Based in Mount Prospect, IL, Mizkan America is a subsidiary of the Mizkan Group, a global, family-owned company that has been Bringing Flavor to Life™ for over 220 years. As one of the leading makers of vinegars, condiments and sauces in the United States, Mizkan America maintains 12 manufacturing facilities that serve the retail, foodservice, specialty-Asian and food-ingredient trade channels. We are committed to following our two core principles: continuously challenging the status quo and delivering only the finest products for our customers. Our leadership seeks out, embraces and implements ideas for improvement from all of its employees. Transparency and accountability are two key factors that drive our company’s overall management approach.

We are looking for people who are seeking to deliver their best so that we can deliver ours. Above all, we’re dedicated to maximizing the potential of our greatest assets—our team members. That’s reflected in our ongoing commitment to recruit, develop, reward and retain our talented, multicultural workforce. We hope to see you as part of our team’s future success!

Are you passionate about food science innovation and eager to influence the growth of Mizkan America? Join the vibrant, cross-functional team at Mizkan America Research & Development as an R&D Technician! We’re looking for a talented individual to support product development initiatives within our Meals Solutions portfolio such as Ragu and Bertolli brands and Flavor Enhancers portfolio like Holland House, Mizkan, Nakano, and Angostura.

As an R&D Technician, you will have the opportunity to help drive innovation, renovation, and maintenance of product lines, enabling growth and ensuring quality objectives and business continuity for Mizkan America. Your role will have overall responsibilities for the upkeep, maintenance and servicing of all equipment in the Pilot Plant. You will also work as part of a team to conduct Pilot Plant Scale-up and factory trials and support Lab analytical data for the team.

About the job

Scope of Duties/Responsibility:

As a key member of the team, the individual will support Product development & Process Engineering team members from concept to commercialization for Mizkan America’s broad portfolio.

• Partner with developers on critical work needs.
• Support pilot plant and lab project work from idea to market launch
• Set up, operate, clean, and maintain Pilot Plant Equipment during pilot plant trials
• Conduct daily preventative Maintenance (PMs) on all equipment to ensure equipment is in working condition
• Conduct Pilot Plant trials using internal established SOPs and procedures
• Write SOPs for new equipment as needed with input from R&D team
• Maintain equipment, ingredients, and raw materials inventory lists and supplies
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records and logs for all equipment, trials and testing conducted
• Assist the R&D team with Lab formulation of products
• Travel as necessary to our production facilities to assist in Plant Trials
• Create maintenance and facility work orders and purchase orders
• Conduct and perform chemical, physical and analytical evaluations on finished products as necessary in support of the R&D team activities
• Conduct all activities in compliance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Responsible for ensuring equipment and tools are in a safe and operable condition and must operate equipment and tools in a safe manner

Equipment Operated:

Power tools, lift assist equipment, lab equipment, production operating equipment and tools across pilot plants, and production computer systems.

Physical Demands:

This role is a combination of sedentary activity and activity in production areas requiring force or movement. Lifting of up to 5-50 pounds is required.

Schedule

The work schedule is a core Monday-Friday first shift schedule. Weekend/off hours as business needs arise with overtime eligibility. Required to be on-site each day.

Education and Skills needed:

• Associates Technical degree from an accredited institution required OR equivalent experience and in process of obtaining your degree
• At least two (2) years’ experience working in a manufacturing, Pilot Plant or Research environment
• Proven experience writing SOPs and keeping accurate and complete documentation.
• Better Process Control School certification and knowledge of FDA Regulations is a Plus.
• Experience with the operation of food manufacturing equipment and procedures, in particular high-pressure steam.
• Mechanical and/or Electrical certification is a plus.
• Condiment experience along with knowledge of Low Acid Canned Foods, Acidified and Non-Acidified foods will be a plus.
• Ability to work in and be a contributing member in a team environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Computer Literacy skills (i.,e Excel, Power Point, Word) and use of analytical equipment
• Ability to travel as needed. Some weekends may be required but infrequently.
• Some overnight work at the plant during a plant trial may be required but infrequently
• Ability to exhibit a professional business-like appearance and demeanor.
• Responsible for balancing multiple project priorities and showing flexibility to adapt to changes as the need arises.
• Strong communication, attention to detail, and leadership skills required.

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $56,100 to $70,100.

Compensation is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills and experience. Short-Term Incentive and other forms of compensation may also be provided as part of a total compensation package.

A full range of medical, dental, vision, 401K plus up-to-four percent (4%) match, profit sharing, wellness program, paid parental leave, long-term-care insurance, critical accident insurance, short- and long-term disability and education assistance are also available.