R&D Technician - Fruit Snacks

General Mills; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 46,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

General Mills is seeking a Fruit Snacks R&D Technician to support multiple initiatives within the Fruit ITQ team. You will execute tests and experiments in labs, pilot plants, and production environments, documenting results and contributing to prototype development.

You will build technical skills in fruit snack product and process development, procure and manage materials, and support analytical, shelf-life, and sensory activities.

Qualifications

• 2-year degree or high school diploma with 2+ years of directly related experience.
• Basic computer/technology skills (Office Suite, other programs).
• Comfortable in processing (pilot plant or plant) environment; able to operate equipment.
• Strong understanding of food safety and human safety.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively in a team.
• Demonstrates critical thinking, problem-solving, and eagerness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Support project work across Fruit Snacks initiatives as directed.
• Execute tests and experiments in labs, pilot plant, and plant; document results.
• Build basic technical skills in product and process for Fruit Snacks.
• Procure and manage materials; maintain lab spaces and equipment setup.
• Support analytical, shelf-life, and sensory evaluation activities.
• Assist in consumer testing and sample preparation for logistics as needed.

Skills

Basic computer skills

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Problem solving

Adaptability

Education

2-Year Degree or HS with 2+ years experience

Tools

Office Suite

Other computer programs

Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEWWe exist to make food the world loves. But we do more than that. Our company is a place that prioritizes being a force for good, a place to expand learning, explore new perspectives and reimagine new possibilities, every day. We look for people who want to bring their best — bold thinkers with big hearts who challenge one another and grow together. Because becoming the undisputed leader in food means surrounding ourselves with people who are hungry for what’s next.OVERVIEWThe Fruit Innovation, Technology, and Quality (ITQ team) is a standout place to innovate at General Mills, with beloved brands, meaningful whitespace, and runway for breakthrough ideas. The Fruit Snacks R&D Technician will be part of the Fruit Snacks Team supporting different technologies and product chassis including fruit shapes, fruit by the foot, fruit roll ups, gushers, and more. As an R&D Technician, you are joining a team that is pursuing Innovation technology development as well as Core Renovation to drive growth and competitive advantage in the fruit snacks category.KEY ACCOUNTABILITIESSupport project work across multiple Fruit team initiatives (at the direction of others)Execute and document tests and experiments (in labs, pilot plant, plant) working with R&D developers and Integrated Operations support; data capture and organization; producing prototypesBuild basic technical skills in product and process for Fruit SnacksProcure and manage materials; manage and maintain lab spaces; basic equipment set up, tear down, and sanitationSupport analytical, shelf-life, and sensory evaluation activitiesSupport consumer testing and related sample preparation of logistics as neededManage samples and support requests from business and sales teamsAgile, ability to flex across projects within Fruit Snacks team as work needs shiftBuild and leverage internal and externa; network (for example manufacturing facilities, suppliers) to support and execute workParticipate in pipeline building activitiesMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS2-Year Degree or High School Degree with 2+ years directly related experienceBasic computer/ technology skills (Office Suite, other computer programs)Comfortable in processing (pilot plant or plant) environment; comfortable operating equipmentBasic understanding of food safety and human safetyAbility to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with a teamCritical thinking and problem-solving skillsDesire to learn new concepts quickly and apply in productive waysAbility to complete work without frequent daily directionStrong self-starter and holds a high regard for quality of workPREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS2-year degree or bachelor’s degree preferredPrevious work experience in a similar field (Food product development experience/ laboratory experience)Effectively manage multiple prioritiesStrong attention to detail and ability to gather, organize, and interpret dataInterpersonal ability to build relationships at all levels within the organization to advance your workPassionate about the creation of food, CPW industry, and consumer trendsLearning mindset, agility, and maturity to navigate fast-paced situationsInterest in building technical depth while supporting a broad range of Fruit Snacks projectsADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONSInternational relocation or international remote working arrangements (outside of the US) will not be considered.Applicants for this position must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. General Mills will not sponsor applicants for this position for work visas.SALARY RANGEThe salary range for this position is:$45,800 - $63,100 AnnualAt General Mills we strive for each employee's pay at any point in their career to reflect their experiences performance and skills for their current role. The salary range for this role represents the numerous factors considered in the hiring decisions including, but not limited to, educations, skills, work experience, certifications, etc. As such, pay for the successful candidate(s) could fall anywhere within the stated range.Beyond base salary, General Mills offers a competitive Total Rewards package focusing on your overall well-being. We are proud to offer a foundation of health benefits, retirement and financial wellbeing, time off programs, wellbeing support and perks. Benefits may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors. You may also be eligible to participate in an annual incentive program. An incentive award, if any, depends on various factors, including, individual and organizational performance.ELIGIBILITYApplicants must meet a minimum 18-year age qualification.EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER (EOE)General Mills is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or familial status, status regarding public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission.REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION REQUESTIf you need to request an accommodation during the application or hiring process, please fill out our online accommodation request form by following this link: Accommodation Request .