Pilot Plant Research Specialist

Job Title: Pilot Plant Research Specialist

Job Description

The Pilot Plant Research Specialist supports the development and scale-up of new products and processes in a dynamic pilot plant environment. This role suits someone who is mechanically inclined, comfortable working in situations with some ambiguity, and motivated to help build and refine processes as the facility continues to evolve. The specialist collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to plan and execute trials, ensure high-quality data collection, and drive continuous improvement in operations, safety, and product quality.

Responsibilities

• Understand the objectives of assigned trial requests, including product specifications and process procedures, to ensure accurate and relevant trial execution.
• Safely execute pilot plant trials in accordance with established procedures, perform the required analyses, and record all data and observations made during the trials.
• Report trial findings clearly and promptly to the project leader, providing accurate data and insights to support decision-making.
• Apply good industrial practices and food standards during trial execution and reporting to ensure quality and reliability of results.
• Identify and suggest improvements to optimize operations, quality, efficiency, safety, and maintenance, and support implementation of these improvements where possible.
• Execute capital expenditure (Capex) projects as needed to support pilot plant capability and process enhancements.
• Verify that raw materials required for trials are available in the correct quantities and accompanied by the necessary documentation.
• Maintain pilot plant equipment in functional and safe operating condition, promptly flag equipment defects or malfunctions, and perform routine maintenance when applicable.
• Ensure equipment and process standard operating procedures (SOPs) are available, accurate, and kept up to date.
• Identify and address potential risks that may affect project objectives, timelines, or quality, escalating issues as appropriate.
• Support and promote cleanliness, 5S practices, safety, maintenance, and quality standards throughout the pilot plant.
• Contact and coordinate with third parties, such as suppliers, for equipment maintenance and to obtain required specification sheets for raw materials.
• Work effectively with cross-functional teams including Research and Development, Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Logistics to ensure successful trial planning and execution.
• Independently plan, organize, and execute trials and experiments, including scheduling, resource coordination, and documentation.
• Interpret and analyze test results and provide clear, actionable feedback to trial requestors and project stakeholders.
• Integrate internal and external best practices to improve processes, tools, services, and ways of working within the pilot plant.
• Use advanced computer skills and standard software programs to document trials, analyze data, and prepare reports.
• Demonstrate a hands-on, problem-solving mindset and proactively address operational issues or opportunities for improvement.
• Contribute to a collaborative team environment by communicating effectively, sharing knowledge, and adapting to a fast-changing setting.

Essential Skills

• Degree in applied science, engineering, or an equivalent technical experience.
• 1-3 years of professional experience in a production environment, development setting, research laboratory, or food pilot plant; experience in biotechnology or food science is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to independently plan, organize, and execute trials and experiments from start to finish.
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort working with pilot plant instruments and equipment.
• Result-oriented approach with strong respect for quality, timing, and attention to detail.
• Hands-on, problem-solving mindset with a proactive attitude toward addressing issues and improving processes.
• Ability to interpret and analyze test results and provide clear feedback to internal requestors.
• Strong team player with good interpersonal skills and the flexibility to adapt to a fast-changing environment.
• Ability to integrate and apply internal and external best practices to improve processes, tools, and services.
• Good oral and written communication skills for interacting with cross-functional teams and documenting work.
• Advanced computer skills, including proficiency with standard software programs such as Word and Excel.
• Experience working in or familiarity with a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) environment is strongly preferred.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Science or engineering degree with experience in research projects.
• 1-2 years of experience specifically in production, development, research labs, or food pilot plants, particularly in biotechnology or food science, considered an asset.
• Experience working with quality, production, and maintenance teams to scale up processes from pilot to larger-scale operations.
• Comfort working in environments with evolving processes and some ambiguity, with the confidence to ask questions and seek clarity.
• Ability to suggest and support implementation of improvements in operations, quality, efficiency, safety, and maintenance.
• Experience coordinating with external suppliers for equipment maintenance and raw material specifications.
• Familiarity with 5S, cleanliness, and continuous improvement practices in a plant or laboratory setting.

Work Environment

This role is based in a pilot plant environment that has recently been consolidated from multiple facilities, creating a setting with many moving parts and ongoing process development. The specialist works closely with quality and production teams to ensure processes are properly scaled up and aligned with operational and quality standards. The position requires frequent interaction with pilot plant instruments and equipment, so a strong mechanical aptitude and comfort with hands-on work are essential. The facility temperature typically runs 10-20 degrees higher than the outside environment and, while managed by HVAC in the summer, can still be very hot at times. Safety and quality are top priorities, and the culture emphasizes proactive communication, continuous improvement, and collaboration with experienced colleagues who have been involved with the pilot plant since its early stages.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Saint Louis, MO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $32.00 - $35.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Saint Louis,MO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 27, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.