Job Title: Contractor Technician

Location: Hershey, PA (Onsite)

Duration: 3- 6 months (opportunity to extend/convert FTE)

Job Description:

Reporting to the Associate Manager Better For You R&D and working at the Technical Center, the position will collaborate with multiple scientists within the Better For You R&D team to achieve innovation goals and programs. The individual will perform basic tasks and follow standard work methods or specific instructions required to support product development.

Responsibilities include:

Working in partnership with scientists and engineers to create samples and prototypes using different technologies and methods.
Performing basic calculations, data collection, handling ingredients, computer applications, good manufacturing practices, and pilot plant manufacturing production.
Being dependable, proactive, and demonstrating excellent communication skills.
Working specifically on protein bars, low sugar/zero sugar chocolate confections, and potentially zero sugar hard candy & gummies.

Specific Role Focus Areas:

Benchtop development
Pilot plant testing
Equipment assembly and preparation
Support in-plant initiatives such as trials, sales sample production, and start-ups
Identify project support needs
Partner with project leaders on planning and execution
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and prepare product for testing
Ability to learn and apply new skills quickly
Good time-management and organization skills to manage multiple projects
Open to traveling up to 15% of the time

Major Duties / Responsibilities:

80% – Partner with project leaders to prepare for and perform equipment trials, make samples using equipment and new technologies, and clean equipment
10% – Participate in developing trial protocols, enter data, analyze results, document experiments, develop SOPs, and report outcomes
10% – Maintain an organized, clean, and sanitary laboratory workspace, manage inventory of ingredients and supplies, and ensure regulatory compliance through entry of ingredient/packaging information in the lot tracking database

Top Three Technical Skills:

40% – Ability to prepare and execute trials on food equipment in the pilot plant
30% – Ability to develop written documentation and/or communicate orally
30% – Ability to collaborate with scientists

Must Haves / Requirements:

GED/HSD with a minimum of 2-3 years of related experience, or BS in a non-related field with no experience
Desire to work in the food industry in the local area
Ability to travel for work outside of the local area
Ability to work overtime as needed

Software Skills and Purpose:

Industry Experience:

Preferred experience in produce processing, food manufacturing, or research and development

Team Size:

Support role; will work closely with others and have individual work. Team size: 10

Work Environment:

Labs, pilot plant, desk work, and occasionally manufacturing facilities for tests and trials

Upcoming Projects / Busy Seasons:

For contractors, Local area,