Pilot Plant Technician

AGRI-NEO – JOB DESCRIPTION Pilot Plant Technician Member of: Engineering Team Location: Toronto, ON Canada COMPANY Agri-Neo’s mission is to help safely feed the world. Our vision to accomplish this is to set new food safety standards with our treatments for many foods. Our first product line is Neo-Pure, which leverages our proprietary technology of liquid formulas and systems that apply our solutions onto spices, seeds, and nuts in food processing facilities. These solutions control pathogens such as Salmonella and E. coli to ensure the food is safe to eat and to prevent recalls. We have several customers throughout North America, Latin America, and Asia, including large mainstream food processors that treat food continuously at high throughputs. We are scaling up our products at more mainstream customer sites to ensure that we set new food safety standards to help safely feed the world. POSITION SUMMARY The Pilot Plant Technician is an integral part of Agri-Neo’s Research and Development team and contributes to the daily operation of the pilot plant and the warehouse, including assisting Engineers with pilot and large-scale runs. This individual leads the setup of systems for in-house testing and collaborates with Engineers and Scientists to conduct a range of product tests, ensuring all required testing is completed on schedule and meets defined parameters. The incumbent will be responsible for auditing equipment and food products to ensure the pilot plant is prepared for large scale experiments. They will also be responsible for recording data and observations during runs, performing inventory control and adhering the quality standards. The Pilot Plant Technician is responsible for following directions and instructions, and performing duties consistent with legislative, safety, and organizational policies/procedures. Key Responsibilities Pilot Plant - Assemble and prepare the pilot plant equipment at the beginning of each day. - Schedule, train, and oversee cleaners, including inspecting equipment under their responsibility. - Conduct swab tests on the equipment to ensure cleanliness. - Clean equipment, or specific components, as required to prepare for production runs. - Prepare food products and chemicals required to conduct pilot-scale and large-scale experimental runs. - Operate a forklift to move products, chemicals, and equipment around pilot plant as needed. - Operate food processing equipment in support of research and development efforts. - Complete pre & post run checklists and forms for each experimental run. - Dispose of food products after testing and maintain a clean and organized work area. - Troubleshoot equipment and provide reports on discrepancies. - Perform preventative maintenance on equipment after each use. - Complete daily and weekly checks to confirm equipment is properly shut down when not in use. Warehouse - Receive and process warehouse products and other deliveries related to the pilot plant (pick, unload, label, store, distribute). - Prepare shipments related to the pilot plant (load, pack, wrap). - Perform daily inspections to make sure the cold storage is secured and working properly. - Package, seal, and properly store food products, including seeds and nuts, at the end of each day. - Follow quality service standards, 5S, and comply with procedures and safety rules. - Perform daily inspections on forklift to ensure it is safe and working properly and order propane tanks. - Maintain inventory and place orders for pilot plant and warehouse supplies, including PPE, cleaning materials, and replacement parts. - Secure warehouse facilities at the end of each day, including confirming emergency exits are properly closed. Engineering Support - Collaborate with Engineers to build and test solutions for various technical challenges. - Support the fabrication and preparation of components, materials, and parts for prototypes and testing. - Collaborate with various parties to prepare for validations at customer sites by validating same foods on-site at Agri-Neo. Communication - Communicate and coordinate with all internal persons as needed. - Ensure all internal technical service requests are handled in a timely manner. - Collaborate and cooperate with colleagues and assist as needed. - Maintain the pilot plant calendar and ensure all relevant parties are aware of runs and present for the runs. - Ensure the resources required for a run are available and report out any discrepancies. Miscellaneous - Maintain accurate and up to date records, and files as needed. - Analyze pilot plant operations and offer suggestions for improvement. - Assist with training new pilot plant staff as needed. - Use and maintain company equipment as intended. - Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment daily. - All other duties as assigned. Qualifications: - High School Diploma or equivalent. - 1-3 years’ experience in a food processing facility. - Forklift license. Skills: - Problem-solving skills. - Strong organizational and communication skills. - Ability to operate warehouse machinery and equipment. - Ability to consistently lift up to 50lbs throughout shift. - Proficient with MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel). - Competent with inventory management systems. - Knowledge of inventory management and warehouse processes and procedures. - Understanding of food testing processes and analytical methods. - Experience coordinating with cross-functional teams. - Ability to interpret and follow testing protocols and analysis. - Ability to follow established work instructions and processes. - Strong attention to detail. - Ability to manage complex and time-sensitive projects. - Ability to work accurately, effectively under pressure and be adaptable to flexible work schedule when required meet deadlines. - Demonstrated ability to work in a safe manner. - Proactive, positive, and fast learner. - Customer satisfaction focused. - High dedication and work ethic. This job posting is for a new vacancy. In accordance with the Ontario Employment Standards Act, 2000, as amended, we disclose that our recruitment process does NOT use artificial intelligence (AI) tools. All hiring decisions are made by our hiring team. As part of our commitment to inclusivity, diversity, equity and accessibility, our goal is a workforce built on respect that reflects the communities we serve. We thank all applicants for their interest in Agri-Neo but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We are proud to be in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), 2005 and the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation. We are happy to honor accommodations at any part of the recruitment process and invite you to let us know how we can help.