Application Technologist - Food Process Equipment

US07 GEA Food Solutions North America, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

13 paid holidays

136 hours PTO

7% 401(k) employer match

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness incentive program

Employee Assistance Program

Health Savings and Spending Accounts

Job summary

GEA Group in Frisco, TX, is seeking an Application Technologist to join our Technology Center. You will support tests, operate processing equipment for demos and validations, and ensure safe, compliant testing environments.

Ideally you have a Bachelors in Food Science with 5+ years in equipment testing, plus knowledge of HACCP, GMP/GHP, and FDA/USDA/FSMA basics. This role offers hands-on development and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelors or B.Sc in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, Agricultural or Dairy Science (with food processing focus) or Biotechnology (food).
• 5+ years of experience in a similar role overseeing equipment testing.
• Well versed in Food safety & regulatory fundamentals, HACCP principles, and GMP/GHP.
• Basic understanding of FDA / USDA / FSMA requirements (or regional equivalents).

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day operations of the Technology Center and execute customer testing activities.
• Operate GEA processing equipment installed in the Technology Center to perform customer demos, trials, validations, and application tests.
• Prepare, set up, and configure equipment, raw materials, and utilities required for tests, including sanitation and safe working conditions.
• Execute customer tests in alignment with KPIs and data recording.
• Support preparation of test reports and proper documentation of results.
• Maintain Technology Center equipment, utilities, and facilities in proper working condition.
• Coordinate and collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure successful test execution.
• Provide application and product development support through verification and testing at center and customer sites.
• Support commissioning activities and onsite training at customer locations.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by sharing technical feedback.

Education

Bachelors in Food Science

Job description

GEA Group, founded in Germany in 1881, is a global leader in engineering solutions, serving industries such as food and beverage, pharma, dairy, and more. With over 18,000 employees worldwide and a strong U.S. presence since 1929, GEA combines the heritage of a well-established company with the innovation of a forward-thinking industry leader. At GEA, we’re not just building equipment, we’re building lasting careers with an average employee tenure range from 5 to over 11+ years, reflecting the strong culture, growth opportunities, and support we provide.

Responsibilities / Tasks

• Start strong - Medical, dental, and vision coverage begins on your first day
• Recharge and refresh - Enjoy 13 paid holidays, including a flexible floating holiday, and 136 hours of PTO to relax or explore
• Invest in your future - A 7% 401(k) employer match helps grow your retirement savings faster
• Keep learning - Take advantage of tuition reimbursement to further your education or skillset
• Live well - Our wellness incentive program rewards healthy habits
• Get support when you need it - Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program for personal or professional guidance
• Save smart - Flexible Health Savings and Spending Accounts to manage out-of-pocket expenses

GEA Group, located in Frisco, TX, is searching for an Application Technologist to join our Technology Center.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day operations of the Technology Center and execute customer testing activities in accordance with defined objectives and schedules.
• Operate GEA processing equipment installed in the Technology Center to perform customer demos, trials, validations, and application tests.
• Prepare, set up, and configure equipment, raw materials, and utilities required for tests, including coordination of sanitation, cleaning, and safe working conditions before and after testing activities.
• Execute customer tests in alignment with defined KPIs, test parameters, and performance metrics, and accurately record test data and observations.
• Support preparation of test reports and ensure proper documentation, storage, and safeguarding of all test results, data, images, and related records in designated systems and folders.
• Maintain Technology Center equipment, utilities, and facilities in proper working condition, including coordination of spare parts, materials, waste removal, and general housekeeping.
• Setup and operate all equipment in the Technology Center with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Coordinate and collaborate with internal stakeholders, including Sales, Engineering, Operations, Business Units, Product Specialists, and Service teams, to ensure successful execution of tests and alignment with customer expectations.
• Provide application and product development support through technological verification and testing, both in the Technology Center and at customer sites as required.
• Support commissioning activities and provide onsite training at customer locations as needed, ensuring proper application of equipment and processes.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of applications, processes, and equipment performance by monitoring updates from Business Units and sharing technical feedback.
• Support development and maintenance of application databases and technical inputs used in the sales and application process.
• Actively support regional and market-specific initiatives, including collaboration with regional sales teams to promote Technology Center capabilities and customer engagement.
• Deliver technical training and knowledge transfer to GEA sales and sales support teams in the field of food technology and applications.
• Perform all duties in compliance with applicable safety, quality, and regulatory requirements, and carry out additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelors or B.Sc degree (minimum) in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, Agricultural or Dairy Science (with food processing focus) or Biotechnology (food).
• Preferably with experience in the meat & poultry industry.
• 5+ years' experience in a similar role, overseeing equipment testing.
• Well versed in Food safety & regulatory fundamentals, HACCP principles, and GMP/GHP.
• Basic understanding of FDA / USDA / FSMA requirements (or regional equivalents).

The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $80,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year. GEA Group has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States. The pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. The estimated range is the budgeted amount for the position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications, and other job-related reasons. You may be eligible for additional rewards, such as discretionary bonus (based on eligibility) and/or equity awards.

This position is based in the United States and does not offer visa or work sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship.

GEA is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will therefore receive consideration for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, world view, national origin, genetics, disability, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other protected characteristic required by applicable law.

Applicants with disabilities are welcome and will be given special consideration if they are equally qualified.

GEA is one of the largest suppliers of process technology for the food industry and a wide range of other industries. The international technology group focuses on process technology and components for sophisticated production processes in various end-user markets.