Senior R&D Pilot Plant Technician

The J.M. Smucker Company; Orrville (OH); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

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

This onsite role requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and clear communication. You will lead test execution, maintain SOPs, support QA/HSE, and contribute to a culture of safety and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Engineering Technology, Process Technology, Food Science, Industrial Technology, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of experience operating, maintaining, or troubleshooting processing, manufacturing, pilot plant, or laboratory equipment.
• Demonstrated 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 with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across technical and cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and technical documentation systems.

Responsibilities

• Set up and safely operate Process Laboratory equipment.
• 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

Process equipment operation

Data collection and analysis

Safety compliance

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Associate degree in a related technical field

Tools

MS Office

Job description

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

This onsite role requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and clear communication. You will lead test execution, maintain SOPs, support QA/HSE, and contribute to a culture of safety and continuous improvement.