Research Technician

Colgate-Palmolive; Piscataway Township (NJ); On-site; USD 70,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental & vision

401(k)

Job summary

Colgate-Palmolive is seeking a hands-on Pilot Plant Technician in Piscataway, NJ, to execute pilot batching, filling, and scale-up activities. You will operate and maintain pilot equipment, ensure quality and cGMP compliance, and coordinate materials and staging across cross-functional teams.

The role requires a high school diploma (associate degree preferred), 3+ years in pilot plant/manufacturing/lab environments, and strong mechanical and testing skills to support R&D scale-up and process

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate Degree in an Engineering, Science, or technical discipline preferred.
• 3+ years of relevant experience operating in a pilot plant, manufacturing, or laboratory production environment.
• Demonstrated mechanical ability to operate, clean, sanitize, and perform routine preventative maintenance on industrial process or packaging equipment.
• Technical knowledge and ability to operate, run, clean, sanitize and maintain pilot plant or industrial process equipment.
• Working knowledge of laboratory methods, procedures and processes.
• Working understanding of cCGMP requirements and expectations for FDA covered operation, including records, documentation, housekeeping, and process control.

Responsibilities

• Execute Pilot Batching, Filling & Scale-Up: Weigh raw materials, formulate trial batches, and execute pilot-scale experiments, and product filling for stability, consumer, and clinical batches in partnership with R&D and Supply Chain to validate engineering concepts and support seamless R&D scale up.
• Operate, monitor, change over, and perform minor mechanical troubleshooting and preventative maintenance on automated processing and packaging equipment across pilot making and filling equipment.
• Uphold Quality & cGMP Compliance: Conduct sampling, statistical process controls, use appropriate internal business systems to plan pilot work, follow all GMP standards and complete all required batch cards, sanitization procedures, and quality documentation with audit-ready accuracy.
• Coordinate Materials & Staging Logistics: Review scheduling plans and partner cross-functionally with planning, receiving, and warehouse teams to ensure timely staging of raw materials, inventory of pilot supplies, and compliant storage of waste drums.
• Drive EHS, Housekeeping & Validation: Maintain pilot plant housekeeping standards, enforce environmental health and safety (EHS) protocols, and assist the engineering team in drafting Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), job aids, and validating new equipment.
• Additional Responsibilities: Perform other duties and responsibilities as required to support business needs.

Skills

Mechanical ability

Lab skills

cGMP knowledge

Documentation & records

Equipment operation

SAP familiarity

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate Degree in Engineering/Science or technical discipline

Tools

SAP

Job description

No Relocation Assistance Offered

Job Number #177207 - Piscataway, New Jersey, United States

Who We Are

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specializing in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world, making us a household name!

Join Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet. Guided by our core values—Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous—we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together, let's build a brighter, healthier future for all.

Responsibilities

• Execute Pilot Batching, Filling & Scale-Up: Weigh raw materials, formulate trial batches, and execute pilot-scale experiments, and product filling for stability, consumer, and clinical batches in partnership with R&D and Supply Chain to validate engineering concepts and support seamless R&D scale up.
• Operate & Maintain Pilot Equipment: Operate, monitor, change over, and perform minor mechanical troubleshooting and preventative maintenance on automated processing and packaging equipment across pilot making and filling equipment.
• Uphold Quality & cGMP Compliance: Conduct sampling, statistical process controls, use appropriate internal business systems to plan pilot work, follow all GMP standards and complete all required batch cards, sanitization procedures, and quality documentation with audit-ready accuracy.
• Coordinate Materials & Staging Logistics: Review scheduling plans and partner cross-functionally with planning, receiving, and warehouse teams to ensure timely staging of raw materials, inventory of pilot supplies, and compliant storage of waste drums.
• Drive EHS, Housekeeping & Validation: Maintain pilot plant housekeeping standards, enforce environmental health and safety (EHS) protocols, and assist the engineering team in drafting Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), job aids, and validating new equipment.
• Additional Responsibilities: Perform other duties and responsibilities as required to support business needs.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate Degree in an Engineering, Science, or technical discipline preferred.
• 3+ years of relevant experience operating in a pilot plant, manufacturing, or laboratory production environment.
• Demonstrated mechanical ability to operate, clean, sanitize, and perform routine preventative maintenance on industrial process or packaging equipment.
• Technical knowledge and ability to operate, run, clean, sanitize and maintain pilot plant or industrial process equipment.
• Working knowledge of laboratory methods, procedures and processes.
• Working understanding of cCGMP requirements and expectations for FDA covered operation, including records, documentation, housekeeping, and process control.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, reach for extended periods of time during shift
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
• Must be able to frequently move boxes, totes, bags, raging in weight up to 50 pounds
• Must be able to wear all required personal protective equipment
• Must be able to ascend and descend ladders and stairs

Preferred Qualifications

• FDA regulated environment, minimum safe behaviors, utilizing safety checklists
• SAP or other related systems background a plus
• Maintenance & Planning background and experience a plus

Compensation And Benefits

Salary Range $70,000.00 - $87,500.00 USD

Pay is determined based on experience, qualifications, and location. Salaried employees may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, profit-sharing, and long-term incentives for Executive-level roles.

Benefits: Salaried employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, paid parental leave, disability coverage, and participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions subject to eligibility requirements. Additional benefits include a minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days (hourly employees receive a minimum of 120 hours) and 13 paid holidays (vacation days are prorated based on the employee's hire date within the calendar year). Paid sick leave is adjusted based on role and location in accordance with local laws. Detailed information regarding paid sick leave entitlements will be provided to employees upon hiring and may be subject to adjustments based on changes in legislation or company policies.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Our journey begins with our people—developing strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to best serve our consumers around the world and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self, is treated with respect, and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please complete this request form should you require accommodation.

For additional Colgate terms and conditions, please click here.