Pilot Plant Technician

Job Title: Pilot Plant TechnicianJob Description

The Pilot Plant Technician operates and maintains pilot plant equipment, supports cross-functional research and development projects, and ensures that all processes meet food safety, quality, and regulatory standards. This role plays a key part in scaling up new products from concept to production by applying food science and process knowledge in a hands-on pilot plant environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate pilot plant equipment safely and efficiently as a certified operator, ensuring high-usage equipment runs reliably during trials and production runs.
• Support cross-functional project teams by preparing, setting up, and running pilot plant trials for research and development, scale-up, and new product development activities.
• Troubleshoot process equipment issues, identify root causes of technical problems, and support implementation of corrective actions to maintain smooth operations.
• Assist the food pilot plant team in implementing and maintaining Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plans to ensure food safety and compliance.
• Participate in the environmental monitoring program, including sampling and execution of monitoring activities in designated bays, and document results as required.
• Perform daily walkthroughs of the pilot plant to verify that utilities and equipment are properly shut down at the end of the day, and promptly report any issues or irregularities observed.
• Ensure adherence to all safety procedures and regulatory requirements, including proper use of equipment, handling of materials, and compliance with internal policies.
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Clean-in-Place (CIP) procedures to clean and sanitize equipment after use, ensuring equipment is ready and safe for subsequent operations.
• Execute sanitation protocols for bays, hallways, and other designated areas to maintain a clean, organized, and food-safe pilot plant environment.
• Support food formulation and process adjustments during pilot runs, collaborating with R&D and food science teams to achieve desired product quality and performance.
• Document operational parameters, observations, and results from pilot trials to support research, development, and scale-up decisions.

Essential Skills

• At least 3 years of pilot plant experience, preferably in a food, chemical, or related process environment.
• Background in food science, chemistry, chemical engineering, or related disciplines, with experience in research and development and scale-up.
• Hands-on experience with pilot plant operations, including setup, operation, and basic troubleshooting of process equipment.
• Working knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles and their application in a food processing environment.
• Experience with food formulation and process development in a pilot or lab-scale setting.
• Associate degree or bachelor's degree in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Ability to follow and apply Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Clean-in-Place (CIP) procedures for equipment cleaning and sanitation.
• Strong attention to detail in monitoring equipment, utilities, and environmental conditions.
• Commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and food safety standards.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills to support cross-functional teams in R&D and production.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• HACCP certification (HAACP cert) or equivalent food safety certification.
• Experience in new product development and research and development projects.
• Exposure to environmental monitoring systems in food or process facilities.
• Familiarity with scale-up from laboratory to pilot and production scale.
• Ability to document trial conditions, observations, and results clearly and accurately.
• Strong problem-solving mindset for addressing technical and process challenges.
• Interest in working with natural ingredients and innovative food and material solutions.
• Motivation to contribute to projects that impact a wide range of consumer and industrial products.

Work Environment

This role is based in a pilot plant environment where you work hands-on with processing equipment, utilities, and food or chemical formulations. The setting involves operating and cleaning equipment, performing environmental monitoring, and maintaining high standards of sanitation and food safety in bays, hallways, and production areas. You collaborate closely with cross-functional teams in research and development, scale-up, and new product development. The work environment emphasizes safety, adherence to GMP and HACCP, and consistent use of SOP and CIP procedures. You will be part of a global, innovation-focused organization that applies natural ingredients across many industries, offering the opportunity to see your work reflected in everyday products used around the world.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Bridgewater, NJ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $32.00 - $36.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 Bridgewater,NJ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 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.