Senior Lab Technician, Research & Development

The J.M. Smucker Co.•Orrville, OH

3d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Senior Lab Technician, R&D, you’ll be the hands-on expert keeping our Process Research Lab running at its best—leading equipment maintenance, supporting experimental work, and partnering across teams to drive new capabilities. This role blends technical skill, problem-solving, and collaboration to keep projects moving and innovation thriving.

Requirements

High school diploma with 6+ years of relevant laboratory or record retention experience, or Associate’s degree with 3+ years of relevant experience (based on area of study)
Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills
Experience with data collection, tracking, and basic analysis (e.g., Excel)
Strong planning, organization, and communication skills
Detail-oriented with effective time management
Self-motivated with a results-driven mindset
Experience operating equipment (e.g., forklift, electric pallet jack)
Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word)

Nice To Haves

Mechanical and/or electrical experience
Experience with coffee processing equipment (roasters, grinders, extraction systems)
Experience with preventive maintenance systems (PM/CIL) and mechanical troubleshooting
Knowledge of food safety, GMPs, and sanitation practices in a pilot plant or lab environment

Responsibilities

Implement maintenance strategy for processing and auxiliary equipment and collaborate on spare parts strategy
Lead development of CIL (clean/inspect/lubricate) processes and templates for routine maintenance
Perform routine maintenance and effectively delegate maintenance items managing completion according to schedule
Support development of team member capabilities in equipment maintenance and provide feedback when necessary
Lead advanced troubleshooting and repair of equipment and mechanical systems
Schedule and work closely with outside resources completing maintenance and installing new equipment in the Process Laboratory
Submit purchase requisition requests for spare parts and on-site vendor service
Complete tracking and gap analysis for work order, PM, and CIL completion and other critical metrics
Provide logistics leadership including management and housekeeping of shipping docks; operation of powered industrial vehicles; and ownership of associated processes and documentation for shipping, receiving, and dock storage
Serve as primary point of contact for external warehouse and recycling partners with responsibility for coordinating logistics and managing inventories
Complete step-up card requirements to become qualified on analytical and base operating equipment set-up and operation
Update standard operating procedures (SOPs), job safety aids (JSAs), and lock out tag out (LOTO) documents as needed
Provide updates in daily morning meeting of prior day’s work and work for the current day; work and communicate effectively and productively with peers and project teams
Attend and successfully complete internal/external training courses determined by the Company to maintain/build technical capabilities