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 problem solve based on facts and trends
• Able to work a flexible schedule. Weekends not included.
• Strong organization skills with ability to manage work flow and prioritize multiple tasks with limited direct supervision

Life at Danone

With approximately 5,000 employees and 13 production locations across the U.S., our vibrant culture and endless growth opportunities are just a couple of the reasons our employees call themselves “Proud Danoners.” 

Learn more about Life at Danone

Our Brands

When you join us, you’ll work with some of the best-known food and beverage brands in the world, including Activia®, DanActive®, Danimals®, Dannon®, evian®, Follow Your Heart®, Happy Family® Organics, International Delight®, Light + Fit®, Nutricia ®, Oikos®, Silk®, So Delicious® Dairy Free, STōK® Cold Brew Coffee ®, Too Good & Co™, and YoCrunch®.

Our Purpose

We’re committed to making a positive impact on our world. Rooted in our mission to bring health through food to as many people as possible, we’re proud to be the world’s largest B Corp.

Learn more about our mission.

Our Benefits

Our commitment to making the world healthier starts with our employees. 

• Physical Wellbeing: We pay for the majority of your medical benefits – which include medical, dental and vision – with our competitive 80%/20% cost-sharing model.
• Mental Wellbeing: Danoners receive fitness discounts, unlimited flexible time off and hybrid work schedules. We also have a range of programs that support mental health and substance abuse.  
• Financial Support: We offer a performance-based bonus, a 401(k) plan, tuition reimbursement, employee discount programs and voluntary perks.
• Family Care: We offer caretaker benefits, 18 weeks of parental bonding, fertility, surrogacy, adoption benefits and pet insurance.

Learn more about our benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Danone North America 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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