Associate Technician Pilot Plant

Nestlé SA; Solon (IA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Nestlé is seeking a dedicated individual to support trial-related activities at its Research & Development Center in Solon, Iowa. The ideal candidate will possess a degree in a relevant field and demonstrate flexibility, effective communication, and culinary knowledge. Responsibilities include managing ingredient trials, ensuring operational efficiency, and collaborating within a dynamic team environment. You will contribute to leading-edge product development while upholding our commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Qualifications

• Education in science or culinary fields preferred.
• Experience in food manufacturing or culinary environments is a plus.
• Ability to learn equipment operation and Microsoft Office proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Support trial-related activities including managing ingredients and performing unit operations.
• Participate in operational reviews and problem resolution.
• Assist with inventory management and production pulls.

Skills

Planning and prioritization

Communication

Flexibility

Data analysis

Culinary techniques

Education

A.S or B.S degree in science, culinary, baking or related area

Tools

Microsoft Office

SAP

NesTMS

GREAT

Job description

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Nestlé’s Research & Development Center is our regional powerhouse driving innovation in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical science. Backed by our global Nestlé R&D organization, we lead breakthrough discoveries that are both good for consumers and the planet. Our team of experts range from product developers to engineers, working across our portfolio of food, beverage, infant nutrition, and health science to create leading-edge products and services. As part of our organization, you will use your entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence to unlock the power of food and provide premium value.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This role supports, and can perform with help, all trial related activities (ex: weighing ingredients, assembling finished product, performing required unit operations, sanitation and other duties assigned). Utilizes HACCP training to support release trials.

• Displays the ability to learn how to operate new pieces of equipment, and can perform with help/perform alone the utilization of Operations-related systems (NesTMS, GREAT, LOTO, etc.).
• Can locate all required forms and documents needed to perform trial work (incl. CCP & OPRP forms).
• Knows majority of equipment used in the specific platform that they support at the level of "can perform with help" to "can perform alone".
• Participates in activities related to NCE (operational reviews, problem solving).
• Utilizes basic cooking techniques (Ex: making sauces, cooking starches, pizza topping) and understands basic culinary techniques.
• Understands ingredient functionality and how it applies to finished product.
• Provides liaison support to fill orders, check status of incoming goods and information transfer.
• Assist in inventory management as needed.
• Perform product pulls, inventory re-stocking and ingredient purging as needed.
• Can execute activities within trial requests that he/she is assigned.

Job Qualifications (Education, Experience, and Knowledge):

• A.S or B.S degree preferred in science, culinary, baking or related area or equivalent experience.
• Can effectively and efficiently plan and prioritize work.
• Previous experience working in food manufacturing and/or culinary environments preferred.
• Ability to become proficient with Microsoft Office and Nestle systems such as SAP, GREAT, NesTMS, and NesRequest.
• Detect and understand warning lights, buzzers, alarms or instruments indicating unsafe conditions.
• Can demonstrate flexibility and willingness to work under short timelines and accommodate changing work schedules, overtime, weekends, and holidays.
• Excellent communicator, written and oral.
• Demonstrate competence of industrial scale food manufacturing equipment.
• Have a sufficient understanding of mathematics and data analysis (e.g. pivot tables, graphs, KPI’s).
• Travel as required to support consumer testing, focus groups, factory tests and other trial related activities. 10%

It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.

To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestlé seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you’ll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home.

The Nestlé Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at [e-mail] or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.