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Your Opportunity as a Scientist-Coffee Research & Development Team (Process Development Engineer)
In this role you will be responsible for new Coffee process technology development, scale-up, Technical Readiness (TR) and Tech Team leadership. You will develop expertise in manufacturing processes such as roasting, coffee extraction, and unique processes at contract manufacturers. In addition, you will bring new process technology capabilities into the pilot plant (PRL). In this role you will have heavy Quality and Safety components with ownership of key element(s). To be successful in this role you will need a working understanding of the scientific method to design, execute, analyze, and summarize research. You will also need demonstrate experience in applying engineering principles to solve complex technical problems in manufacturing processes / process development.
Location: Orrville, OH Corporate Offices
Work Arrangements: Minimum 50% in person presence supporting the Presence with Purpose Model (increased based business needs)
In this role you will:
- Develop expertise in coffee manufacturing processes. Install and commission new process technologies in the pilot plant (PRL). Create Transformation Flow Sheets for new and modified manufacturing processes. Create basis for scale-up reports.
- Lead process development for new 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 proficiency in Tech Readiness; lead Tech Readiness for new process and product development projects (innovation, renovation, optimization). Lead technical teams to meet project deliverables and timing.
- Understand general capabilities and processes at Smucker manufacturing facilities and Contract Manufacturers; liaise with CMs for product and process development, including plant trials, CQV, Sales Samples, and SOP.
- Support the department through leadership of QA and/or HS&E Key Elements. Comply with HS&E, GMP, and Food Safety/QA requirements
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:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering (Chemical preferred)
- Minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in Engineering, Manufacturing, and/or Research & Development is required. Credit towards this experience requirement will be considered for advanced degrees
- Strong critical thinking, applying engineering principles, 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, including international
- Must be willing/able to drive a company or rental vehicle as needed
Additional skills and experience that we think would make someone successful in this role:
- Engineering experience with application to new product development in a beverage or food related field (including contract manufacturing experience)
- Experience with bulk powder handling can be beneficial
- Demonstrated project management skills through process/equipment qualification and/or Tech Readiness
- Strong background in demonstrating mechanical aptitude
Learn more about working at Smucker:
