Pilot Plant Technician

Indigo improves grower profitability, environmental sustainability, and consumer health through the use of natural microbiology and digital technologies. Utilizing beneficial plant microbes and agronomic insights, Indigo works with growers to sustainably produce high quality harvests. The company then connects growers and buyers directly to bring these harvests to market. Working across the supply chain, Indigo is forwarding its mission of harnessing nature to help farmers sustainably feed the planet. The company is headquartered in Boston, MA, with additional offices in Memphis, TN, Research Triangle Park, NC, Sydney, Australia, Buenos Aires, Argentina, and São Paulo, Brazil. http://www.indigoag.com/      

Your role as a Pilot Plant Technician will be to operate, maintain, and continuously improve Indigo’s brand new, state of the art, solid-state fermentation pilot plant located at our main research facility in Charlestown (Boston), Massachusetts.  You will work as part of a small team of technicians and scientists to conduct and summarize experimental and routine processes, and to generate and maintain expert knowledge of the operation of the equipment and `production of Indigo microbial products. The pilot plant, which was commissioned in late 2019, is primarily utilized for the process scale up and optimization of new microbes to enhance plant health as well as for small-scale production to support their commercial introduction.  

Responsibilities:

• Become competent in running facility equipment and operating systems
• Write equipment SOPs and hazardous operations guidelines for individual unit operation
• Develop and implement manufacturing batch records and preventive maintenance records for assigned processes and equipment
• Complete all training and operate independently

Competencies:

• Excellent mechanical aptitude, familiar with plant operations
• Ability to follow SOPs yet adapt “on the fly” when needed
• Takes direction well, can work independently
• Quick learner (curious, asks questions)
• Detail oriented (pays attention to the details)
• Effective communicator both orally and in writing
• Safety mindset (strong safety awareness)
• Team-player

Qualifications:

• At least 2-3 years’ experience working in manufacturing or pilot plant environment preferably in a bio-based industry
• Understanding of GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices); good understanding of sterility and sterile techniques
• Technical writing skills (reports and data entry)
• Basic computer skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Basic understanding of biology
• Flexible schedule (can work 12 hours / weekends on occasion if needed)

Indigo is committed to living our values, specifically “creating a work environment where everyone feels respected, connected, and has opportunities to learn and grow.” As part of living our values, we strive to create a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone feels they can be themselves and has an equal opportunity of succeeding.