Pilot-Plant Manager

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and oversight for all pilot plant equipment, systems, and facility infrastructure.
• Oversee equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and lifecycle management, including preventive maintenance and new system installations.
• Set up, operate, and monitor pilot-scale food processing and laboratory equipment during client and research trials.
• Lead production runs while ensuring strict adherence to safety, quality, and experimental protocols.
• Coordinate with faculty, technical staff, and industry clients to provide guidance on process feasibility and scale-up considerations.
• Identify opportunities to enhance technical capabilities, equipment portfolios, and facility service offerings.
• Implement effective sanitation, cleaning, and hygienic process systems aligned with food safety regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 3 years of professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing pilot-scale manufacturing facilities or shared research facilities.
• Strong leadership and project management skills.
• Excellent customer-facing communication skills.

Benefits

• Retirement plans and multiple medical insurance options.
• Supplemental insurances including dental, life, vision, and long-term disability.
• Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan for childcare and medical expenses.
• Generous annual vacation and sick leave.
• University holidays (14 per year).
• Possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at LSU System campuses.

About the Company

The LSU AgCenter is a statewide organization and one of eight campuses within the LSU enterprise. It includes the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, which conducts agricultural-based research, and the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, which extends research knowledge to the people of the state. The AgCenter is dedicated to driving innovation and solving economic, environmental, and social challenges through research and extension.