R&D Technician

PepsiCo • Plano, TX

2d • $45,900 - $73,250 • Onsite

About The Position

This position provides operational support for Research and Development product development teams at PepsiCo’s Plano GPCs, including the Technology Process Center and Plano Process Lab. The technician operates food processing equipment across multiple platforms, sets up equipment and lines, troubleshoots equipment and process issues, and supports site EHS compliance programs. The role works closely with R&D engineers, food scientists, and product development teams to understand test objectives and deliver operational development support.

The technician sanitizes process lines, performs fundamental equipment troubleshooting and preventive maintenance, manages safety, food safety, and environmental compliance programs, and maintains accurate daily run information. The role also supports safe execution of daily test runs, contributes to equipment reliability and continuous improvement, and may delegate assigned run-support tasks to contract labor. Work is performed with limited supervision and may require flexibility across work sites, off-shifts, and weekends.

Requirements

• High school diploma required.
• At least 3 years of work experience in a manufacturing or production environment, or in an R&D testing center; food industry experience is preferred.
• Experience and knowledge of food processing equipment, production, and/or test systems.
• Ability to set up, operate, and troubleshoot food processing equipment.
• Ability to provide solutions to process-related issues.
• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Self-starter able to work with minimal supervision.
• Willingness to work off-shifts and weekends and to flex between the Dallas Technology Process Center and Plano Process Lab.
• Excellent teamwork skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work safely in an industrial environment.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Associate technical degree.
• Experience in the food industry.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational support to Research and Development product development teams.
• Operate food processing equipment in the Plano Process Lab or Technology Process Center.
• Work closely with product development teams, R&D engineers, and food scientists to understand test objectives and provide operational support.
• Operate equipment efficiently and minimize downtime to meet daily development objectives.
• Troubleshoot and resolve equipment and process operational issues.
• Initiate ideas and solutions to improve equipment reliability and performance.
• Sanitize process lines and perform basic equipment troubleshooting and preventive maintenance as needed.
• Participate in team continuous improvement training and skill development activities.
• Complete assigned and self-identified tasks with limited supervision.
• Manage assigned safety, food safety, and environmental compliance programs.
• Accurately maintain daily run information, including safety and food safety records, run data sheets, and work order submissions.
• Delegate assigned run-support work to contract labor and ensure workers are properly trained for their tasks.
• Ensure daily test runs are conducted safely.
• Work effectively as part of a team.

Benefits

• Paid time off, subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick leave, and bereavement leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, subject to elections and eligibility.
• Disability coverage.
• Health and dependent care reimbursement accounts.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Accident, group legal, and life insurance.
• Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED