Sr Research Development Technician

Schwan's Company•Marshall, MN

About The Position

The Sr Research Development Technician operates and maintains the pilot plant, including its equipment and instruments, and supports product development, process engineering, and operations. The role includes keeping laboratory areas and equipment clean and operational; maintaining and calibrating instruments; coordinating repairs, inspections, certifications, and ingredient deliveries; and maintaining required maintenance, sanitation, and work records. With guidance from scientists and specialist engineers, the technician develops experimental formulas, processing techniques, and specifications; evaluates existing formulas and processes; identifies opportunities for cost savings and product improvement; and recommends solutions. The role also supports new-product commercialization, including installation and shakedown of equipment, and helps develop and conduct training for processes introduced with new products, equipment, or product restaging. The technician gathers and shares pilot-plant testing and production data, provides technical support and project feedback, prepares project-status reports, and develops programs to improve efficiency, response speed, and quality in alignment with department and business-unit goals. The position may also include mentoring and training other technicians in equipment operation and maintenance.

Requirements

Associate degree (AA) from a college or technical school, or equivalent work experience.
3+ years of related experience.
Good working knowledge of manufacturing practices.
Working knowledge of FDA, USDA, and OSHA regulations.
Working knowledge of safety and testing procedures and a variety of laboratory and pilot-plant equipment and apparatuses.
Basic PC skills in a Windows environment, including word processing and spreadsheets.
Ability to operate and calibrate R&D laboratory and pilot-lab instruments and equipment.
Ability to taste and ingest any type of food product currently under development.

Responsibilities

Operate and maintain the pilot plant, its equipment, and instruments, including new equipment brought into the facility.
Complete required documentation and maintain clean, operational laboratory areas and equipment.
Calibrate and maintain instruments and coordinate equipment and instrument repairs.
Maintain maintenance and sanitation records.
Schedule and coordinate laboratory inspections to maintain required certifications.
Coordinate with Product Development and Process Engineering to develop and conduct training for processes introduced with new products, equipment, and product restaging.
Develop experimental formulas, processing techniques, and specifications with guidance from scientists and specialist engineers.
Evaluate existing formulas and processes, identify cost-saving and product-improvement opportunities, and recommend solutions to scientists or management.
Support commercialization of new products, including installation and shakedown of new equipment.
Mentor and train other technicians in equipment operation and maintenance, as applicable.
Assist Product Development team members and Operations in gathering and disseminating pilot-plant testing and production data.
Place purchase orders and coordinate delivery and receipt of required ingredients.
Document work according to established procedures and guidelines.
Prepare reports for project teams covering project status, progress, issues, solutions, timelines, and accountability.
Develop and implement programs to improve efficiency, response speed, and quality in support of department and business-unit goals.
Provide technical support to Product Development groups or Operations for product testing or production in the pilot plant, and provide feedback or recommendations related to ongoing projects.