Pilot Plant Specialist
Cargill is committed to providing food and agricultural solutions to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. Sitting at the heart of the supply chain, we partner with farmers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living.
Our 155,000 team members innovate with purpose, providing customers with life’s essentials so businesses can grow, communities prosper, and consumers live well. With over 160 years of experience as a family company, we look ahead while remaining true to our values. We put people first. We reach higher. We do the right thing—today and for generations to come.
Job Purpose and Impact
The Pilot Plant Specialist will support operations within the Crop Innovation Center oil processing pilot lab. In this role, you will execute pilot-scale projects supporting research discovery, process development, and product innovation in oil seed processing and oil manufacturing. You will collaborate with engineering, process development, and product teams to optimize equipment performance, process safety, product quality, and scalability to commercial operations.
Key Accountabilities
- Operate and maintain pilot-scale oil seed processing equipment, including seed handling, preparation, pressing/crushing, solvent extraction, and refining systems.
- Support safe operation of mechanical, electrical, and process control systems, including troubleshooting routine equipment and process issues.
- Assist with bulk material handling, including receiving, staging, loading, and disposal of raw materials and byproducts.
- Monitor and operate process instrumentation (e.g., temperature, pressure, flow, mass) and document process data, samples, and operating conditions.
- Follow and promote food manufacturing standards, including GMPs, sanitation practices, and food safety programs.
- Adhere to occupational, process, and environmental safety requirements (e.g., lockout/tagout, chemical handling, hazard communication).
- Handle basic issues and problems under direct supervision, while escalating more complex issues to appropriate staff.
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent hands-on manufacturing experience
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in oil seed processing, edible oil manufacturing, or related food/industrial operations
- Mechanical aptitude with industrial or pilot-scale equipment
- Forklift Driver Certification
- Familiarity with LOTO, GMPs, HACCP concepts, and food safety practices
- Experience in pilot plant or process development environments
- One or more years of related work experience
- Strong communication and documentation skills
#LI-DD1 #themuse #FGB
Position Information
Relocation assistance is not provided for this role
Accepting applications until job is filled and/or 60 days from the posting date.
Location: Fort Collins, CO
The expected salary for this position is $66,000 – $78,000. Compensation varies depending on a wide array of factors including but not limited to the specific location, certifications, education, and level of experience. The disclosed range estimate may be adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. This position is eligible for a discretionary incentive award. The incentive award amount is dependent upon company performance and your personal performance.
At Cargill we put people first. As part of your overall rewards, we offer a comprehensive benefit program including medical and/or other benefits dependent on the position offered and hours worked. Visit: https://www.cargill.com/page/my-health/mh-health-and-wellness to learn more.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability/Vet.
LinkedIn Job Matcher
Find where you fit in at Cargill. Log in to connect your LinkedIn profile and we’ll use your skills and experience to search the jobs that might be right for you.
Diversity,
Equity
& Inclusion
Our inclusive culture helps us shape the future of the world.
Our Annual Report
Read Cargill’s Annual Report to see how we’re helping transform food and agriculture to build a food-secure world.