Senior Technologist, Process Engineering Development-Coffee Research & Development Team

Your Opportunity as the Senior Technologist, Process Engineering Development-Coffee Research & Development Team

In this role you will be responsible for new product development and process expertise for Away From Home (AFH) Coffee. The role has a strong Tech Readiness (TR) focus; you will become a Green Belt (progressing to Black Belt) and assist in teaching the TR training program. The role houses expertise in manufacturing processes such as liquid coffee concentrate, Roast & Ground, instant coffee, dairy products, and unique processes at contract manufacturers. The role has a heavy Quality component with ownership of key element(s). You will need a working understanding of the scientific method to design, execute, analyze, and summarize research. In addition, you will need proven experience in applying engineering principles to solve complex technical problems in manufacturing processes / process development.

Location: Corporate Offices in Orrville, Ohio

Working Environment: Hybrid working onsite T,W,H every week (flexibility based on project needs)

In this role you will:

• Lead process development for AFH products, including design of pilot plant (PRL) experiments, creation of test plans for plant trials, Sales Samples, and SOP.
• Responsible for plant trials whether on-site or remote.
• Develop expertise in manufacturing processes for AFH products at Smucker facilities. Understand and update the Transformation Flow Sheet for AFH manufacturing processes.
• Become a Green Belt expert in Tech Readiness; lead Tech Readiness for AFH new product development projects; assist in instruction of the TR Green Belt Training Program. Lead technical teams to meet project deliverables and timing.
• Understand general capabilities and processes at Contract Manufacturers (CMs) for AFH products; liaise with CMs for product and process development, including plant trials, Sales Samples, and SOP.
• Lead QA and/or HS&E Key Elements; conduct monthly GMP inspections for Coffee R&D areas in Discovery, including reporting and documentation through eMaint or other systems.

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.

What we are looking for:

Minimum Requirements:

• A Bachelor of Engineering Degree or higher
• A minimum of two (2) years of fulltime/relevant experience in Engineering and/or Research & Development. Credit towards this experience requirement will be considered for advanced degrees.
• Must be able to taste coffee and dairy products.
• Strong critical thinking and complex problem solving.
• Ability to apply statistical thinking and decision making.
• Ability to work independently, with guidance in only complex situations.
• Collaboration to create and maintain productive relationships.
• Effective presentation, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Up to 30% travel required ongoing, with occasional periods of higher travel over shorter time periods. This includes potential international travel (Canada, Europe, Central America, and/or South America).
• Must be willing/able to drive a company or rental vehicle as needed.
• Ability to work a hybrid working schedule based on Company Core Weeks and business needs – with in office presence at or above 50% regularly; start times based on work needs may be before 8 AM (~25% of workdays).

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

• Chemical engineering, mechanical engineering or food engineering
• Engineering experience with application to new product development in a beverage, or food related field is highly desired, especially in coffee and dairy products.
• Demonstrated project management skills through process/equipment qualification and/or Tech Readiness.
• Strong background in applying engineering principles & critical thinking to solve complex technical problems.

#LI-MR1