Smucker

Senior Technologist, Research & Development

Orrville, OH Full time

Your Opportunity as the Senior Technologist, Research & Development

Support our fruit spreads category including Uncrustables fillings and dessert toppings. Leverage technical expertise and critical thinking to research ingredient functionality, develop innovative technologies and support execution of projects.

Location: Orrville, OH

Work Arrangements: 60% in office requirement, 20% annual travel

In this role you will:

  • Lead and support formulation and processing projects from concept to execution 

  • Recommend improvements and new technologies based on technical research and experiments 

  • Work closely with technology scouting partners to identify emerging ingredients and processes; develop learning plans for vetting 

  • Execute learning plans for emerging technologies, from proof of concept, to benchtop trials, and through to pilot scale; demonstrate comprehensive hands-on expertise at each stage of these processes 

  • Conduct analytical testing, analyze results to draw conclusions, and communicate findings through well-structured written and verbal reports 

  • Develop expertise in regulations to ensure formulas meet applicable standards, such as nutrient profile and FDA requirements 

  • Collaborate with technical teams and partners to set tasks and timelines, ensuring projects meet their goals on time 

  • Collaborate with industry partners to understand the technical details of new technologies and coordinate the management of testing 

  • Create and update technical documentation in lab notebooks and other systems to manage formulations and processing specifications 

  • Provide advisory support to internal groups such as Operations, Technical Services, and Procurement 

  • Cultivate a continuous learning mindset, actively seeking feedback from colleagues while embracing the company’s Basic Beliefs and Commitment to Each Other philosophy 

  • Actively learn about and participate in Smucker Key Element and Quality programs to support R&D 

What we are looking for: 

Minimum Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field

  • 2+ years of experience in formulation, process, or technology development in an R&D environment  

  • Ability to leverage critical thinking to solve open ended problems  

  • Adept at data analysis, including design of experiments 

  • Able to communicate complex technical concepts and collaborate across functional teams 

  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects running concurrently 

  • Foundational understanding of food safety and quality practices

  • Experience drawing conclusions from analytical chemistry results

  • Must be able to stand for extended periods of time

  • Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds

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

  • PCQI training

  • Experience evaluating and informing recommendations for technologies to implement  

  • Knowledge of food chemistry, especially in applications and working with other ingredients  

  • Has supported scaling up R&D projects from benchtop to manufacturing, including development of robust test plans for execution in pilot and production facilities 

  • Adept at using statistical software, ex: JMP

#INDSA

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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. 

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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.