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Pilot Plant Supervisor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Roquette Frères

Pilot Plant Supervisor

Geneva, IL · On-site

$82K - $95K/yr

As the R&D Pilot Plant Supervisor, you will be responsible for the day to day operations of our pilot plant facility including set-up, execution, and clean-up of experimental trials, ongoing and ...

Roquette

Pilot Plant Supervisor

Geneva, IL

$82K - $95K/yr

As the R&D Pilot Plant Supervisor, you will be responsible for the day to day operations of our pilot plant facility including set-up, execution, and clean-up of experimental trials, ongoing and ...

Danone

Pilot Plant Supervisor

Louisville, CO

$82K - $118K/yr

Short Intro and About the Job The Pilot Plant Supervisor has management responsibilities over Pilot Plant Technicians and provides on the floor leadership and expertise in several targeted areas ...

Danone

Pilot Plant Supervisor

Louisville, CO · Hybrid

$82K - $118K/yr

About the Job The Pilot Plant Supervisor has management responsibilities over Pilot Plant Technicians and provides on the floor leadership and expertise in several targeted areas including but not ...

Danone

Pilot Plant Supervisor

Louisville, CO · On-site

$82K - $118K/yr

Short Intro and About the Job The Pilot Plant Supervisor has management responsibilities over Pilot Plant Technicians and provides on the floor leadership and expertise in several targeted areas ...

Ketjen

R&D Pilot Plant Operator

Pasadena, TX · On-site

Working closely with Researchers, Chemists, Manufacturing teams, and the Pilot Plant Supervisor, this role performs pilot-scale production activities, quality verification testing, equipment ...

Arkema

Pilot Plant Technician Job

King Of Prussia, PA · On-site

This is a non-supervisory support position for the organization and requires non-normal business hours support and shift work. The Pilot Plant Technician works with various functions to conduct ...

LSU AgCenter

Pilot-Plant Manager

Clyde, OH

Pilot-Plant Manager Position Type:Professional / Unclassified Department:LSUAG PL3 - SNFS - Food Incubator (Amogh Ambardekar (00330165)) Work Location:Clyde Ingram Hall - Poultry Science Pay Grade:

Arkema

Pilot Plant Technician Job

King Of Prussia, PA · On-site

This is a non-supervisory support position for the organization and requires non-normal business hours support and shift work. The Pilot Plant Technician works with various functions to conduct ...

Arkema

Pilot Plant Technician Job

King Of Prussia, PA · On-site

This is a non-supervisory support position for the organization and requires non-normal business hours support and shift work. The Pilot Plant Technician works with various functions to conduct ...

JRG Partners

Pilot Plant Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$135K - $160K/yr

The Pilot Plant Manager will be responsible for the following ? be the subject matter expert for all pilot and labs tests with 3rd party partners. ? work side by side with Chefs, Food Scientists and ...

Eurofins

Pilot Plant Technician

Lafayette, CO · On-site

The Pilot Plant Technician will assist in all activities ongoing in the pilot plant as required by the supervisor or project leaders. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: * Demonstrates and ...

Solcoa Industries

Pilot Plant Manager

Alameda, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

The Role We are commissioning a new 24/7 pilot production line at our Alameda facility and need ... Direct experience supervising hourly operators: hiring, training, scheduling, performance ...

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All JobsPilot Plant Supervisor Jobs

Pilot Plant Supervisor information

See salary details

$90.5K

$116.9K

$154.5K

How much do pilot plant supervisor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for pilot plant supervisor in the United States is $116,937.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,500.00 and $121,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a pilot plant supervisor, and how can they be managed effectively?

A Pilot Plant Supervisor often encounters challenges such as coordinating experiments with shifting production priorities, ensuring strict safety compliance, and managing a diverse technical team. Effective management involves clear communication with both R&D and operations staff, meticulous scheduling, and fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement. Staying agile and proactive in addressing equipment issues or process deviations also helps maintain smooth pilot plant operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pilot plant supervisor?

To thrive as a Pilot Plant Supervisor, you need a background in chemical engineering or a related field, experience in process operations, and strong leadership abilities. Familiarity with process control systems, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and relevant safety certifications like OSHA are typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills help in managing teams and ensuring smooth operations. These competencies are essential for maintaining safety, optimizing processes, and meeting production goals in a complex pilot plant environment.

What are the responsibilities of a pilot plant supervisor?

A Pilot Plant Supervisor oversees the daily operations of a pilot plant facility, ensuring that experimental processes and production runs are conducted safely and efficiently. They manage staff, monitor equipment performance, and troubleshoot any issues that arise during scale-up or testing of new products. Additionally, they collaborate with engineers and scientists to implement process improvements, maintain compliance with safety and regulatory standards, and ensure accurate documentation of results. The role often requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and problem-solving skills.

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

AspectPilot Plant SupervisorProcess Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in chemical, mechanical, or industrial engineering; certifications varyRequires a degree in chemical, mechanical, or industrial engineering; professional certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentSupervises pilot plant operations, overseeing technicians and equipment in a manufacturing or R&D settingDesigns, develops, and optimizes manufacturing processes, often working in labs or production facilities
Industry UsageCommonly employed in chemical, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing industries for small-scale testingUsed across similar industries for process development and improvement

The Pilot Plant Supervisor and Process Engineer roles share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, often within chemical and manufacturing sectors. While the Pilot Plant Supervisor manages daily operations of pilot plants, the Process Engineer focuses on process design and optimization. Both roles are essential for scaling up production and ensuring process efficiency, but they differ in their primary responsibilities and scope of work.

