Research Assistant
Listed on 2026-03-13
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Manufacturing / Production
Food Production, Operations Engineer
Job Description
Reporting to the Manager S&R, R&D and the Technician position provides project assistance in high and medium complexity projects with support or leads work streams within larger projects with guidance and support. A successful candidate has knowledge of how to manufacture a wide portfolio of products and to run the associated lab and pilot plant equipment. This candidate has basic food science knowledge around core products and formulations and demonstrates basic cross‑functional communication and communication focused to project leader and management.
SpecificRole Focus Area
- Work with multiple scientists within Sweets and Refreshment R&D team to achieve company goals
- Perform basic tasks and follow standard work methods or specific instructions required to support product development
- Must be competent in data entry, basic calculations, computer applications, and organoleptic evaluations
- Complete product development tasks at benchtop and pilot plant scale
- Assist and/or lead in equipment assembly, disassembly, cleaning, preparation, and production runs
- Support in‑plant initiatives such as trials, sales sample production, and start‑ups
- Identify project support needs
- Collaborate and partner with project leaders and peers on planning and execution
- Work independently and proactively
- Demonstrate excellent communication skills
- Exemplify agility to manage multiple work streams and employ effective time management skills
- Ability to lift up to the maximum of fifty (50) pounds and prepare product for testing
- Ability to learn and apply new skills quickly
- Scientists
- Engineers
- Pilot plant operations
This individual will be asked to pan cores for a future testing. They will also be asked to clean equipment, lab space and pilot plant space. The work may occur in the lab or the pilot plant. The individual may need to operate standard analytical equipment and tools or operate processing equipment in the lab and pilot plant. The individual will be responsible for maintaining our highest quality of food safety standards and sanitation standards.
Education/
Experience:
High school diploma or GED required. 0‑2 years’ experience required.
Operate standard experimental testing or processing equipment in the laboratory to prepare and package products, and record and tabulate data. Assist with pilot plant scale‑up testing by preparing ingredients, packaging materials, and processing equipment, assisting with the equipment operation, collecting and tabulating data, and post‑test cleanup.
With minimal supervision, lead small projects or segments of larger projects. Manage timelines and deliverables, plan and execute experiments with autonomy, oversee temporary labor deliverables and coordination, manage communication of status and results to the team and supervisors.
Responsible for organization, cleanliness, and sanitation of team laboratory work spaces. Maintain inventory of ingredients and supplies. Maintain regulatory compliance through entry of ingredient/packaging information in the lot tracking database and respective trainings. Work within the Tech Center Traceability system to schedule pilot plant runs, reserve rooms and equipment, log/track ingredients and products, and create finished goods.
- Measuring ingredients and following simple recipes for food product testing.
- Running small machines that mix, coat, or process food items.
- Cleaning equipment and lab spaces to maintain food safety standards.
- Recording data from tests (weights, times, observations).
- Helping with sample prep, packaging, and test batches.
- Assembling and taking apart equipment before and after tests.
- Working with scientists on various product development tasks.
This is a hands‑on, back‑of‑house / kitchen + light manufacturing type of role with a little bit of data entry and computer work.
Must Have Skills- 1‑2 years of Operating lab & pilot plant processing equipment
- Ingredient weighing & recipe/panning execution
- Equipment & workspace cleaning/sanitation
- Data recording & basic calculations
- Experience in Excel and Word
- GED/HSD with minimum 3‑4 years related experience, or BS in non‑related field with no experience
- Great to have experience in produce processing, food manufacturing, or research and development
Education and Experience:
GED/HSD with minimum 3‑4 years related experience, or BS in non‑related field with no experience
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