Research Technician II (R&D Pilot Plant Lab Technician)
We are looking for an experienced, dedicated and passionate R&D Pilot Plant Lab Technician who is interested in joining Conagra as a key team member supporting the growth and success of our Meat Snacks team.
Your long-term dedication to this role will make a large impact on the creation of great food within a high impact culture.
Located in the heart of downtown Chicago along the Chicago River, our Center for Food Design is a unique and exciting space filled with state-of-the-art facilities and a team of enthusiastic foodies that help bring food product insights and trends to life.
As the R&D Pilot Plant Lab Technician, reporting to the Sr Principal Development Scientist, you will support functions in the Meat Snacks pilot plant, analytical laboratory, and production areas.
You will maintain a clean and efficient work area that will be utilized by multiple team members. Utilizing your passion for food processing, you will prepare for and conduct pilot plant or production trials and laboratory analyses of meat snacks products in collaboration with Food Scientists and Pilot Plant staff.
You will be responsible for acquiring ingredients / supplies for pilot plant and for creating purchase requisitions for the meat snacks team.
You will arrange product / ingredient shipments to / from production facilities and suppliers. You will demonstrate the ability to test multiple variables using established procedures as well as create innovative, new procedures.
Position Responsibilities :
Product Development Support
Conduct pilot plant or production trials and laboratory analyses both independently and in collaboration with Food Scientists, Engineers and Pilot Plant staff to support development of meat snacks products.
Set up, operate, disassemble, sanitize and reassemble lab and meat snacks pilot plant equipment.
Perform ingredient weigh ups, including handling of raw meat, according to batch sheets in advance of benchtop or pilot plant runs.
Assist in product evaluations - locate needed samples, print tent cards, plating of samples, clean up after.
Coordinate shelf life studies and sample preparation.
Learn and utilize on-line specification and formula development systems.
Develop and lead new processes or procedures to simplify work processes for a more efficient way of operating.
Ensure food safety and food handling techniques are followed during storage, preparation and cleanup of all foods.
Laboratory Testing and Maintenance
Organize, clean and maintain shared frozen, refrigerated and ambient storage spaces
Facilitate lab cleaning including shared equipment
Conduct laboratory testing (pH, salt, water activity, moisture, fat, protein, texture analysis)
Assist in the development and validation of new laboratory testing methods
Calibration of lab equipment, maintain calibration records
Inventory Management
Develop, organize, and maintain stock of general use raw materials and supplies in lab and pilot plant
Responsible for creating purchase requisitions for the meat snacks team to support lab, pilot and plant trials
Assist in managing the shipments of samples and ingredients to and from various production facilities and suppliers, coordinating with building / facilities team to track and manage incoming goods
Coordinate receipt of sample shipments, notify developer and determine storage location
Coordinate shipment of samples to other locations as requested by developers
Position Qualifications :
High School diploma or GED required.
2+ years’ work experience in a food research & development lab and / or pilot plant environment
Basic knowledge of food safety practices
Demonstrated ability to communicate well, follow directions and effectively collaborate with others to accomplish common goals
Willingness to work with and handle raw meat and to work in a cold ( 40-45F) pilot plant environment
Willingness to taste a wide variety of food products, including meat snacks items, for evaluation purposes.
May require travel to manufacturing facilities on occasion to support trials, up to 10-15% travel
May occasionally need to flex work hours to support trials outside of typical 9-5 work hours
Ability to learn and independently operate specialized lab and pilot equipment
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
Physical Requirements :
Ability to lift 40 lbs on a regular basis.
Ability to stand continuously for up to 4 hours
Ability to operate and move freely around manufacturing equipment
Exposure to laboratory and pilot plant manufacturing environments for periodic extended workdays which may include : loud noise, heat, cold, wet and slippery conditions, and food allergens
We require applicants for this role to be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring employer sponsorship either now or in the future.
Our benefits include medical, dental, vision, 15 vacation days, 6 additional days off and 10 paid holidays. Check out our 401k plan too! Conagra will match 100% up to the first 6% of pay you save.
The company will also provide a 3% non-elective contribution to your account regardless of your participation (that's 9%)!
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Our Benefits :
We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role :
- Health : Medical, dental and vision insurance, company-paid life, accident and disability insurance
- Wealth : great pay, incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan
- Growth : online courses, virtual and classroom development experiences
- Balance : paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role)
Our Company :
Conagra Brands is one of North America's leading branded food companies. We have a rich heritage of making great food, and a team that’s passionate about innovation and growth.
Conagra offers choices for every occasion through iconic brands, such as Birds Eye®, Marie Callender's®, Banquet®, Healthy Choice®, Slim Jim®, Reddi-wip®, and Vlasic®, and emerging brands, including Angie's® BOOMCHICKAPOP®, Duke's®, Earth Balance®, Gardein®, and Frontera®.
We pride ourselves on having the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in the food industry. For more information, visit .
Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and / or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law.
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