Lab Technician

Job Location: Hershey, PA 


Role Summary: 

Reporting to the Manager Strategic Development CI and working at the Technical Center in Hershey, PA, the Lab Analyst/Lab Technician 1 position is responsible for supporting Continuous Improvement projects with a primary focus on Cocoa Strategy across the Enterprise.

This position supports project work in a GMP laboratory or pilot plant setting making confectionery and Salty Snacks products to support CI project discovery and validation, in addition to operating material characterization equipment.

The ideal candidate utilizes knowledge of how to manufacture core products and run the associate lab and pilot plant equipment.

A successful candidate possesses basic cross-functional communication skills and consistently communicates work progress with project leaders and manager.

Specific Role Focus Area:

• Problem solving and product troubleshooting through application of knowledge and creative thinking
• Observing, recording, and evaluating experimental data to draw conclusions
• Preparing project reports and presentations
• Supporting supply chain continuity initiatives in collaboration with vendors of ingredients

• Experience operating lab and pilot scale equipment/instrumentation and working in a manufacturing plant.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercising a moderate level of judgment in project execution.
• Possess time management skills and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple priorities in an expedient manner, understanding the required business objectives, developing solutions and schedules, and efficient and expedient project executions.
• Demonstrate attention to details required to deliver results with sound project planning and project management skills.
• Interpersonal skills that allow for effective working relationships at all levels across the organization.
• Ability to work in a team environment and independently in a flexible work environment with changing priorities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient computer literacy, fluent with Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to accommodate unusual and extended work hours as required for project completion

This role will interact and partner with:

• Technical and professional employees within USCI and R&D
• Manufacturing, Operations and Plant Quality Assurance
• Quality and Regulatory Compliance
• External Vendors

This role will require <10% North America travel.

Food Science or Food Engineering is desirable. The candidate will have knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), analytical techniques, chocolate, confectionary or snacks technologies, research methodology and experience in projects process.  Candidates should be comfortable operating laboratory, pilot plant and plant equipment and possess excellent math and computer skills. Also should be familiar on New Product process.

• Laboratory or commercial Kitchen experience preferred
• Operations/Manufacturing knowledge
• Regulatory and standards compliance
• Technical writing
• Chocolate technology
• Research methodology
• Analytical techniques
• Ingredient supplier-based knowledge
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Scale-up/plant test process

• Ability to collaborate across departments

Experience & Education: 

GED/HS with 1-3 years related experience, or AS in non-related field with no experience