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R&D Pilot Plant Coordinator

Tate & Lyle · Hoffman Estates, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 25, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you kept an operation safe when others wanted to rush.

What they are checking: Whether they keep safety first even under pressure from scientists or deadlines.

How do you explain a technical problem to a scientist who designed the run?

What they are checking: Whether they communicate clearly and respectfully with scientists about what went wrong.

Tell me about a process improvement you made.

What they are checking: Whether they look for better ways to run equipment and support pilot work.

What would you do

A pilot run is not producing the expected result. How do you help troubleshoot it?

What they are checking: Whether they can help find process problems and build corrective action plans.

How do you schedule pilot plant time when several scientists want the same equipment?

What they are checking: Whether they can organize and communicate fairly with multiple internal customers.

About the work

Walk me through how you would prepare equipment for a scientist's pilot run.

What they are checking: Whether they can set up runs safely and independently, which is the main part of the role.

What do food GMPs mean in a pilot plant that is not making product for sale?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that good practices still matter because samples reach customers and tasters.

How do you write or review a job safety analysis for a new piece of equipment?

What they are checking: Whether they can identify hazards and controls, as expected on the local safety team.

How do you keep food safety documentation accurate in a busy lab?

What they are checking: Whether they keep records current so audits and investigations have what they need.

What process equipment have you operated, like mixers, extruders or spray dryers?

What they are checking: Whether their hands-on experience matches the equipment in food process labs.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Tate & Lyle from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by Tate & Lyle.

At Tate & Lyle, our purpose is simple: Transforming Lives Through the Science of Food. With more than 165 years of ingredient innovation, we partner with leading food and beverage brands to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products enjoyed by millions of people every day. Combining expertise in sweetening, mouthfeel and fortification, we help customers win on taste, nutrition and performance while making a positive impact on society and the planet. With approximately 5,000 colleagues across 75 locations in 38 countries, we're united by a shared commitment to innovation, collaboration and growth. Read on to learn how this opportunity can contribute to our purpose while helping shape the future of food. Position Summary: The primary responsibility of this position is the independent and safe operation of equipment in the food process labs and facilitation of scientist pilot work. This person must have a strong understanding of Food GMPs and good organizational and communication skills. This position will help with process troubleshooting and developing corrective action plans as needed. Additionally, they will play a key role on our local safety team supporting JSAs, and food safety processes and documentation. This position will be located in the Hoffman Estates, IL Innovation Center. Qualifications: • Minimum of 2 years of college in Engineering and previous food industrial experience in a pilot plant OR 5+ years’ experience in food processing • In-depth knowledge of food processing equipment • Good organizational and time management skills • Good verbal and written communication skills • Positive attitude capable of working as a team • Creative / Innovative – Able to design, develop and implement new pilot processes • Asks pertinent questions regarding the safe operation of the processes • Knowledgeable in the MS office platform • Able to lift 50 lbs. • Familiar with equipment safety, food safety and quality procedures and processes Responsibilities: • Responsible for the independent, safe operation of process and lab equipment • Installation oversight • Pre-startup inspections • Job safety analyses • Preventative maintenance • Facilitate scientist trial work • Support the Applications and Tech Service group by running and maintaining process equipment • Maintain the schedule of activities in the wet process, dry process and confectionery labs in alignment with team priorities • Participate as a member of the food safety committee to assure compliance in the food labs and ensure that our products are fit for human consumption. Maintain appropriate safety documentation for all food grade pilot runs. • Maintain up-to-date equipment list and assist in identification of new equipment • Coordinate outside service of equipment as needed • Properly clean and sanitize processing equipment between runs and end of day, and maintain records demonstrating sanitization effectiveness • Clean and sanitize process lab areas • Maintain basic food ingredient inventory • Fully participate in the safety program, including reporting any incidents or near misses and auditing Tate & Lyle complies with all local/state regulations requiring salary range transparency. When determining final compensation, we take into consideration: skillset, job scope, knowledge, prior experience, cost of living, market data, budget availability, and other factors as permitted by law. The salary range for this position is: $48.000 - $70,000. In addition to competitive pay, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes but is not limited to: • Medical, Dental, Vision coverages • Paid time off package, including vacation, sick time, and 16 weeks of paid parental leave • 401K with company match • Company paid life insurance • Additional benefits at not cost to employee such as: Lifestyle Spending Account, Identity Theft protection, Employee Assistance Program, telemedicine and more! In addition to your Total Rewards, culture and ED&I are very important to Tate & Lyle. We offer multiple Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that support various communities. #LI-RF1 #ONSITE California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA") The Company is committed to complying with the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”) and all data privacy and laws in the jurisdictions in which it recruits and hires employees. We collect the following categories of personal information for the purpose of hiring the best qualified applicants and to comply with applicable employment laws: Name and contact information; Job preference and work availability; Social Security Number and/or other identification information; Education and qualifications; Employment history and experience; Military service; Reference and background check information, including relevant criminal history and credit history; Social media information; Pre-employment test results; Post-offer medical examination information and results, including drug test results; Voluntary self-disclosure information regarding minority, veteran, and disability status; and Information provided by you during the hiring process. Tate & Lyle is an equal opportunity employer, committed to the strength of an inclusive workforce.

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