Senior Technician, Research & Development

The J.M. Smucker Co.; Orrville (OH); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

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

This onsite role emphasizes strong technical skills, attention to detail, and clear communication for safe, efficient workflow. The position requires 3+ years of hands-on experience with processing or pilot-plant equipment, plus a degree in a related technical field.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Engineering Technology, Process Technology, Food Science, Industrial Technology, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience operating, maintaining, or troubleshooting processing, manufacturing, pilot plant, or laboratory equipment.
• 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 and effective written and verbal communication with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and technical documentation systems.

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Strong communication skills

Organizational skills

Microsoft Office

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Safety awareness

Education

Associate's degree in Engineering Technology / related field

Tools

Process equipment operation

QA documentation systems

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

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).

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.