Process Technician

Come join our collaborative and innovative team at Avant Organics!
Avant Organics uses the art of biotechnology to redefine traditional organic chemistry and create sustainable products for its customers in multiple industries. Whether manufacturing flavors and fragrances to be used in foods or medicines or creating other components used in our everyday life – Avant Organics offers its customers fresh solutions that meet even the toughest regulatory standards.
The Avant Organics Process Technician is a hybrid role that blends hands-on process operation with proactive mechanical and electrical maintenance. This role works closely with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot issues, perform preventative maintenance, and support the commissioning of new systems as we scale. In our fast-paced startup environment, the Process Technician will help shape operational standards, contribute to process improvements, and build the technical foundation for sustainable growth. This role offers multiple pathways for advancement, depending on strengths and interests. We aren't looking for someone to run the process - we're looking for someone to grow with it. 

COMPETENCIES

• Customer Focus
• Decision Quality
• Business Insight
• Drives Results
• Collaborates
• Communicates Effectively
• Courage
• Instills Trust
• Manages Ambiguity 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Process Monitoring & Control
• Operate and monitor chemical processing equipment such as reactors, mixers, pumps, and distillation units
• Adjust temperature, pressure, flow rates, and other parameters to maintain optimal production conditions.
• Quality Assurance
• Conduct tests and inspections to ensure products meet required specifications.
• Collect and analyze samples during production for consistency and compliance.
• Equipment Maintenance
• Perform routine checks and basic maintenance on machinery.
• Perform scheduled inspections and servicing of pumps, valves, compressors, and instrumentation to prevent breakdowns.
• Maintain lubrication schedules and replace worn components before failure.
• Diagnose mechanical, electrical, and control system issues in real time.
• Repair or replace faulty equipment parts with minimal disruption to production.
• Safety & Compliance
• Follow strict safety protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Participate in safety training and ensure compliance with environmental and regulatory standards.
• Ensure all maintenance work complies with safety regulations and lockout/tagout procedures.
• Participate in hazard assessments and equipment risk evaluations.
• Documentation & Reporting
• Record operational data, batch records, and test results.
• Maintain accurate logs for audits and continuous improvement efforts.
• Flexibility & Adaptability
• Quickly adapt to evolving processes and technologies.
• Support pilot runs and scale-up activities from lab to full production.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work closely with R&D, operations, and quality teams to develop and refine new products.
• Provide feedback on process feasibility and scalability.
• Continuous Learning
• Stay updated on new equipment, automation tools, and chemical handling techniques.
• Help establish SOPs and training materials for future hires.
• Additional Duties and Responsibilities
• This role is responsible for food safety and following good manufacturing practices and reporting unsafe conditions to supervisors
• Additional duties as assigned by leadership

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent, required. College degree in Math, Biology, or Chemistry, preferred.
• Post-secondary certificate in agriculture or natural resources, precision production or another related area, preferred.
• A background in maintenance or a laboratory setting preferred.
• Ability to work in a team-driven environment with a collaborative and proactive attitude required.
• High degree of organizational skills, to be able to document processes and results, required.
• Mechanically inclined, knowledgeable of machines and tools, required.

Working Environment

• Will work in a laboratory setting, with exposure to dust/particles, noise, and flammable combustible hazardous multi-class of materials, hazards and strong smells. May involve prolonged periods of sitting and standing on and walking on concrete floors.
• Daily wear of safety shoes, gloves, hearing p