Specialist, Pilot Operations at Van Drunen

The Van Drunen Family of Companies is growing!JOB OVERVIEW:The Product and Process Development group at Van Drunen Farms is focused on business advancement through asset optimization and new product and process platform development providing responsive customer-driven solutions implementation of corporate strategy and discovery.As a member of the pilot team the Pilot Operations Specialist will facilitate more rapid and thorough completion of new product and process development optimization and prototype production. The Pilot Operations Specialist also serves as a key link between Sales and Operations ensuring smooth transfer of ideas objectives and procedures on all new manufacturing process or product derivations.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Collaboration with senior Product Developers and Engineers to develop testing protocols and parametersSet-up execution documentation and clean-up of Pilot Plant operationsExecute sample requests from Process group Product Development group Operations and SalesDevelopment and maintenance of process documentation systems and standardsBecome proficient in operation maintenance and optimal utilization of Pilot Plant equipmentMaintain Pilot Plant and equipment in clean working order with emphasis on GMP and GLP proceduresOperation and calibration of various analytical support equipmentPresent data and findings and assist senior researchers in development of presentations and reportsBe proficient in theory and practical operation of specific Van Drunen Farms processing technologiesFacilitate Pilot Plant resource scheduling and utilizationOversight of Pilot Plant activities with Pilot ManagerParticipate in testing of products produced and keeping track of dataHelp keep track and maintain Pilot Plant inventoryAdvise Pilot Manager on Pilot Plant needs issues and continuous improvement ideasReceive product samples for ProcurementAssist at Riverview laboratory when neededPerform other duties as neededJOB EXPERIENCE:Minimum of 5 years of related experience in a manufacturing environment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:Strong ability to make good judgments and decisionsAbility to follow written and verbal instructionsAnalytical thinkingHands-on initiativeFunctional knowledge of mechanics piping systems and flow dynamicsAttention to detail with a thorough way of workingOrganizedFacilitation skillsStrong written and verbal communication skillsWilling to accept and apply instructionProficiency in MS Office SuiteProficiency in AutoCAD a plusAbility to collaborate with others but also work independentlyProcess-orientedInquisitive; hungry for wisdom and a quick learnerDiligent in leading and learningChange management skillsAccess to reliable transportation for travel between sites.EDUCATION:Bachelors degree in Chemistry Physics Biology Food Science or Engineering preferredOther combinations of education and relevant work experience will be consideredPHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.While performing the duties of this job the employeeis regularly required to:Stand sit walk and use hands to finger handle or feelReach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop kneel crouch or crawlWalk up and down stairs and ramps; climb laddersPush or pull sizeable equipment from a standing positionThe employee must occasionally:Lift and/or move objects weighing up to 50 poundsAdditionalrequirements include:Ability to sit and use a computer for extended periods with frequent interruptionsManual dexterity foroperatinga keyboard and handling paper documentsSufficient near vision acuity to read screens handwritten forms and printed materialsSpecific vision abilities including close range distance color peripheral depth perception and focus adjustmentAdequate hearing and verbal communication skills for in-person and phone interactionsUse of personal protective equipment (PPE) is including:Respirators hearing protection eye protection and head protectionWORKING CONDITIONS:This positionoperatesprimarily in an office environment with periodic exposure to production areas. While performing the duties of this job the employee may occasionally be exposed to:Wet and/or humid conditionsMoving mechanical partsOutdoor weather conditionsHigh precarious placesExtreme cold or heatDust loud noises and other distracting environmental factorsThe work environment may range fromfrozento ambient temperatures depending on the area visited. Noise levels are typically moderate in the office but may be louder in production zones.Additionalconditions include:Use of a computer and standard office equipment for extended periodsRequired use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses bump caps and closed-steel toed shoes when entering production areasOccasional walking climbing or standing in production spaces during audits meetings or troubleshooting activitiesThis is a full-time onsite position based at our Mackin office in Momence IL with regular travel between facilities within Momence and Crown Point IN.DisclaimerThe above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities duties and technical skills required of personnel so classified.Expected Pay Range:$65000 - $75000 annual salary.Bonus: This role may further qualify for supplemental compensation in the form of bonus and incentive programs contingent upon achieving pre-established individual and company performance metrics.Benefits Eligible: YesBenefits Available: In the Van Drunen Family of Companies commitment to excellence is in everything we do!As a global ingredient and nutritional supplement supplier to the worlds best companies we thrive on nourishing others with our products and our care for people. If you are looking to make an impact and grow with a family-friendly values-driven company youll fit right in with the Van Drunen Family of Companies!Our employees are the most valuable asset we have. The collective sum of the individual differences life experiences knowledge creativity innovation unique capabilities and talent that our employees invest in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture but our Companys achievement as well.The Van Drunen Family of Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability status protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment including recruiting hiring placement promotion termination layoff recall transfer leaves of absence compensation and training.If you are an individual with a disability in need of assistance or an accommodation during the application process please contact us at . Van Drunen Family of Companies does not accept unsolicited resumes. Any resumes CVs and other unsolicited assistance from search firms that do not have a submitted request and written search agreement for a position-specific requisition will be deemed the sole property of Van Drunen Family of Companies and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by our Company.Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/VeteranRequired Experience:IC Key Skills Financial Services,Information Technology,Cost Control,Corporate Risk Management,Law Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1 Yearly Salary Salary: 65000 - 75000