Pilot Plant Engineer
Job Details
Posting Number: S14900P
Working Title: Pilot Plant Engineer
Department: CAES-Food Prod Inno & Comm Ctr
About the University of Georgia: Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
Posting Type: External
Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP
Employment Type: Employee
Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible
Full/Part time: Full Time
Additional Schedule Information: Monday-Friday; 8am-5pm
Advertised Salary: Commensurate with Experience
Posting Date: 2026-03-24
Open until filled: Yes
Proposed Starting Date: 2026-05-01
Location of Vacancy: Griffin Area
Classification Title: Engineer-Res Instrument II
FLSA: Exempt
FTE: 1.00
Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Food Science & Technology, Food Engineering or similar
- At least three years of experience in food product and/or food process development
Position Summary: The Food Product Innovation and Commercialization Center (FoodPIC) Pilot Plant Engineer serves as the technical leader for pilot-scale food processing systems, facility operations, and applied process design. This position integrates engineering expertise with applied research leadership to support client-based product and process development. The Pilot Plant Engineer is responsible for designing, optimizing, and executing food processing workflows that translate scientific concepts into scalable manufacturing solutions. The position provides technical authority over equipment systems, utilities, and facility operations while remaining actively engaged in hands-on operation of pilot-scale processing and analytical equipment. This position will work collaboratively with the FoodPIC Director, Assistant Director, administrative staff, extension specialists, research personnel, and students. The Pilot Plant Engineer leads applied research and commercialization projects that serve industry clients. The role requires deep expertise in food science, food analysis, and food engineering principles, along with working knowledge of regulatory and food safety requirements to ensure that processes are designed and executed in a safe and compliant manner.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:
- Demonstrated expertise in food engineering principles and food processing systems, including heat transfer, mass transfer, fluid flow, mixing, thermal and non-thermal processing, and scale-up methodology. Advanced ability to design, optimize, and troubleshoot pilot-scale processing operations and translate laboratory concepts into manufacturable food systems.
- Comprehensive knowledge of food chemistry, food microbiology, ingredient functionality, and food analysis techniques, with the ability to integrate scientific principles into process design and product development. Working knowledge of consumer and sensory science as it relates to product optimization and commercialization.
- Extensive hands-on competency in operating, calibrating, maintaining, and troubleshooting pilot-scale food processing and analytical equipment. Ability to develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs), training protocols, and process validation documentation.
- Strong understanding of food manufacturing systems, facility utilities (steam, compressed air, chilled water, HVAC), sanitation design, and hygienic equipment principles. Ability to design processes and workflows that align with preventive controls, regulatory expectations, and food safety best practices.
- Proven applied research and development skills, including experimental design, statistical analysis, test planning, process optimization, data interpretation, and preparation of technical reports. Demonstrated ability to lead projects from concept through execution and reporting.
- Effective project management skills, including planning, coordination of multidisciplinary teams, resource management, and use of project management tools and software. Ability to manage multiple concurrent client projects while maintaining quality, safety, and timelines.
- Strong technical writing and communication skills, including preparation of proposals, experimental plans, technical reports, and grant materials. Ability to clearly communicate complex technical concepts to clients, faculty, students, and industry partners.
- Excellent client engagement and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with industry clients, faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders. Demonstrated professionalism in dynamic pilot plant environments, including maintaining composure, adaptability, and a solution-oriented mindset during operational challenges.
- Working knowledge of food safety systems, regulatory frameworks (e.g., FSMA, preventive controls), and quality management principles sufficient to ensure that processes are designed and executed in a safe and compliant manner in collaboration with plant leadership.
Physical Demands:
- Hands-on setup, operation, adjustment, and cleaning of pilot-scale food processing and analytical equipment. Lifting, carrying, and weighing food ingredients and materials up to 40 pounds, moving equipment components, handling tools, and performing routine maintenance tasks.
- Work is performed in a pilot plant and laboratory environment and includes prolonged standing, walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, climbing steps or ladders, and working around mechanical systems, steam, hot surfaces, pressurized systems, and wet floors. Extended production or research trials may last several hours and necessitate sustained physical presence and attention.
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including lab coats, gloves, hair restraints, hearing protection, and safety footwear.
- Exposure to varying temperatures, humidity levels, food ingredients, cleaning chemicals, and noise levels typical of food processing facilities.
- Driving as needed to perform job-related duties, including travel between facilities or procurement of materials.
Is driving a responsibility of this position?: Yes
Duties/Responsibilities
Plant Engineering: Provide technical leadership and oversight for all pilot plant equipment, systems, and facility infrastructure. Ensure proper development, implementation, and continuous improvement of operating procedures and training protocols for all processing and analytical systems. Oversee equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and lifecycle management, including coordination of repairs, preventive maintenance, and installation of new systems. Collaborate with the Assistant Director to design and implement effective sanitation, cleaning, and hygienic process systems that align with food safety and regulatory requirements. Maintain pilot plant orderliness and operational readiness. Oversee utility systems—including boiler, steam, compressed air, chilled water, and HVAC—in coordination with UGA facilities to ensure reliable and safe plant operations. Percentage of time: 30
Project Execution: Lead applied product and process development projects from initial concept through execution and reporting. Responsibilities include process design, experimental planning, statistical test design, pilot-scale execution, product evaluation, data analysis, and preparation of technical reports. Product categories may include beverages, sauces, confectionery, and other food systems. Coordinate and collaborate with faculty, extension specialists, technical staff, students, and industry clients to achieve project objectives. Provide technical guidance on process feasibility, scale-up considerations, and equipment capabilities in support of commercialization and research initiatives. Percentage of time: 30
Plant Run Execution: Actively set up, operate, monitor, and troubleshoot pilot-scale food processing and laboratory equipment during client and research trials. Lead and participate in production runs, ensuring adherence to safety, quality, and experimental protocols. Perform equipment adjustments, minor repairs, cleaning, and sanitation as needed to maintain operational integrity. Support other project leaders by assisting with plant trials and ensuring efficient workflow and resource utilization. Maintain a strong hands-on presence in the plant to ensure reliable execution of processing activities and continuous improvement of operational performance. Percentage of time: 30
Strategic Development & Innovation: Identify and advance opportunities to enhance FoodPIC’s technical capabilities, equipment portfolio, facility infrastructure, and service offerings. Evaluate emerging processing technologies, instrumentation, and manufacturing approaches to strengthen applied research and commercialization outcomes. Contribute technical expertise to grant proposals, capital equipment planning, and long-term facility development strategies. Recommend process improvements and workflow efficiencies that enhance safety, quality, client satisfaction, and operational sustainability. Percentage of time: 10
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