Nutrition Pilot Plant Operator

Within our Corporate Nutrition Pilot Plant team located in Denver – Leprino is seeking a Nutrition Pilot Plant Operator to move our organization to even larger levels of cheese and dairy ingredient growth! We take pride in our vision to be "world's best", it is why we work harder, invest more, and continually innovate.

At Leprino, starting compensation for this role typically ranges between $22 and $25. This position has an annual target bonus of 3.5%.

What You’ll Do:

• Build and prepare equipment for daily nutrition trials, including filtration, evaporation, drying, and UHT systems.
• Set up experiments with care by arranging materials, unloading ingredients, and coordinating trial details with research scientists.
• Run pilot-scale processes, collect samples, and record accurate data for each step.
• Adjust equipment when needed to keep products within required specifications.
• Clean and sanitize processing and support equipment using CIP, COP, and manual procedures.
• Write clear production logs, label products, and move finished materials to storage areas.
• Support a collaborative plant culture by following GMPs and safety procedures every day!
• Maintain an organized workspace so the team can learn, innovate, and move projects forward together!
• Participate in routine housekeeping tasks that help the Nutrition Pilot Plant operate efficiently.
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures to keep trials consistent and support progress across the GRDQ team.
• Monitor processing conditions and communicate observations that help improve equipment performance and trial outcomes!

You Have At Least (Required Qualifications):

• A high school diploma or GED.
• Experience in food production or a similar setting, or a willingness to learn through on-the-job instruction.
• Familiarity with pumps, valves, piping, or other standard manufacturing equipment.
• The physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds, work in warm or cold areas, and stand or walk for extended periods.
• The ability to work 10-hour shifts as part of a weekly schedule that supports trial activities.

We Hope You Also Have (Preferred Qualifications):

• Further education, such as college-level coursework or a degree in food science, engineering, or a related field.
• Experience supporting pilot plant trials, nutrition processing equipment, or small-scale manufacturing systems.
• Skill working with filtration, evaporation, drying, or UHT operations beyond basic familiarity.
• Experience using sanitation systems (CIP/COP) in a plant or lab environment.

At Leprino, we believe in equal employment opportunity and make employment decisions based on each individual’s unique talents, experience, skills, and knowledge; we do not discriminate on the basis of any personal characteristics. We know we are better together and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive culture in which all employees can thrive.

Offering You In Return:

A chance to be part of a global team of individuals passionate about producing and delivering high-quality products that help feed and nourish families around the world. Leprino could not be where it is today without our incredible employees. That is why we share in our success together by rewarding you for your hard work. Hiring great people who are in it for the long run is our goal. Through competitive salaries and bonuses, life, medical/dental/vision coverage, voluntary benefits, employee assistance programs, wellness incentives, tuition assistance, vacation, ten paid holidays, sick time, paid parental leave, annual merit increases, as well as the LFC Profit-Sharing & 401(k) plan. Your impact will be noticed and rewarded, as you seek to further our company, our customers, and one another.

Our Story:

Leprino’s history dates back to the 1950s, when Jim Leprino first started making small batches of mozzarella for local markets and eateries in the Little Italy neighborhood of Denver. We’ve grown a bit since then. Today, Leprino is the world’s largest manufacturer of mozzarella and lactose, and a leading producer of whey protein. Still owned by the Leprino family, our sights are set to be the “World’s Best Dairy Food and Ingredient Company.” From a small corner grocery store we have grown to over 5,500 employees throughout the globe. Will you join us on our journey?

Learn more at Leprino.com