Pilot Plant Assistant

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’re looking for a hands-on and detail-oriented Pilot Plant Assistant to join our Applied Innovation team. In this role, you’ll play a key part in supporting the daily operations of our pilot plant, helping bring exciting dairy and plant-based dairy innovations to life. From preparing and supporting product trials to maintaining raw material stocks and ensuring a safe, hygienic, and well-organized working environment, you’ll be an essential contributor to our product development activities. If you enjoy working in a dynamic food innovation environment and take pride in operational excellence, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

Responsibilities

• Support the Pilot Plant Technologist in the day-to-day operation of the pilot plant, including preparation of equipment, materials, and workspace for planned trials.
• Assist in the execution of trials according to pre-defined trial plans or SOPs, including availability and preparation of raw materials, packaging materials, and consumables, as well as equipment operation, analysis support, and cleaning.
• Carry out cleaning and housekeeping of the pilot plant according to implemented standard operating procedures, ensuring the plant is maintained in a clean, organized, and compliant state at all times.
• Support stock management activities for regular raw materials, packaging materials, and consumables, including monitoring stock levels, shelf-life, and correct storage conditions.
• Provide supportive assistance for equipment preventive and corrective maintenance activities, as directed by the Pilot Plant Technologist.
• Contribute to the safe operation of the pilot plant by following all applicable safety procedures and reporting any unsafe conditions or incidents to the Pilot Plant Technologist.
• Support the hygienic operation of the pilot plant, including monitoring and compliance with the PRP program and HACCP plan under the guidance of the Pilot Plant Technologist.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the pilot plant, such as 5S implementation and stock management improvements, as directed.
• Perform relevant analyses using standardized and validated methods, and occasionally operate pilot plant equipment independently where competence and authorization have been established.

About You

• MBO level 3–4 in laboratory technology, food technology, process technology, or a related field.
• Practical experience in a laboratory, pilot plant, or production environment is a plus.
• Basic understanding of food safety and hygiene standards, including HACCP and PRP.
• Hands-on, reliable, and detail-oriented; able to follow procedures accurately and consistently.
• Comfortable working in a structured, process-driven environment with a proactive attitude toward maintaining order and cleanliness.
• Flexible and willing to support a variety of operational tasks in a dynamic work environment.
• Good communication skills and a collaborative team-oriented mindset.
• Fluent English, Dutch is highly desired

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.