Associate Engineer Technical Services

Mars • Hackettstown, NJ

29d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a skilled Technical Service and Maintenance Engineer to support operations in our Food Pilot Plant Facility and our manufacturing plant. This role requires strong technical expertise, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to problem-solving in a fast-paced, food-grade environment. This role has dual responsibility: 1) Manage and provide technical support to R&D teams in the product development lab and pilot plant for execution of bench top and pilot plant trials, lead and maintain functioning and operations of equipment in the R&D lab and Pilot Plant at the site. The ideal candidate will ensure equipment reliability, perform preventive maintenance, and troubleshoot issues to maintain optimal pilot plant performance. 2) Provide technical support in executing factory trials, troubleshooting and problem solving in the factory; drives continuous product, process, and packaging improvement at factory. This role will collaborate cross-functionally to lead and execute improvement projects, data capture, data analysis and adherence to specification to ensure delivery of product KQAs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or related field) or scientific or technical disciplines with 2+ years of maintenance experience in a food manufacturing, pilot plant, or similar environment
• Strong knowledge of mechanical systems, electrical troubleshooting, and PLC basics
• Familiarity with food safety standards (GMP, HACCP) and regulatory compliance
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work independently or in a team setting
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Nice To Haves

• 5+ years of Technician experience or manufacturing experience in a related field with technical certifications.
• Experience with automation systems and instrumentation.
• Knowledge of preventive maintenance programs and maintenance software.
• Understanding of sanitary design principles for food equipment.
• Ability to work in teams, collaborate and influence others

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on pilot plant equipment, utilities, and supporting systems.
• Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation issues to minimize downtime.
• Maintain compliance with food safety standards, GMP, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and update maintenance documentation, including SOPs and equipment logs.
• Assist in equipment installation, calibration, and validation for pilot-scale processes.
• Support R&D in execution of bench and pilot plant trials.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in equipment reliability and efficiency.
• Factory Implementation of new and improved products, processes, packaging, systems, and methodologies
• Conduct and execute pilot plant and factory trials with required documentation
• Implement continuous improvements through the application of complex problem-solving techniques, contributing to overall site CI goals and through the completion of at least 2 Six Sigma projects
• Supports development of standard run conditions as part of new product/process/pack validation
• Leverages standard run conditions to develop statistical process control settings and ranges.
• Participates in Quality Management Programs (QMP) such as but not limited to Internal Audits, CAPA’s, S-CAPA’s
• Collaborate with operations and R&D teams to support new product trials and equipment setups.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on pilot plant equipment, utilities, and supporting systems.
• Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation issues to minimize downtime.
• Maintain compliance with food safety standards, GMP, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and update maintenance documentation, including SOPs and equipment logs.
• Assist in equipment installation, calibration, and validation for pilot-scale processes.
• Support R&D in execution of bench and pilot plant trials.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in equipment reliability and efficiency.
• Factory Implementation of new and improved products, processes, packaging, systems, and methodologies
• Conduct and execute pilot plant and factory trials with required documentation
• Implement continuous improvements through the application of complex problem-solving techniques, contributing to overall site CI goals and through the completion of at least 2 Six Sigma projects
• Supports development of standard run conditions as part of new product/process/pack validation
• Leverages standard run conditions to develop statistical process control settings and ranges.
• Participates in Quality Management Programs (QMP) such as but not limited to Internal Audits, CAPA’s, S-CAPA’s
• Collaborate with operations and R&D teams to support new product trials and equipment setups.

Benefits

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.
• The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees