Process Technician

COMPANY DESCRIPTION
The PLANeT Partnership, a joint venture between PepsiCo and Beyond Meat, has joined to develop, produce and market innovative snack and beverage products made from plant-based protein to help save the planet. We are looking for driven and entrepreneurial professionals to join the new team, supported by two major CPG brands!! The joint venture leverages Beyond Meat's leading technology in plant-based protein development and PepsiCo's world-class marketing and commercial capabilities to create and scale new snacks and beverages.
OVERVIEW
At The PLANet Partnership, we are dedicated to shaping an inclusive culture that drives excellence, innovation, and results by enabling talent acceleration and development, engagement, and the employee experience. The dedicated R&D Team is a matrix organization that is dedicated to creating new snack and beverage products that are leading the gold standard in plant-based proteins.   The Process Technician has the primary role to ensure the testing and development in the Pilot Plant is successful and to support TPP's R&D team in the laboratory.  This individual must approach all tasks in a meticulous and careful manner with little margin of error while ensuring preparation and correct set-up of equipment for all the repetitions/variables for testing at The PLANet Partnership’s pilot plant. This role will interface with the Operations, Innovation and Pilot Plant staff as well as provide additional Lab support within TPP's R&D team.  

TASKS, DUTIES, & GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

•  Assist with Pilot Plant and Process Engineer testing which may include operating equipment, compiling and recording data, pre-weighing, batching, etc. or any additional tasks assigned
• Assist the R&D team when needed in measuring, weighing, and mixing specific test ingredients in a very precise and careful manner
• Calibrate equipment and meters
• Prepare raw materials for batching and process testing. Support rapid prototyping, quality control, and sensory studies
• Assist with shipping and receiving of incoming raw materials and outgoing finished products
• Assist Process Engineers and Pilot Plant Manager with communication and guidance of installation contractors in the installation of new/rented TPP equipment
• Assemble, run, disassemble, clean, and sanitize most equipment used in the batching and testing of TPP products. Wash equipment, measuring devices, and other lab tools for R&D team
• Maintain organized and efficient lab space and inventories in support of efficient operations for the team.  Put items away in designated storage areas.  Keep prep space clean and tidy
• Work with Process Engineering and Pilot Plant team on proactively improving Process Improvement program
• Assist with the write-up of standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety SOPs and Preventive Maintenance SOPs for new machinery acquired
• Maintain a safety-first culture, clean work area, and practice good housekeeping regularly
• Perform any additional duties as assigned     

QUALIFICATIONS: Education, Technical Skills, and/or Previous Experience

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Food Science, or another related field with 0-3 years of experience as a process technician at product development lab, pilot plant, or commercial capacity plant in a food and/or beverage manufacturing environment
• Hands on mechanical and equipment operation experience preferred
• Strong mathematical skills with excellent problem solving and equipment troubleshooting skills
• Ability to multi-task with strong attention to detail
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills
• Strong command of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Suite
• Must be capable of writing detailed reports, general day-to-day oversight, and related correspondence
• Flexibility to work any/all shifts to support a high growth work environment.
• Ability to demonstrate and train on Safety, Good Manufacturing Practices, and other policies

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Position requires the ability to stand or sit for prolonged periods, climb, kneel, bend, and potentially lift up to 25-50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodations
• Position located in a mix of typical laboratory, pilot lab and office environments, and requires a tolerance for high worker traffic, close quarters, noise, odors, dust, and varying room temperatures and lighting
• Able to work in a cold environment for extended periods of time while maintaining food safety protocols

Please note that The PLANet Partnership has adopted a COVID-19 vaccination policy to safeguard the health and well-being of our employees. All U.S. employees who (a) physically enter a TPP and/or Beyond Meat facility in the United States, (b) represent TPP at work-related events, including but not limited to trade shows and product demonstrations, or (c) physically enter customer or potential customer sites in connection with their work for TPP must take all necessary steps to be Fully Vaccinated as a condition of employment, unless a reasonable accommodation is approved.
The PLANeT Partnership is an equal employment opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, gender identify, sexual orientation, national origin, liability for military service, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you are interested in learning the status of your application, please note you will be contacted directly by the appropriate human resources contact person if you are selected for further consideration. The PLANeT Partnership reserves the right to defer or close a vacancy at any time.