More about Pilot Plant Supervisor jobs
What job categories do people searching Pilot Plant Supervisor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Pilot Plant Supervisor jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Pilot Plant Supervisor jobs? For Pilot Plant Supervisor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Pilot Plant Supervisor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pilot Plant Supervisor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,937 per year, or $56.2 per hour.

Pilot Plant Supervisor

Roquette Frères

Geneva, IL • On-site

$82K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Roquette is a family-owned global leader in plant-based ingredients and a leading provider of pharmaceutical excipients.
Want to help us make a difference?
Using plant-based resources, we collaborate with our customers and partners to imagine and offer ingredients to better feed people and treat patients.
Each of our ingredients responds to unique and essential needs, and they enable healthier lifestyles.
The Role:
We are looking for our next R&D Pilot Plant Supervisor to join our R&D Team.
Roquette is a leader in plant-based ingredients, dedicated to innovation and excellence. We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced R&D Pilot Plant Supervisor to join our dynamic team. This role is crucial in driving our research and development efforts to new heights, ensuring we remain at the forefront of technological advancements.
As the R&D Pilot Plant Supervisor, you will be responsible for the day to day operations of our pilot plant facility including set-up, execution, and clean-up of experimental trials, ongoing and preventative maintenance of pilot equipment, managing of pilot related external services (janitorial, pest control, etc.), and providing ideas for continuous improvement. Additionally, you will be responsible for overseeing the Health, Safety and Environmental activities as well as the Food Quality program for the Americas R&D team.
This role will report directly to the Process Development Team Lead.
This is on-site position located in Geneva, IL.
Compensation:
The current salary range for this role is estimated to be $82,000-$95,000. In addition, this position may also be eligible to earn performance-based incentive compensation. The specific compensation offered to a candidate will be influenced by a variety of factors including but not limited to skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
What You'll Do:
Pilot Plant Operations Management:
  • Responsible for the day-to-day operations of our pilot plant facility including set-up, execution, and clean-up of experimental trials according to the weekly pilot plant schedule.
  • Ensure experimental runs are executed safely and according to protocols and timelines.
  • Monitor equipment and process performance and troubleshoot operational issues.
  • Ensure pilot plant operates (materials, labor, maintenance) within allotted budget.
  • Track and optimize resource utilization (raw materials, energy, equipment time).

Process Development & Scale-Up:
  • Translate R&D concepts into scalable processes.
  • Collaborate with scientists and engineers to optimize processes, recipes, or production methods.
  • Identify risks in the pilot plant operations.
  • Validate process reproducibility and robustness.

Equipment & Facility Oversight:
  • Maintain pilot plant equipment, contacting equipment vendors or contractors when needed, including preventative maintenance and calibration.
  • Plan and supervise modifications or upgrades to pilot plant infrastructure.
  • Work with process development engineers on new equipment design or acquisition.
  • Manage utilities (steam, water, compressed air, etc.) critical for operations.

Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) Compliance: (engineering degree needed)
  • Enforce strict safety standards and regulatory compliance (e.g., OSHA, GMP, etc.).
  • Conduct risk assessments (HAZOP, safety reviews).
  • Lead incident investigations and implement corrective actions.
  • Train staff on safe operating procedures and emergency protocols.

Team Leadership & Training
  • Supervise future state pilot plant technicians and co-ops.
  • Provide hands-on training for experimental procedures and equipment use.
  • Schedule staffing and ensure adequate coverage for trials.
  • Foster a culture of safety, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Experiment Planning & Execution
  • Collaborate with R&D teams to plan pilot trials.
  • Ensure accurate execution and adherence to experimental design according to operating parameters, and success criteria.
  • Adjust conditions in real time based on observations or data.

Data Collection, Analysis & Reporting
  • Collecting and recording accurate process data.
  • Ensuring data integrity and traceability.
  • Providing operational observations and trial summaries.
  • Supporting engineers and scientists with the information needed for analysis.
  • Assist in technical reports summarizing findings and recommendations.
  • Maintain proper documentation for traceability and compliance.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation
  • Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, safety, and quality.
  • Implement new technologies or methodologies.
  • Support innovation initiatives and experimentation capabilities.

What You'll Need:
Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field (+2 years of experience)
  • High School Diploma or Associate Degree with minimum 5 years of industrial food or ingredient processing experience

Additional beneficial skills
  • Strong chemical/process engineering knowledge (or relevant field), experience operating food equipment in a GMP environment is a plus.
    • Hands-on technical expertise with pilot-scale equipment
    • Leadership and team management skills
    • Problem-solving and troubleshooting ability
    • Knowledge of safety and regulatory frameworks
    • Excellent communication across technical and operational teams

Work Environment
  • This role spends approximately 30% of the time in an office environment and 70% of the time in the pilot plant environment.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
  • This is a full-time position. Days and flexible hours of work are required to meet project, manufacturing and business demands.

AAP/EEO Statement
Roquette is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. "AAP, EEO, Drug-Free Workplace"
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
If you identify yourself in this position, please apply by uploading your resume and let's start the journey together!
Roquette is proud to be a global company where you can find personal and professional growth through multiple diverse experiences.
Roquette strives to create a dynamic workforce while remaining firmly committed to equal opportunity by complying with EEO laws.
As we continue to grow, Roquette understands that to be successful we must always be inclusive in our approach.
To find out more about our products, values and sustainable development ambitions visit us at www.roquette.com and at www.sustainability.roquette.com

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