Senior Technician, Research & Development

The J.M. Smucker Co.

. Safely operate Process Laboratory equipment and train R&D employees on safe equipment operation .

Posted 9/21/2026full-timeOrrville • Ohio • United StatesSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in operating and troubleshooting laboratory equipment while ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. Proficient in executing test plans, data collection, and process improvement initiatives within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Process Laboratory Equipment OperationSOPs, LOTO, and JSA KnowledgeTest Plan Execution and Data DocumentationHSE and QA ComplianceMicrosoft Office Proficiency

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Equipment TroubleshootingData Collection and AnalysisProcess Improvement InitiativesInventory ManagementForklift Operation

Soft Skills

Effective CommunicationStrong Organizational SkillsCollaboration Across Teams

Tools & Technologies

Technical Documentation Systems

Industry Keywords

Food ScienceManufacturing EnvironmentGMPsHSE CompliancePilot Plant Operations

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Safely operate Process Laboratory equipment and train R&D employees on safe equipment operation
Execute 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
Follow QA and HSE requirements to maintain a safe, compliant, and high-quality pilot plant environment
Share daily work updates and communicate with peers and project teams
Serve as Process Laboratory area owner, maintaining housekeeping and ongoing HSE and QA compliance
Manage operating supply inventory and submit purchase requisitions
Coordinate with external resources on new equipment installation and laboratory maintenance
Complete required internal and external training to maintain and build technical capabilities

Requirements

What you’ll need

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
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
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
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 such as forklift or electric pallet jack

Benefits

Comp & perks

Supporting employees' physical, emotional, and financial needs
Equal opportunity employment