R&D Facilities Specialist

OSI Group•Aurora, IL

3d•$30 - $45•Onsite

About The Position

As a premier global food provider, the OSI Group partners with the world’s leading foodservice and retail food brands to provide concept-to-table solutions that delight consumers around the globe. Join us and discover a work experience where diverse ideas are met with enthusiasm, and where you can learn and grow to your full potential. We’re looking for individuals who thrive in an entrepreneurial environment and who enjoy working as a team to deliver unparalleled service and solutions to our customers. The Facilities Maintenance Specialist – R&D is responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the R&D Center, including the Pilot Plant, warehouse, office space, and building exterior. This role serves as the primary facilities resource supporting Product Development by maintaining equipment reliability, coordinating preventive maintenance programs, troubleshooting and repairing facility and pilot plant equipment, and overseeing facility operations. The Specialist partners with R&D leadership, vendors, and contractors to coordinate maintenance activities, annual inspections, capital improvement projects, and equipment service to minimize downtime and ensure uninterrupted support of product development activities. This position also manages maintenance documentation, parts inventory, equipment calibration, and facility-related compliance while promoting a safe and productive working environment.

Requirements

3-5 years of progressive experience in facilities maintenance, industrial maintenance, manufacturing maintenance, or a related technical field.
Experience maintaining manufacturing, pilot plant, or food processing equipment.
Experience troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and facility systems.
Experience coordinating contractors, vendors, preventive maintenance schedules, and equipment inspections.
Experience supporting equipment reliability and facility operations in a manufacturing or R&D environment.

Nice To Haves

Associates degree or equivalent is preferred.
Associate degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, or related technical field preferred; equivalent experience considered.

Responsibilities

Maintain a safe, efficient, and fully operational R&D facility, including the Pilot Plant, warehouse, office space, and building exterior.
Perform preventive maintenance, troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair facility and pilot plant equipment to minimize downtime.
Develop, maintain, and document preventive maintenance schedules, equipment records, service logs, and maintenance manuals.
Coordinate routine service calls, equipment repairs, and annual inspections with internal teams and external service providers.
Support facility improvement and equipment installation projects by coordinating maintenance activities and working with contractors and vendors.
Monitor maintenance supply inventory and recommend replacement parts and materials to ensure operational readiness.
Perform assembly, setup, calibration, and routine maintenance of R&D equipment, including scales, thermometers, pH meters, analyzers, smokehouses, cooking kettles, and other pilot plant equipment.
Program and maintain processing equipment to support pilot plant operations and product development activities.
Provide technical guidance and equipment operation training to R&D personnel to promote safe and effective equipment use.
Troubleshoot equipment issues and recommend corrective actions to improve equipment reliability and performance.
Coordinate pest control, waste management, recycling, and inedible disposal services to maintain a clean, safe, and compliant facility.
Maintain accurate maintenance, inspection, pest control, and regulatory compliance records.
Support compliance with OSHA, USDA, GMP, food safety, and company safety standards.
Conduct routine facility inspections and identify maintenance or safety concerns requiring corrective action.
Partner with R&D scientists, engineers, and leadership to ensure facilities and equipment are available to support pilot plant trials and product development activities.
Coordinate with vendors and contractors to schedule maintenance work while minimizing disruption to R&D operations.
Recommend process improvements that enhance facility reliability, equipment performance, and maintenance efficiency.
Understand and place in practice appropriate safety procedures through education, training, use of protective equipment, and by following safety policies, regulations, standards, and laws.
Perform other duties as assigned.