For over five years, the team at NCFIL has known Operations Manager Joe Hildebrand is worthy of recognition – whether for his “can-do” attitude, his work ethic, his desire to help clients or his extensive knowledge and experience in the field of food science. 

We are super pleased to report that NC State University recently made that recognition official.

In a September ceremony at Talley Student Union, Hildebrand earned the College of Agriculture and Life Science’s Outstanding Young Alumni Award, representing the Molecular and Structural Biochemistry Department. 

This annual award recognizes NC State alumni’s achievements in their career, industry and community as well as service to the university. 

“CALS has been a wonderful resource for me professionally,” Hildebrand says upon receipt of his award. “The university has given much to me, and I have given back to the university – I have really found my home in food science.” 

Career Path Builds Expertise  

A North Carolina native, Hildebrand earned his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and his master’s degree in food science, specializing in fermentation. And he is currently working on his master’s in business administration – all from NC State, so his commitment to the university is apparent. 

Joe’s career path has been diverse – starting with Wyeth as a fermentation scientist on vaccine development and then transitioning to Cree as a leader in LED and semiconductor manufacturing. After securing his master’s, he worked with PepsiCo to reformulate carbonated beverages and then played a key role in developing the Pure Leaf Cold Brew Tea line. 

All of this experience led Hildebrand to immediately have a significant impact upon arrival at NCFIL in 2020, hired as Pilot Plant Manager by Executive Director Bill Aimutis, when the lab was in its infancy. 

“I am very proud that Joe was recognized by NC State,” Aimutis says. “Since graduation, he has been a genuine advocate for the university and programs with which he was involved. His overall personality encourages other scientists to study or work with NC State. Bravo for Joe!” 

Aimutis said Hildebrand’s NC State education has served him well in his career at NCFIL, especially in regard to his management of the Pilot Plant and working with clients. 

NCFIL Becomes Home 

Hildebrand assumed a larger role at NCFIL earlier this year, being named NCFIL’s Operations Manager, under the leadership of NCFIL’s new Director Julie Mann. He continues to oversee the Pilot Plant, which houses 90 pieces of equipment, but also focuses on the facility’s product development services. 

In this role, Hildebrand is excited to have more impact on clients’ overall success by helping them bridge the gap between product development and production. This translation – of idea to product – is where Hildebrand’s expertise really shines. 

Mann feels lucky to have Hildebrand on board in this capacity. 

“Joe is a thought leader and pioneer, solving challenging customer issues across the breadth of NCFIL projects,” Mann says. “Joe possesses the rare combination of both personal and technical skills to connect with our clients and guide them in problemsolving.” 

From NC State to NCFIL, we are all excited to see what Joe Hildebrand does next.