Pilot Plant Technologist
Our story goes back more than 150 years, to the chilly southern coast of Scandinavia. From our early success in Sweden and Denmark, we’ve grown into the world’s leading specialist producer of plant-based oils, employing more than 4,000 people across the globe.
We work with our customers to make the products you love even better. The oils we produce go into making your chocolate extra-creamy or putting the crunch into your croissant. And it’s not just food — we work across industries to make products that are higher quality, healthier and better for the planet.
Everything we do is about Making Better Happen™.
AAK Locations
This position is based at our office Zaandijk, (NL)
About the role
We are looking for an experienced and proactive Pilot Plant Technologist to take full operational ownership of our pilot plant within the Applied Innovation team. In this pivotal role, you will lead the safe, hygienic, and efficient day-to-day operation of the pilot plant, supporting the development of innovative dairy and plant-based dairy applications and products. You will independently manage and execute trials, oversee plant resources and maintenance, and ensure the pilot plant environment operates to the highest standards of quality, safety, and performance. Working closely with Application Managers, CI Managers, and Research Scientists, you will play a central role in delivering high-quality experimental and development activities while also providing leadership and guidance to the Pilot Plant Assistant. If you thrive in a hands-on innovation environment and enjoy combining technical expertise with operational leadership, we would love to hear from you.
Responsibilities
- Manage the day-to-day operation of the pilot plant, including trial scheduling, resource planning, and prioritization to ensure efficient operations.
- Independently lead end-to-end trial execution in line with trial plans and SOPs, covering material availability, equipment setup and operation, analysis, cleaning, and result reporting in relevant systems.
- Support Application Managers, CI Managers, and Research Scientists with specialized trials and the procurement and management of raw materials, packaging, and consumables.
- Oversee stock management of regular materials and consumables, including ordering, shelf-life monitoring, specification management, and cost control.
- Take ownership of preventive and corrective equipment maintenance, coordinating with the Office Manager on contracts and procurement.
- Ensure safe and hygienic pilot plant operations through compliance with safety measures, PRP programs, and HACCP standards, supported by pilot plant safety assessments and the Pilot Plant Assistant.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including 5S and operational excellence programs, while leading, onboarding, and guiding the Pilot Plant Assistant.
About you
- Bachelor of Applied Sciences (HBO) in Food Technology, Process Technology, Chemical Engineering, or a related field; or MBO level 4 in a relevant technical or laboratory field with proven hands-on experience in a pilot plant or production environment.
- Proven experience in pilot plant, food production, or process development environments.
- Good understanding of food safety and hygiene standards, including HACCP and PRP programs, and safe working practices.
- Experience with equipment operation, basic maintenance, and troubleshooting.
- Strong organizational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple trials and resources simultaneously.
- Experience with stock management, cost monitoring, and procurement processes.
- Practical and hands-on mindset with a proactive approach to continuous improvement (e.g. 5S, lean practices).
- Good communication skills and ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Experience leading or supervising a team member is an advantage.
- Fluent in English and/or Dutch; additional languages are a plus.
Contact and information
Please apply through our career portal. For further information about the position, please contact Sr Talent Acquisition Specialist: Valerija Usova: [email protected]
About AAK
Everything AAK does is about Making Better Happen™. We specialize in plant-based oils that are the value-adding ingredients in many of the products people love to consume. We make these products better tasting, healthier, and more sustainable. At the heart of AAK’s offer is Customer Co-Development, combining our desire to understand what better means for each customer, with the unique flexibility of our production assets, and deep knowledge of many products and industries, including Chocolate and confectionery, Bakery, Dairy, Plant-based Foods, Special Nutrition, Foodservice and Personal Care. Our 4,000 employees support our close collaboration with customers through 25 regional sales offices, 15 dedicated Customer Innovation Centers, and the support of more than 20 production facilities. Listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and with our headquarters in Malmö, Sweden, AAK has been Making Better Happen™ for more than 150 years.
AAK prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, religion, veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under state or federal law in any aspect of the access to, admission, or treatment of students in its programs and activities, or employment and application for employment.
