Job Purpose:

This is a critical role to enable pilot plant experimentation including operation of equipment, analysis of test matrixes, documentation of results and providing input into next possible steps to advance the technical learning.  The Pilot Plant activities support the business agenda for Primes Excellence and Innovation while operating in compliance with Mars standards and expectations related to Quality (QMP) and Safety.
 

Key Responsibilities:

• Set up pilot plant equipment and prepare resources based on test design and parameters 
• Operation of a wide range of equipment including existing systems as well as new technology 
• Document all critical testing criteria and critical observations throughout experimentation 
• Document and catalog required quality control documents including thermal process evaluations  
• Document pilot plant trials 
• Responsible for maintaining associate safety and food safety at all times in the Pilot Plant 
• Provides Quality control for the finished product produced in the Pilot Plant and ensures that all products leaving the site are safe. 
• Use creativity and innovation to solve mechanical or organizational problems occurring during experiments, test trials and production runs. React to getting assignments completed in a timely, effective manner. 
• Plans and collects materials for and executes trial production and development tests.  
• Develops and updates Standard Operating Procedures for equipment and procedures in the Pilot Plant. 
• Cleans and sanitizes equipment/machinery and plant facility according to good manufacturing and sanitation practices. 
• Performs other tasks as assigned. 

Context and Scope:

The Pilot Plant Technician role is responsible to be part of a cross-functional and highly collaborative team reporting to the Pilot Plant operations lead. This role Is responsible to help in the completion of all trial prep, execution, and tear-down and clean-up. This includes the attendance of all required team meetings, completing all required documentation, and participation in continuous Improvement activities like FMOS, AAR, etc. 

The technician role should help to ensure open communication with the pilot plant operations lead, as well as all other Pilot Plant and trial stakeholders including site HSE, Quality and Food Safety, and R&D platform partners. This Includes the escalation of concerns, equipment reliability, planning, and resource concerns.  

The Pilot Plant technician role may help in supporting operations with Wet, Dry, C&T, and Innovation process trials in an effort to support the delivery of site business objectives. 
 

Education & Professional Qualifications:

B.A/B.S in Physics, Engineering or similar, or broad and diverse knowledge of food production equipment and processes.  
 

Knowledge / Experience:

Familiar with food processing GMP standards. Attention to detail and ability to participate in LRQA annual auditing. Ability to stand for 8+ hours during a 10-hour shift.  Ability to lift 50 lbs. Ability to operate a forklift.  Familiarity with computers and ipads/tablets, as well as an ability to navigate general software programs like email, online timekeeping and electronic calendars. 

About Mars:
Mars is a family-owned business with more than $35 billion in global sales. We produce some of the world’s best-loved brands: M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5â„¢, SKITTLES®, BEN’S ORIGINAL® and COCOAVIA®. Alongside our consumer brands, we proudly take care of half of the world’s pets through our nutrition, health and services businesses such as Banfield Pet Hospitalsâ„¢, BluePearl®, Linnaeus, AniCura, VCAâ„¢ and Pet Partnersâ„¢. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire our 130,000 Associates into taking action every day towards creating the world we want tomorrow.

Disclaimer:
Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.​​​​​​​

Note to Search Firms/Agencies:
Mars, Incorporated and its subsidiaries and affiliates (Mars) do not compensate search firms for unsolicited assistance unless they have a written search agreement with Mars and the requisition is position-specific.  Any resumes, curriculum vitae, and other unsolicited assistance from search firms that do not have a written search agreement or position-specific requisition submitted to any Associate of Mars will be deemed the sole property of Mars and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Mars.