Food Technician - Harrisburg, PA (Temporary - 40 hrs/week)

The Food Technician role focuses on assisting food technologists in research and development, quality and production technology project work. This role serves a support focus for projects that encompass product renovations, quality improvements, customer requests, cost savings initiatives, technology development and optimization of manufacturing networks. The food technician role has primary responsibility for all laboratory work needed to support various projects.

Major Responsibilities:

• Conduct quality and texture analysis of food items, mostly pasta.
• Assist R&D staff as needed.
• Prepare samples for group cutting evaluations.
• Assist with pilot plant trials in Winchester as needed. This may include scheduling and management of ingredient inventories in the pilot plant. The technician recommends and provides expertise in the area of process design for all work in the pilot plant.
• Conduct sensory panel work and provide summarized data to food technologists. reports. This work also includes training and recruiting of panelists.
• Prepare and track shipments.
• Manage and perform product evaluations and testing of samples as needed.
• Schedule servicing of Product Development laboratory equipment.
• Test Kitchen and Product Development laboratory – Maintain equipment, supplies and the cleanliness and organization of these areas.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing plants as needed.
• Shelf Life Studies and record keeping.

Attributes for Success:

• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Able to assist in pilot plant operation if needed.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent mathematical and computer skills.
• Proficient with Excel spreadsheets and Word computer software.
• Some culinary expertise preferred.
• Good background in food product testing.
• Self-starter.
• Reliable.
• Ability to work overtime as needed.
• Ability to manage multiple activities simultaneously.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.

Key position requirements:

• Able to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
• Travel to Winchester, VA pilot plant by automobile approximately 1 times/month or as needed (a valid driver’s license is required).
• Visual acuity to read and analyze computer-generated reports.
• Manual dexterity to operate computer keyboards.
• Must be able to lift maximum of 50lbs.

Education:

• High School diploma required, BS degree preferred.

Experience:

• At least 4 years food or quality laboratory experience required.