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Pilot Plant Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ensures all safety rules, pilot plant rules, GMP's and code of ethics are followed at all times ... I developers in the preparation, execution and review of experiments * Keep clear and concise ...

You will collaborate with engineering, process development, and product teams to optimize equipment ... Experience in pilot plant or process development environments * One or more years of related work ...

You will collaborate with engineering, process development, and product teams to optimize equipment ... Experience in pilot plant or process development environments * One or more years of related work ...

... engineering. These solutions not only safely drive our efficiency but help us move the marker on ... As a Pilot Plant Technician, you'll be responsible for assisting with organization and performance ...

Job Title Pilot Plant Technician Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where ... Actively engaging with process engineers and customers to conduct product and process experiments.

Job Title Pilot Plant Technician Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where ... Actively engaging with process engineers and customers to conduct product and process experiments.

... engineering. These solutions not only safely drive our efficiency but help us move the marker on ... As a Pilot Plant Technician, you'll be responsible for assisting with organization and performance ...

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Pilot Plant Engineer information

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$14

$28

$78

How much do pilot plant engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for pilot plant engineer in the United States is $28.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Pilot Plant Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pilot Plant Engineer, you need a strong background in chemical or process engineering, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and experience in process scale-up. Familiarity with process simulation software (like Aspen Plus or HYSYS), instrumentation, and safety protocols is crucial, along with knowledge of industry standards and potentially certifications such as Six Sigma. Standout soft skills include problem-solving, collaboration, and effective communication to coordinate with multidisciplinary teams and adapt to evolving project requirements. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure safe, efficient, and innovative development of scalable processes from laboratory to production environments.

What are some common challenges Pilot Plant Engineers face when transitioning from lab-scale to pilot-scale production?

Pilot Plant Engineers often encounter challenges such as scaling up processes while maintaining product quality and consistency, adapting to equipment limitations, and managing increased safety risks. Unlike laboratory work, pilot-scale operations require troubleshooting unexpected equipment behavior and integrating various systems under real-world conditions. Effective collaboration with chemists, operators, and safety teams is essential to address these challenges and ensure seamless process development.

What are Pilot Plant Engineers?

Pilot Plant Engineers are professionals who design, operate, and optimize small-scale versions of industrial processes, known as pilot plants. Their primary role is to test and refine manufacturing processes before they are scaled up to full production. Pilot Plant Engineers work closely with research scientists and production teams to ensure that new processes are safe, efficient, and economically viable. They also troubleshoot issues, analyze data, and make recommendations for process improvements.

What is the difference between Pilot Plant Engineer vs Process Engineer?

AspectPilot Plant EngineerProcess Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering; often requires experience in pilot plant operationsBachelor's or Master's in Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering; focus on process design and optimization
Work EnvironmentHands-on work in pilot plants, testing new processes at small scaleOffice and plant settings, analyzing and improving manufacturing processes
Industry UsageUsed in chemical, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing industries for scale-up testingCommon across manufacturing, chemical, and process industries for process improvement

The Pilot Plant Engineer focuses on operating and testing small-scale pilot plants to develop and validate processes before full-scale production. In contrast, the Process Engineer designs, analyzes, and optimizes manufacturing processes. Both roles require engineering credentials and work closely with production teams, but the Pilot Plant Engineer is more hands-on with pilot testing, while the Process Engineer emphasizes process efficiency and scalability.

More about Pilot Plant Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Pilot Plant Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Pilot Plant Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Pilot Plant Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Pilot Plant Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Pilot Plant Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Pilot Plant Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Pilot Plant Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,395 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Pilot Plant Technician

Danone

Louisville, CO

$42.50K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

About the Job

This position is responsible for assisting with, organizing and performing pilot plant trials and associated support work under general supervision.  Specifically, individual will work as part of a team developing, planning and executing day to day pilot operations.  The mission of this role is to support the ongoing development and improvement of products, packaging and processes for Danone by applying technical knowledge and logic running small scale experimentation in the pilot plant setting.  This role will work closely with R&I scientists and technicians to ensure the accuracy of all trial products.

 

Key Responsibilities

As a key member of our team, you will play an important role in driving our mission forward. The following responsibilities outline the core expectations and contributions for this position:

  • Responsible for knowing how to operate and maintain all equipment in the pilot plant
  • Maintains a safe and clean working environment for all employees and visitors
  • Ensures all safety rules, pilot plant rules, GMP’s and code of ethics are followed at all times
  • Prioritizes and balances a dynamic production schedule
  • Learns and demonstrates proficiencies on all pilot plant equipment and processes thereby demonstrating technical knowledge and aptitudes across the range of existing and future product types 
  • Creates, communicates and regularly updates standard operating procedures for machine operation and maintenance, safety practices and food handling practices
  • Learns and demonstrates proficiencies on all analytical equipment and tests thereby demonstrating technical knowledge and aptitudes for essential laboratory skills
  • Assist R&I developers in the preparation, execution and review of experiments
  • Keep clear and concise records of plant operations as outlined by FSMA regulations
  • Prepare summaries of trial results with recommendations for product/process improvements
  • Troubleshoots and optimizes current products and manufacturing processes for commercialization and to eliminate quality and production errors in the pilot plant
  • Aptitude for troubleshooting minor mechanical and equipment issues when they arise
  • Following equipment and maintenance operations as established by SOP’s
  • Safe usage of chemicals
  • All other duties as assigned

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Physical Demands: 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop, kneel or crouch; talk and hear.  The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee is also required to be able to taste and smell various food products and detect various attributes including taste, odor, and/or texture.

