Senior Technician, Research & Development

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

Your Opportunity as the Senior Technician, R&D Pilot Plant As a Senior Technician, R&D Pilot Plant, you will support our Coffee Process Research Lab operations by safely operating process equipment, executing experimental test plans, and partnering with R&D teams to advance new process capabilities. This hands‑on role requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and clear communication to keep work moving safely and efficiently.

Location: Orrville, OH Work Arrangements: 100% onsite (M-F)

In this role you will:

• 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

What we are looking for:

Minimum Requirements:

• Associate's degree in Engineering Technology, Process Technology, Food Science, Industrial Technology, or a related technical field; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• 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.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials weighing up to 75 pounds.
• Ability to frequently bend, stoop, reach, climb stairs, and work around processing equipment.

Additional skills and experience that we think would make someone successful in this role:

• Experience in food, beverage, consumer packaged goods, or a related manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting R&D, pilot plant, process development, or scale‑up activities.
• Familiarity with quality systems, GMPs, and HSE compliance requirements.
• Experience operating equipment (e.g., forklift, electric pallet jack).

#INDSA #LI-KK1

The Right Place for You

We are bold, kind, strive to do the right thing, we play to win, and we believe in a strong community that thrives together. Our culture is rooted in our Basic Beliefs, and we believe in supporting every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs. Stay connected with us on LinkedIn.

We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, age, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status.

We’re a community of passionate, talented professionals dedicated to creating food people and pets love—while supporting the communities in which we work and live. We value what makes each person unique, champion growth and development, and foster collaboration that fuels productivity and drives our shared success.

Learn more about our Thrive Together purpose At Smucker, we're passionate about creating a workplace where you truly belong. With a culture rooted in our Basic Beliefs and a competitive Total Rewards program, we aim to support every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs.

Learn more about working at Smucker Our culture is sustained and brought to life every day by the people of Smucker and our hiring process is designed to identify the right candidate for every position at our company. Learn more about our hiring process

The J. M. Smucker Co. (the “Company”) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No person will be discriminated against in hiring or in any other aspect of their employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information, protected veteran/military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.