Pilot Plant Technician

Nestlé’s Research & Development Center is our regional powerhouse driving innovation in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical science. Backed by our global Nestlé R&D organization, we lead breakthrough discoveries that are both good for consumers and the planet. Our team of experts range from product developers to engineers, working across our portfolio of food, beverage, infant nutrition, and health science to create leading-edge products and services. As part of our organization, you will use your entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence to unlock the power of food and provide premium value.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

Position Summary:

Technicians play a key role in our innovation process by organizing and executing pilot plant trials and associated support under general supervision. Technicians perform mechanical troubleshooting/repair as required, interact with project teams, and participate in project discussions. Technicians participate in cross-training as needed and learn new required skills due to global technological advances.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Set up, start up, operate, clean, and shut down food processing equipment
• Successfully execute equipment change over activities
• Perform mechanical repairs, inspection and troubleshooting as required
• Apply calculations as illustrated in the training program
• Complete all specified training programs, gradually learn the principles of end-to-end soluble coffee global manufacturing processes including roasting, extraction, aroma recovery, evaporation and drying
• Maintain equipment in good sanitary and working condition
• Document trial data records and prepare summaries of trial results (Log Sheets, etc.)
• Analyze data from various sources such as test results, process controls, trending, and monitoring, troubleshoot for deviations
• Run sediment, moisture, powder density and other specific quality monitoring
• Trace and understand process flows similar with fluidizing lines and operate heaters and coolers
• Support Project Leaders, Pilot Plant Team Members and others in pilot plant trial preparation, execution, follow up, review and process improvement
• Understand and adhere to all applicable job specific safety and security rules, including LOTO
• Review and provide feedback for updates to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
• Apply good manufacturing practices, follow SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), maintain a safe, clean, and sanitary work area
• Support Sustainability Roadmap for the site
• Additional duties as assigned

Job Qualifications (Minimum Education, Experience, and Knowledge)

• High School Diploma (or equivalent)
• Minimum of 1-3 years of previous operational/manufacturing experience required
• Experience working on complex manufacturing systems similar with roasters, evaporators, centrifuges, aroma recovery systems, cell extraction and spray or batch dryers preferred
• Experience working on similar equipment used for thermal and aseptic processing preferred
• Experience and understanding of working with equipment that uses rupture discs and safety valves preferred
• Previous mechanical operation experience or schooling in a maintenance/mechanical/trades program preferred
• Strong critical and analytical skills including problem solving
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs, occasionally may lift with assistance over 50lbs

It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.


To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestlé seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you’ll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home.

The Nestlé Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at [email protected] or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship. 

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Job Requisition: 411710