R&D Technician

Overview

As part of the fast-paced and driven PFNA R&D team, you will be responsible for partnering with scientists and engineers to assist in the development of innovation, productivity and brand stewardship projects, supporting work in the R&D lab and pilot-plant, and managing product shelf-life studies across our extruded ready-to-eat cereal and pretzel portfolio in PFNA. The primary focus of this position will be supporting the team objectives through benchtop sample production, mid & full-scale testing support, inventory management, shipping, and sample submission for consumer and analytical testing.

This position will require strong communication, time management, and prioritization skills as well as a proactive team mentality to move projects and tasks forward. Successful candidates thrive in a hands-on fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities simultaneously. This position may also support projects on other platforms within the Region, requiring technical excellence to quickly learn new platforms, contribute, and deliver results.

• Partner and support R&D engineers and food scientists to support delivery of innovation and brand stewardship projects.
• Execute various lab activities including benchtop formulation.
• Lead bench-top and pilot plant sample preparation for team reviews, sensory panel evaluations, and consumer tests.
• Lead planning, preparation, and delivery of necessary duties to deliver development testing at manufacturing locations, including traveling to and working safely in manufacturing environments both within and outside the DFW area.
• Manage and maintain shelf-life study setup, evaluations, results collection, inventory, and sensory testing, independently.
• Consistently deliver high-quality results with a high attention to detail, and sense of urgency, with a high level of proactiveness while balancing quality and efficiency.
• Able to work independently to accomplish high volumes of a wide variety of tasks, ranging from complex and multi-faceted, to repetitive and simple.
• Execute administrative tasks such as ordering ingredients & supplies, coordinate samples, product tastings, managing product inventories and submitting analytical samples and reporting results.
• Work effectively in a team environment, balancing personal, team, and organizational demands to prioritize effectively.
• Ability to manage multiple project tasks and demonstrate flexibility to adapt to changes based on team priorities.
• Ensure lab complies with GMP guidelines and established operating sanitation standards including allergen management.
• Participate as a member of the safety committee and World Class Labs to ensure lab compliance.
• Actively participate in all team continuous improvement training and skill development activities.
• Proactively support quality, product development and productivity initiatives through entire project lifecycle.
• Excellent communication skills in person & writing (primarily email), and strong ability to capture and retain notes for reporting.
• Take initiative to continuously improve ways of working, benchtop methods, and product development methods.
• Interface with external vendors ordering supplies and coordinating services for equipment maintenance and fabrication.
• Maintain and manage product and raw ingredient inventories in-lab, refrigerated / frozen storage
• Manage consumer testing requests and preparing samples for field execution.
• Manage analytical submissions and communicating results in an organized and timely fashion.
• Coordinate and manage product evaluations internally and sample preparation for Customer Meetings.
• Independently manage corporate expenses incurred while traveling (T&E) by maintaining strict adherence to company policy and demonstrating high integrity at all times.
• Other duties as needed and assigned by Manager to benefit team & business as a whole.

• The expected compensation range for this position is between $45,000 - $71,800.
• Location, confirmed job-related skills, experience, and education will be considered in setting actual starting salary. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
• Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement.
• In addition to salary, PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees and their families, subject to elections and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health, and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.

• AAS Science / Engineering (or equivalent) & R&D labs experience; or 3+ years in food processing
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to collaborate with multiple clients and demonstrated ability to work across different styles.
• Computer proficiency required (Outlook, Excel, etc)
• Good organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to change
• Knowledgeable of GMP's and lab safety
• Being a self-starter, can prioritize multiple priorities and creative thinking
• Ability to work safely in a lab & industrial environment.
• Previous food manufacturing experience (preferred)
• Willingness to travel 30% (as needed)