Sr Research Development Technician

Schwan's Company; Marshall (MN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Total Rewards package

Health benefits

Job summary

Schwan's Company in Minnesota is seeking a skilled Associate-level technician to operate and maintain the pilot plant, document processes, and calibrate lab instruments. You’ll coordinate inspections, support training for new processes, and work with Product Development to test and scale new products.

You will contribute to process improvements, cost savings, and equipment shakedowns while mentoring other technicians and assisting with data gathering for pilot runs.

Qualifications

• Associates degree or equivalent work experience.
• 3+ years of related experience.
• Knowledge of manufacturing practices and regulatory environments.
• Familiar with safety and testing procedures and various lab/pilot plant equipment.
• Basic PC skills including Windows word processing and spreadsheet.
• Ability to operate and calibrate R&D lab and pilot plant instruments.
• Ability to taste and ingest foods in development.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain pilot plant and complete required documentation; keep lab areas and equipment clean; calibrate and maintain instruments; coordinate repairs.
• Maintain maintenance and sanitation records.
• Schedule and coordinate lab inspections to maintain certifications.
• Collaborate with Product Development and Process Engineering on training for new processes and products.
• Develop experimental formulas or processing techniques with guidance from scientists/engineers.
• Evaluate existing formulas and processes; identify cost savings and improvements; propose solutions.
• Support commercialization of new products, including installation and shakedown of new equipment.
• Mentor and train technicians in equipment operation and maintenance.
• Assist Product Development and Operations with gathering and disseminating testing and production data for the pilot plant.
• Oversee pilot plant operations and maintenance of equipment; bring in new equipment as needed.
• Place purchase orders; coordinate delivery and receipt of ingredients.
• Document work per procedures; prepare reports for project teams on status, progress, issues, solutions, timelines and accountability.
• Develop and implement programs to improve efficiency, speed and quality; align with department and business unit goals.
• Provide technical support to Product Development or Operations related to product testing or production; offer feedback on solutions.

Skills

Manufacturing practices

Regulatory knowledge (FDA/USDA/OSHA)

Safety & testing procedures

Laboratory/pilot plant equipment

Windows PC skills (word processing &/s

Taste & ingest food products under dev

Education

Associate degree or equivalent work experience

Job description

At CJ Schwan’s, we don’t just make food — we help create moments that matter. From kids devouring pizza after soccer practice, to students laughing over dumplings in a cafeteria, to families enjoying pie during the holidays, our team members play an important role in bringing those everyday moments to life. Our portfolio includes iconic pizzas, global flavors and timeless desserts from brands like Red Baron®, bibigo®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Freschetta®, Pagoda®, Edwards® and Mrs. Smith’s®. Enjoyed in homes, schools, restaurants and just about everywhere people shop and eat, our products reflect a commitment to quality, innovation and the power of food to bring people together.

What You Will Do:

• Operate and maintain pilot plant completes required documentation, keeping lab areas and equipment clean and operational, calibrating and maintaining operational status of instruments and coordinates equipment and instrument repairs.

• Maintaining maintenance and sanitation records.

• Scheduling and coordinating lab inspection to maintain required certifications.

• Coordinating with Product Development and Process Engineering in developing and conducting training programs for the new processes due to the introduction of new products, equipment, and product re-staging.

• Developing experimental formulas or processing techniques and specifications with guidance from scientists and specialists’ engineers.

• Evaluating existing formulas and processes, identifying cost savings and product improvement opportunities, and recommending solutions to scientists or management.

• Providing support for commercialization of new products, including installation and the shakedown of new equipment.

• Mentoring and training other technicians in equipment operation and maintenance, as applicable.

• Assisting Product Development team members and Operations in the gathering and dissemination of testing and production data for the pilot plant.

• Being responsible for the operations and maintenance of the pilot plant including equipment and any new equipment that is brought into the pilot plant.

• Placing purchase orders and coordinating delivery and receipt of required ingredients.

• Documenting all work according to established procedures and guidelines. Preparing reports to project teams to ensure complete communication of project status, progress, issues, solutions, timeline and accountability.

• Developing and implementing programs to improve efficiencies, speed and quality of response. Focusing programs to meet department and business unit goals.

• Providing technical support to Product Development groups or Operations as it relates to product testing or production in the pilot plant. Providing feedback or recommendations to solutions as they relate to ongoing projects.

What We Look For:

• Associate degree (AA) from a college or technical school or equivalent work experience.

• 3+ years of related experience.

• Good working knowledge of manufacturing practices.

• Working knowledge of FDA, USDA, and OSHA regulations.

• Working knowledge of safety and testing procedures and a variety of laboratory / pilot plant equipment and apparatuses.

• Basic PC skills including Windows environment: word processing and spreadsheet.

• Ability to operate and calibrate R&D laboratory and pilot lab instruments and equipment.

• Ability to taste and ingest any type of food product currently under development.

What We Offer:

The base salary for this position is $26 per hour. The pay range represents the numerous factors considered in the hiring decisions including, but not limited to education, skills, work experience, certifications, geography etc. As such, starting pay for the successful candidate(s) could fall anywhere within the stated range.

• Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall well-being, including comprehensive health benefits, time off programs, and retirement and financial offerings.

CJ Schwan’s and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other protected characteristic. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs. For accommodation requests or assistance with the application, please email [e-mail].

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