Product Development & Pilot Plant Technician
Alameda, CA
Summary
The Product Development & Pilot Plant Technician will lead equipment operations in the Eclipse on-site pilot plant (including setup, cleaning, maintenance and documentation) as well as ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. This role will also support the product development team with formulation, process development and commercialization as we work to bring the next massive non-dairy food brand to consumers.
Who are we?
We’re the next massive plant-based food company, revolutionizing the $100B dairy sector. At Eclipse Foods, we make plant-based non-dairy products that are indistinguishable in flavor, texture, and functionality from conventional dairy. We are the team behind JUST Mayo, have chef’d/ staged at 16 Michelin stars, and have investments from Y Combinator, Initialized Capital, Forerunner Ventures, and Sozo Ventures. We’re people of integrity. We do what we say we will do, we treat others right, we care deeply about those around us, and we put our hearts into our work. Our mission is to create a more sustainable, healthy, and humane food system by making amazing plant-based foods that require no sacrifice in taste.
Who are you?
- You currently reside in the Bay area.
- You have at least 3 years of relevant work experience in food process engineering, production or commercialization.
- You have experience operating pilot-scale pasteurization systems (such as MicroThermics, OMVE or Armfield) and are experienced in running CIP, COP and SIP processes.
- You have a working knowledge of electrical, HVAC and refrigeration systems.
- You are familiar with (or have experience operating) pilot-scale freezing systems for ice cream production (such as Tetra Pak continuous freezer system).
- You have experience in commercializing packaged food products and working with contract manufacturing partners.
- You are knowledgeable across a range of food processing methods, such as freeze drying, spray drying, tank fermentation, filtration, etc.
- You have food product production and development experience, including running tests at the bench and pilot scale.
- You are mechanically inclined with basic knowledge of repair and maintenance of commonly used food processing and standard commissary/commercial kitchen-type equipment.
- You are reliable, proactive, and a go-getter willing to jump right in!
- You have an ownership mindset and are a strategic thinker. Setting goals and priorities when appropriate, creating and executing plans, measuring KPIs and metrics, and aligning tactics with key results all come naturally to you.
- You are organized and maintain a safe, sanitary and orderly work environment.
- You are curious, constantly seeking opportunities to improve, optimize, and innovate.
- You’re a fantastic team player. You work smarter and also know when to roll up your sleeves.
- You’re incredibly nimble, scrappy, and a leader in ambiguous situations. You create solutions to problems, take proactive ownership, and keep a positive attitude even when times are tough.
- You’re passionate about your work and care deeply about changing our food system.
What will you do?
- Responsible for Pilot Plant equipment operations that include the set up of equipment per test parameters, operation, maintenance, cleaning, basic installation and tear-down of equipment.
- Maintain parts, supplies, and documentation as required for all equipment.
- Perform all duties safely, with reliable results, following appropriate facility and Pilot Plant SOP's, cGMP's, GLPs.
- Lead all activities for the commissioning of new equipment.
- Assist and support Product Developers with Pilot Plant operations in order to meet timelines and project objectives.
- Collaborate with the PD team on formulation and process development for all new products.
- Occasionally travel to assist in production with our existing manufacturing partners and/or site visit potential new partners.
- Move equipment to on or offsite storage as requested.
- Frequently lift, carry and push light-to-heavy materials up to 50 lbs.
This is a full-time exempt position, based in the U.S. Our headquarters, R&D lab and pilot plant are located in Alameda, CA, where we provide free parking, vegan snacks, free Wednesday lunch, and unlimited coffee/beverages and more.
The annual base salary range for this position is $80,000 - $100,000 + equity options + benefits.
The above represents the expected annual salary for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining our salary ranges, we consider experience, skills, and other job-related factors, while balancing internal equity relative to peers at the company.
Authorization to work in the U.S. is required; we do not provide visa sponsorship for this role.
Eclipse Foods is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our products, and our customers. We are deeply committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
