R&D Technician - Meals and Baking Solutions

General Mills Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 46,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

General Mills’ Grain & Flour Quality Lab seeks a dedicated bench analytical technician to support flour production and testing. You will perform wheat and flour analyses, operate lab equipment, ensure data traceability, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve product quality.

Ideal candidates have a 2-year technical degree, strong attention to detail, and a willingness to learn about milling, baking, and General Mills processes.

Qualifications

• 2-year technical degree in analytical chemistry, chemistry, biology, food science, milling/baking, engineering, or a related field.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills with a desire to learn.
• Willingness to learn about wheat, flour, milling, baking, and General Mills.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the laboratory in a safe, sanitary, organized condition and manage supplies.
• Learn and perform a broad range of wheat and flour tests following established methods.
• Operate test-milling and lab equipment for milling and baking projects.
• Record and manage data using Excel and databases; prepare COAs.
• Communicate test results clearly to internal and external customers.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Independent work

Ambiguity management

Education

2-year technical degree

4-year degree preferred

Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEW

We 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.

OVERVIEW

The Grain & Flour Quality Lab supports General Mills flour-using businesses and five flour mills by providing reliable testing, technical insight, and practical direction for flour production and use. The lab evaluates wheat and flour characteristics, supports innovation and troubleshooting, and helps identify opportunities to reduce cost or improve functionality. This role serves as a primary bench analytical technician, producing accurate, timely, and well-documented results that help internal partners make sound decisions. The successful candidate will be curious to learn about wheat, flour, milling, baking, and General Mills, and will contribute to both near-term project work and longer-term improvements.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Maintain the laboratory in a safe, sanitary, organized, and ready-to-use condition, including inventory of supplies and reagents
• Learn and perform a broad range of wheat and flour tests, following established methods consistently and recognizing when results require additional review or clarification
• Operate test-milling and other laboratory equipment and execute experiments that support milling, baking, and flour-application projects
• Build proficiency across the lab's test methods and provide reliable backup coverage, including for specialized testing
• Prepare, identify, test, retain, distribute, and log samples in a way that maintains traceability and supports efficient project execution
• Record, organize, review, and manage data accurately using Excel, databases, and other software systems; prepare and disseminate customer documents such as Certificates of Analysis (COAs)
• Communicate test results, observations, status, and questions clearly and appropriately to internal and external customers
• Work through ambiguity by clarifying objectives, identifying next steps, asking thoughtful questions, and escalating risks or issues early
• Work autonomously and manage priorities with consistent follow-through, while knowing when to seek input or involve others
• Adapt to changing project needs and maintain flexibility in the work schedule to support testing, bake schedules, and team priorities
• Contribute as a dependable, collaborative team member across grain, R&D, plant, and other internal and external partnerships
• Understand and comply with General Mills requirements and policies and complete assignments in a safe, constructive, and professional manner

SKILLS/TRAINING

• Attention to detail and a commitment to accurate, consistent execution
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Math, analytical, and basic statistical abilities
• Computer, database, and Excel acumen
• Strong organization, planning, and process-management skills
• Ability to learn, follow, and repeat test methods and understand the meaning of results
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and serve as a self-starter
• Ability to manage ambiguity, solve problems, and adapt to changing priorities
• Flexibility and willingness to work as a value-added team member
• Curiosity and willingness to learn more about wheat, flour, milling, baking, and General Mills
• Tests to run include, but are not limited to: Moisture Protein - Leco Ash - Muffle Falling Number Farinograph/Extensograph Alveograph Starch Damage pH Glutomatic Color - Minolta Particle Size - Malvern, Ro-Tap Test Milling, Wheat Cleaning Test Bakes - Bread, Cakes, Cookies Treatment Spot Tests RVA Brookfield Viscosity SKCS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• 2-year technical degree in analytical chemistry, chemistry, biology, food science, milling/baking, engineering, or a related field
• Demonstrated analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with a desire to learn and solve problems
• Strong attention to detail and ability to produce accurate, consistent work
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage ambiguity while communicating when support or clarification is needed
• Willingness to learn about wheat, flour, milling, baking, and General Mills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 4-year science-based degree preferred (Chemistry, Biology, Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering)
• Baking, milling, grain, food science, or benchtop analytical laboratory experience
• Experience with sample management, laboratory data, test methods, analytical equipment, or Certificates of Analysis (COAs)

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

In ITQ, we are relied on to bring expertise and continuity to our business. It takes time to build the type of deep expertise that drives innovation and helps build bold brands. We will all consistently need several cycles of success to truly have an impact and develop key skills and capabilities. As you apply for new roles, it is important for you to know that we expect a minimum of 24 months in role to ensure you are set up to drive impact and results.

Relocation support will not be offered to applicants within the United States. International relocation or international remote working arrangements (outside of the US) will not be considered.

SALARY RANGE

The salary range for this position is: $45,800 - $63,100 Annual

At 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.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants 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 REQUEST

If 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.