Pilot Plant Technician

Pilot Plant TechnicianWork Location: Chicago Due to the highly interactive nature of this manufacturing position, in-person attendance and flexibility are essential for supporting production schedules, effective communication and collaboration, real-time problem solving, and participation in cross-functional initiatives. Schedules may vary and are subject to change. Core Hours: 7:30am-4:00pm Monday-Friday Want to make an impact? Play a key role in bringing products to life by operating pilot plant equipment, maintaining a clean and sanitary production environment, and supporting the safe and efficient operation of equipment and processes. Your work will help ensure quality, safety, and innovation every step of the way.Ways you will make a differenceOperation of various processing equipment (confectionary equipment) with support from pilot plant technicians producing various samples for internal and external use as requested by R&DAssist in maintaining equipment in good sanitary and working conditionPerform preventive maintenance on equipmentExecute trials on pilot scale equipmentFollow SSOP, CIP and COP proceduresMaintain a safe, clean, and sanitary work area (cleaning floors, walk in coolers, sinks, etc. when necessary)Adhere to GMP and other safety regulationsOrganize supplies and maintain records of all inventories (chemical/equipment/ingredients)Maintain security and confidentiality of information within the research and development and quality groupUnderstands and demonstrates the company's core valuesPerforms other duties as assigned:Chemical testing: ATP, Pathogens, Allergens (soy, dairy, wheat, gluten, etc.)Alchemy and food safety trainingKey member of safety team as sugar representativeUW online candy schoolFood Safety Compliance teamWarehouse labelling, organization, and trackingWaste Tracker FormPutting together action plans for agreed upon improvementsOrdering of ingredients and raw material (as well as tracking)Daily, Weekly, Monthly Checklist: 56 additional tasks outside Plant TrialsSkills that will make you successfulGeneral mechanical abilities up to and including using complex toolsExcellent communication skills, both written and oralAbility to operate and maintain equipment safelyAbility to use complex equipment in an effective mannerExcellent interpersonal skills to foster a positive team environmentSelf-starter, self-motivatingAbility to maintain a safe working environment through proper housekeeping and safety practicesFoster a positive and inclusive work environment where team members feel respected, valued, and empowered to contributeDemonstrate a commitment to excellence through innovative thinking, continuous improvement, and strong attention to detailProven ability to prioritize tasks, manage competing priorities, and meet critical deadlinesStrong project management skills with experience coordinating multiple projects simultaneouslyAbility to build and maintain effective working relationships with equipment vendors and cross-functional partnersExperiences that will support your successBachelor's or Associate degree highly preferredExperience with Microsoft Office, SAP or other similar ERP systemKnowledge of and experience adhering to Quality standards and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) within a food processing environmentWorking conditions and physical requirements:8+ hours sitting/standing/walkingAbility to safely handle and move materials using established material handling methods, including carts, team lifting, mechanical assistance, or other available controls, as required by the positionExposure to hazards (steam, chemicals, machinery, confined spaces, etc.)What We Offer At Ferrara, we're proud to support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance.

Compensation The salary range for this role is $49,575-$69,405 annually.Equal OpportunityWe are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, employment decisions and opportunities at Ferrara will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, military or veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic information, pregnancy (childbirth or related medical condition), or on any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.