Work Environment: 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to a lab and pilot plant environment where the noise level is usually moderate, but can be high.

The salary range for this position is $42,500-60,000 USD. The exact salary offered will depend on several factors, including the candidate’s relevant experience, geographic location, internal equity, and market conditions.  Danone North America additionally offers a performance-based bonus and has a strong benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, 401k Plan, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Time Off, and Paid Parental Bonding Leave, among other benefit plan options. To give our employees flexibility, Danone is a hybrid work environment.


About You

The ideal candidate will bring a combination of education, experience, and skills that enable them to excel in this position. The following qualifications outline what we’re looking for, including both required and preferred criteria:

Education & Experience:

  • Minimum 1 years of experience in food & beverage manufacturing operations.
  • B.S. or B.A. from a 4 year college or university OR relevant experience in the food industry

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Basic understanding of food safety and handling procedures
  • Basic understanding of lab safety rules and procedures
  • Ability to read and analyze experimental and process designs to reach a desired outcome
  • Ability to write and communicate observations and test summaries 
  • Ability to interpret instructions in written, oral, diagram or schedule form
  • Ability to interpret analytical results to form conclusions
  • Ability to problem solve based on facts and trends
  • Able to work a flexible schedule. Weekends not included.
  • Strong organization skills with ability to manage work flow and prioritize multiple tasks with limited direct supervision

About Us

Life at Danone
With approximately 5,000 employees and 13 production locations across the U.S., our vibrant culture and endless growth opportunities are just a couple of the reasons our employees call themselves “Proud Danoners.” 
Learn more about Life at Danone
Our Brands
When you join us, you’ll work with some of the best-known food and beverage brands in the world, including Activia®, DanActive®, Danimals®, Dannon®, evian®, Follow Your Heart®, Happy Family® Organics, International Delight®, Light + Fit®, Nutricia ®, Oikos®, Silk®, So Delicious® Dairy Free, SToK® Cold Brew Coffee ®, Too Good & Co™, and YoCrunch®.
Our Purpose
We’re committed to making a positive impact on our world. Rooted in our mission to bring health through food to as many people as possible, we’re proud to be the world’s largest B Corp.
Learn more about our mission.
Our Benefits
Our commitment to making the world healthier starts with our employees. 

  • Physical Wellbeing: We pay for the majority of your medical benefits – which include medical, dental and vision – with our competitive 80%/20% cost-sharing model.
  • Mental Wellbeing: Danoners receive fitness discounts, unlimited flexible time off and hybrid work schedules. We also have a range of programs that support mental health and substance abuse.  
  • Financial Support: We offer a performance-based bonus, a 401(k) plan, tuition reimbursement, employee discount programs and voluntary perks.
  • Family Care: We offer caretaker benefits, 18 weeks of parental bonding, fertility, surrogacy, adoption benefits and pet insurance.

Learn more about our benefits.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Danone North America is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. It is our policy to give equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to legally protected characteristics, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state/provincial and/or local law. For our EEO policy statement and your EEO rights under law click here.
#LI-NORAM
California Data Privacy Law

Qualifications:

Life at Danone
With approximately 5,000 employees and 13 production locations across the U.S., our vibrant culture and endless growth opportunities are just a couple of the reasons our employees call themselves “Proud Danoners.” 
Learn more about Life at Danone
Our Brands
When you join us, you’ll work with some of the best-known food and beverage brands in the world, including Activia®, DanActive®, Danimals®, Dannon®, evian®, Follow Your Heart®, Happy Family® Organics, International Delight®, Light + Fit®, Nutricia ®, Oikos®, Silk®, So Delicious® Dairy Free, SToK® Cold Brew Coffee ®, Too Good & Co™, and YoCrunch®.
Our Purpose
We’re committed to making a positive impact on our world. Rooted in our mission to bring health through food to as many people as possible, we’re proud to be the world’s largest B Corp.
Learn more about our mission.
Our Benefits
Our commitment to making the world healthier starts with our employees. 

  • Physical Wellbeing: We pay for the majority of your medical benefits – which include medical, dental and vision – with our competitive 80%/20% cost-sharing model.
  • Mental Wellbeing: Danoners receive fitness discounts, unlimited flexible time off and hybrid work schedules. We also have a range of programs that support mental health and substance abuse.  
  • Financial Support: We offer a performance-based bonus, a 401(k) plan, tuition reimbursement, employee discount programs and voluntary perks.
  • Family Care: We offer caretaker benefits, 18 weeks of parental bonding, fertility, surrogacy, adoption benefits and pet insurance.

Learn more about our benefits.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Danone North America is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. It is our policy to give equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to legally protected characteristics, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state/provincial and/or local law. For our EEO policy statement and your EEO rights under law click here.
#LI-NORAM
California Data Privacy Law

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME