R&D Pilot Plant Specialist, Senior

The J.M. Smucker Co.; Orrville (OH); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The J.M. Smucker Co. in Orrville, OH, is seeking a Senior Technician for the R&D Pilot Plant to safely operate process equipment, run experimental test plans, and partner with R&D teams to advance new process capabilities.

This onsite role emphasizes strong technical skills, attention to detail, and clear communication for safe, efficient workflow. The position requires 3+ years of hands-on experience with processing or pilot-plant equipment, plus a degree in a related technical field.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Engineering Technology, Process Technology, Food Science, Industrial Technology, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience operating, maintaining, or troubleshooting processing, manufacturing, pilot plant, or laboratory equipment.
• 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 and effective written and verbal communication with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and technical documentation systems.

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

Skills

Strong communication skills

Organizational skills

Microsoft Office

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Safety awareness

Education

Associate's degree in Engineering Technology / related field

Tools

Process equipment operation

QA documentation systems

Job description

The J.M. Smucker Co. in Orrville, OH, is seeking a Senior Technician for the R&D Pilot Plant to safely operate process equipment, run experimental test plans, and partner with R&D teams to advance new process capabilities.

This onsite role emphasizes strong technical skills, attention to detail, and clear communication for safe, efficient workflow. The position requires 3+ years of hands-on experience with processing or pilot-plant equipment, plus a degree in a related technical field.