Senior Technician, Research & Development

J.M. Smucker Co•Cleveland, OH

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Your Opportunity as the Senior Technician, R&D Pilot Plant As a Senior Technician, R&D Pilot Plant, you will support our Coffee Process Research Lab operations by safely operating process equipment, executing experimental test plans, and partnering with R&D teams to advance new process capabilities. This hands-on role requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and clear communication to keep work moving safely and efficiently.

Requirements

Associate's degree in Engineering Technology, Process Technology, Food Science, Industrial Technology, or a related technical field; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
3+ years of experience operating, maintaining, or troubleshooting processing, manufacturing, pilot plant, or laboratory equipment.
Demonstrated knowledge of safe work practices, including SOPs, LOTO, and JSA processes.
Experience executing test plans, collecting and documenting data, and supporting process improvement initiatives.
Ability to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve equipment and operational issues independently.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across technical and cross-functional teams.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and technical documentation systems.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials weighing up to 75 pounds.
Ability to frequently bend, stoop, reach, climb stairs, and work around processing equipment.

Nice To Haves

Experience in food, beverage, consumer packaged goods, or a related manufacturing environment.
Experience supporting R&D, pilot plant, process development, or scale-up activities.
Familiarity with quality systems, GMPs, and HSE compliance requirements.
Experience operating equipment (e.g., forklift, electric pallet jack).

Responsibilities

Set up and safely operate Process Laboratory equipment; train R&D employees on safe equipment operation
Lead execution of test plans by reviewing plans, confirming material and equipment readiness, collecting accurate data, summarizing results, and reporting deviations or equipment issues
Troubleshoot operational and equipment challenges and recommend process or equipment improvements
Maintain and update SOPs, JSAs, and LOTO documentation as needed
Follow QA and HSE requirements to maintain a safe, compliant, and high-quality pilot plant environment.
Share daily work updates and communicate effectively with peers and project teams
Serve as Process Laboratory area owner with responsibility for housekeeping and ensuring ongoing compliance with HSE and QA standards
Manage operating supply inventory and submit purchase requisitions as needed
Coordinate with external resources on new equipment installation and Process Laboratory maintenance
Complete required internal and external training to maintain and build technical capabilities