PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT TECHNICIAN - PLANTERS & CORN NUTS - RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT - CHICAGO (NORTHBROOK, IL)

To save time applying, Hormel Foods does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas for this position at this time.

This position will be awarded at either Product Technician, Senior Product Technician, or Lead Product Technician based on qualifications and experience.

Relocation is not eligible for this role.

About Hormel Foods — Inspired People. Inspired Food.™

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minn., is a global branded food company with over $11 billion in annual revenues across 75 countries worldwide. Its brands include Planters®, SKIPPY®, SPAM®, Hormel® Natural Choice®, Applegate®, Justin’s®, Columbus®, Wholly®, Hormel® Black Label® and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named on the “Global 2000 World’s Best Employers” list by Forbes magazine for three years, is one of Fortune magazine’s most admired companies, has appeared on Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s “The 100 Best Corporate Citizens” list for the 12 years, and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. The company lives by its purpose statement — Inspired People. Inspired Food.™ — to bring some of the world’s most trusted and iconic brands to tables across the globe. For more information, visit www.hormelfoods.com and https://csr.hormelfoods.com/ .

Hormel Foods Corporation acquired the Planters® and Corn Nuts® businesses in 2021. The Research and Development group for these businesses is based out of a newly renovated space in Northbrook, IL. At this Innovation Center, the team evaluates existing products in addition to creating exciting new products utilizing the labs and pilot plant spaces. The team oversees everything R&D related, from benchtop to full commercialization, including maintenance, NPD, Quality Improvements and cost-saving projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Works with minimal supervision and considerable independence.

• Performs a mix of more complex tasks and routine tasks in a lab and pilot plant environment for the Planters and Corn Nuts business. Examples of this are: using basic analytical equipment, assisting developers with making prototypes, prepping and weighing ingredients, prepping and cleaning small scale equipment (e.g. commercial fryers, convection ovens, seasoning tumblers/drums, etc.) and general upkeep of the lab/pilot plant space.

• Performs small scale experiments and collects, analyzes, evaluates, translates data and communicates results that will lead to improved, innovative, and creative applications to support the company goals and objectives.

• Assists with setting up weekly product evaluations and performing analytical tests as needed

• Assists with setting up monthly shelf life tastings

• Manages shipping and receiving packages for the office/lab. Regularly lifting up to 50lbs.

• May assist with administrative duties as assigned, such as obtaining COAs, ordering supplies, and inventory.

• Performs policy and procedure reviews for pilot plant documents and ordering pilot plant raw materials.

• Writes/updates SOPs for new lab/pilot plant equipment and/or processes.

• Safety Coordinator for the site. Establishes and maintains safety protocols for the offices and performs routine safety audits.

• Primary Building Manager of the Northbrook labs and pilot plant spaces. As needed, leads the coordinating of repairs and preventative maintenance with third party contractors.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• Associate Degree.

• Experience 0–5+ years of lab, pilot plant, operations, and/or building management experience. ( exact level awarded will be determined based on candidate experience and skill set )

• Basic computer skills including: Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word.

• Ability to troubleshoot equipment and coordinate preventative maintenance for the facility.

• Excellent initiative and time management to effectively meet overall needs.

• Listening, speaking, and writing effectively.

• Treating others with dignity and respect in a team environment.

• Using strong organizational skills to create solutions.

Preferred

• Bachelor Degree.

• Prior experience working as a technician in a lab or pilot plant setting.

• Basic knowledge of food production processes and equipment.

• Prior experience using an R&D specification system.​​​​​​​

Hormel Foods Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, gender, gender orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

The base pay range is $19.88 to $32.55 per hour; however, actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skill set, level of experience, and specific office location.

BENEFITS: Hormel Foods offers an excellent benefits package. Competitive wages, annual merit increase, performance reviews, medical, dental, vision, profit sharing, 401(k) with employer match, stock purchase plan, pension, and more.

For immediate consideration, apply online at: www.hormelfoods.com/careers

At Hormel we invite difference and diversity in all aspects. We offer a space of support, understanding, and community. We are committed to the journey! Learn more about our progress here: https://www.hormelfoods.com/about/diversity-and-inclusion/

Hormel Foods Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, gender, gender orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Requisition ID : 27435

Hormel Foods Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.