Pilot Plant Operator

About Imbibe

Imbibe is a dynamic, high-growth food and beverage development company based in Niles, Illinois. We specialize in developing, creating, and manufacturing beverage flavors, ingredient systems, and finished food and beverage products. Our mission is to design ingredients with impact for the food and beverage industry.

Since our founding in 1963, Imbibe has been at the forefront of flavor innovation and product development. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including full product development, taste modulation, and finished product solutions. Our state-of-the-art campus features an Innovation Center and Pilot Plant that enable us to tackle industry-wide taste and texture challenges, ensuring that our clients receive the highest quality products.

At Imbibe, we pride ourselves on our entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to continuous improvement. Our values of collaboration, accountability, and entrepreneurship drive us to deliver exceptional results for our clients. We also believe in giving back to the community. Through various initiatives we support efforts to combat food insecurity in the Chicagoland area by donating ingredients and our time.

If you're passionate about the food and beverage industry and eager to make a meaningful impact, Imbibe is the place for you. Let's create something extraordinary together!

Summary of Position

Hands-on individual that works in a test plant operating equipment and assisting in key development work for food and beverage. The Pilot Plant Technician partners with Product Development and Flavorists to produce beverage and food products for customer projects across our scope of project work. This individual takes initiative, has great observational skills, and wants to be on the development edge of new product and process techniques.

Essential Job Duties

Become an expert in multiple new pieces of processing technology. In depth training will be provided on-the-job

Maintain proper stock of prepared packaging materials

Troubleshoot and repair damaged components in a timely manner

Run beverage formulations through a variety of pieces of beverage processing equipment

Ensure beverage products are properly packaged and labeled

Follow all Good Manufacturing Practice guidelines during the production of beverage products. This includes properly cleaning and organizing all work areas and wearing all proper food safety and personal protective equipment

Participate in Root Cause Analysis and Process Improvement projects

Minimum Qualifications

High school degree or GED equivalent

A team player willing to do what it takes to support the development and launch of new products on tight timelines in a fast paced and complicated environment

Ability to adapt to the changing needs of the lab

Proficiency with Microsoft Office software products including Outlook, Excel and Word

Able to lift and carry objects up to 50lbs on a consistent basis

Ability to work collaboratively and thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment

Ability to observe details at close range.

Constantly moves about the pilot plant, labs, and office

At times will need to bend and kneel on the floor

At times will carry, move, or push objects weighing 50lbs+

At times will work at elevated heights

Preferred Qualifications

Forklift certification

Previous Food and Beverage manufacturing experience

Mechanical Background and familiarity with different parts to unit operations: Valves, Pumps, Seals, Thermocouples, etc.

Working Conditions

Conditioned plant with floors that can be wet and/or slippery

Plant equipment can be dangerous to touch due to rotary, electrical or temperature danger

Exposure to food and beverage product tastings which may include allergens

There is no expected travel with this position

This position is not open to remote work

Approximate Salary Range $50,000 — $60,000 USD

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range listed represents the expected earnings for this role. The low end of the range reflects the starting salary for candidates with less experience or qualifications that meet the basic requirements for the position. The high end of the range reflects potential earnings for candidates with extensive experience, specialized skills, or qualifications above the standard requirements for the role.

Imbibe supports employee well-being and professional growth by offering a comprehensive benefits package that includes the following:

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision care

401k retirement plan with company contribution and match

FSA and HSA account

Generous company holidays, PTO, and sick time

Onsite gym and wellness opportunities

Paid parental leave

Life and disability insurance

Learning and professional development opportunities