Pilot Plant Supervisor

Job description

The Pilot Plant Supervisor oversees the APC pilot plant. In this role, he/she will be responsible for the APC pilot plant experimental execution, equipment maintenance, and training of personnel to safely operate the pilot plant. Trials organization: Plan the pilot plant trials program according to project priority. Ensure the supply of required equipment, raw materials and packaging to meet business needs. Prepare Pilot plant trial test plans. Make sure that the different trials are done according to the test plans and/or modify test plans as required. Ensure samples are obtained properly, identified and analyzed according to the test plan. Manage the different trials and save all the important data and parameters from the different projects conducted in the Pilot Plant. Properly save and store the pilot plant raw data. Assure that a final report is provided for each trial conducted in the Pilot Plant. APC Pilot Plant: Maintain preventative maintenance schedule and ensure items are completed on time. Supervise cleaning and proper organization of all APC common areas Ensure all APC equipment is maintained in good working order. Continuous improvement of SOP’s related to safety and efficiency. Ensure that common reagents and consumables are generally available in the Pilot Plant. Team Management – Training and Development: Responsible for training LAB associates, to safely operate the pilot equipment. Provide Coaching to individual team members to foster an excellent safety culture. To write, up dated and maintain the working procedures for the different equipment as required Supervise direct reports. Technology Development: Management of assigned projects. Equipment commissioning. Provide technical opinion to the Management for review and recommend changes in the productive process and recommend effective solutions for different problems that could affect the technical departments. Perform various tasks as assigned. JOB REQUIREMENTS: Understand principles and application of reactors, continuous centrifuges, membrane systems and spray dryers General knowledge of food sciences, biology, microbiology and basic chemistry Good understanding of food/Feed processing principles. Interpretation and communication of product analytical data. Strong trouble shooting skills. Proven proactive approach. Comfortable making autonomous decisions. Works well in a team environment. Knowledge of basic statistics. Knowledge of basic analytical techniques commonly used in quality control labs for food and animal feed (protein, ash, moisture, etc.) Able to work flexible hours and willing to travel up to 25% of the time. Project Management. Knowledge of Windows and Microsoft office. Strong written and verbal communication skills. JOB QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Bachelor’s of Science in Biology, chemistry, food science, engineering, related field or equivalent relevant experience. Experience: 4-5 years experience in an industrial processing environment (food or feed preferred). BASIC PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Approximate: 8-Hour Day (may be longer during peak season) Key: Occasional = 0% - 33% Frequent = 34% - 66% Continuous = 67% - 100% N/A = Not Applicable Standing - Frequent Sitting - Occasional Walking - Frequent Bending/Kneeling/Crouching/Stooping - Frequent Reaching above shoulder - Occasional Climbing (stairs, ladders, etc.) - Occasional Working on Heights: Unprotected Heights - N/A Protected Heights - Occasional Lifting Weights from 0 to 50 Pounds - Occasional Push/Pull/Maneuver Equipment/Products/Materials - Frequent Weighing from 0 to 50 Pounds Being Around and/or Operating Laboratory and Pilot Plant Equipment - Frequent Operating a Vehicle (as a part of your job) - Occasional Read/Monitor Gauges on Various Equipment - Frequent Hand Movements: Recording Data - Frequent Operating Lab Equipment - Frequent Operating Computer - Occasional Simple Grasping (right and left) - Frequent Firm Grasping (right and left) - Frequent Fine Manipulating (right and left) - Frequent Vision: Good Vision, Corrected to Normal; or Ability to Access Required Information and to Perform Job Duties - YES Color Definition Required: - YES Hearing: Good Hearing, Corrected to Normal; or Ability to Communicate/Understand Required Information and to Perform Job Duties - YES Mobility: Ability to be mobile throughout required work areas. Office - Frequent Multiple Locations - Occasional Plant - Frequent BASIC MENTAL REQUIREMENTS: This job requires the mental capabilities to apply scientific knowledge/principles to apply and communicate processes/procedures in a Pilot Plant setting. Furthermore, necessary in accomplishing job duties are the abilities to implement analytical methods, provide creative solutions to problems as situations arise. WORKING CONDITIONS AND EXPOSURES: Pilot Plant working conditions exist with exposures to chemicals while performing plant trials, laboratory procedures and analysis. May include exposure to acidic and alkaline substances. Additional exposures include biohazards, odor, noise, moving equipment and occasional use of poisonous chemicals. At times the employee may be required to travel on company business with exposures to inclement weather. (10% travel estimated) Participates in E-Verify #SAPC