Your Opportunity as the Technologist, Research & Development (R&D) - Frozen Handheld & Spreads
Support hands-on, routine laboratory testing and analytical projects that enable Consumer R&D to evaluate and optimize products, processes, and packaging. In addition to executing routine analyses, you will play an active role in summarizing findings, presenting results to project teams, and supporting data-driven decision-making.
Location: Orrville, OH Corporate Offices
Work Arrangements: onsite, 80% or more depending on testing/project needs
In This Role You Will:
Perform routine chemical and physical testing using established analytical methods and standard operating procedures
Prepare samples, operate laboratory instrumentation, and ensure accurate, repeatable results
Document, analyze, and interpret data using electronic lab notebooks (ELN) and Laboratory Management Systems (LMS)
Collaborate with cross-functional R&D teams on project work, including product development, process optimization, and packaging evaluations
Summarize and present testing results, trends, and key insights to project stakeholders
Contribute to troubleshooting efforts by investigating unexpected results and helping identify root causes, escalating issues as needed
Support data analysis activities, including identifying variability, trends, and opportunities for improvement
Monitor incoming samples and testing requests in LMS and ensure timely execution
Maintain a safe laboratory environment by adhering to safety protocols, reviewing SDS, and following proper waste disposal practices
Ensure proper instrument operation, calibration, and system suitability; assist with basic instrument troubleshooting and performance monitoring
Maintain accurate lab records and ensure data integrity and traceability
Manage inventory and supplies needed for routine testing
Continuously seek opportunities to improve test methods, workflows, and lab efficiency
What We Are Looking For:
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or closely related field
Internship or hands-on laboratory experience (academic, co-op, or industry) involving analytical or routine testing
Experience working in a laboratory environment, including sample preparation and use of standard analytical techniques
Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately collect, document, and interpret data
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively on team-based projects
Strong communication skills, including the ability to summarize data and present findings to diverse audiences
Basic data analysis skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Willingness to work in a hands-on lab setting and meet physical requirements (e.g., standing for extended periods)
Availability to work standard hours (8am–5pm EST) with flexibility as needed
Additional skills and experience that we think would make someone successful in this role:
Experience with thermal analysis techniques (e.g., DSC, TGA) or other analytical instrumentation
Exposure to data analysis tools or statistical thinking (e.g., identifying variability, trends)
Experience presenting technical data or project updates in academic or internship settings
Familiarity with collaborative project environments, including working across multiple stakeholders
The Right Place for You
We are bold, kind, strive to do the right thing, we play to win, and we believe in a strong community that thrives together. Our culture is rooted in our Basic Beliefs, and we believe in supporting every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs.
Stay connected with us on LinkedIn®
We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, age, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or closely related field
- Internship or hands-on laboratory experience (academic, co-op, or industry) involving analytical or routine testing
- Experience working in a laboratory environment, including sample preparation and use of standard analytical techniques
- Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately collect, document, and interpret data
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively on team-based projects
- Strong communication skills, including the ability to summarize data and present findings
- Basic data analysis skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Willingness to work in a hands-on lab setting and meet physical requirements (standing for extended periods)
- Availability to work standard hours (8am-5pm EST) with flexibility as needed
- Experience with thermal analysis techniques (e.g., DSC, TGA) or other analytical instrumentation
- Exposure to data analysis tools or statistical thinking (identifying variability, trends)
- Experience presenting technical data or project updates in academic or internship settings
- Familiarity with collaborative project environments, including working across multiple stakeholders
The J.M. Smucker Co. Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about The J.M. Smucker Co. and has not been reviewed or approved by The J.M. Smucker Co..
-
Retirement Support — Retirement programs are described as strong, with a company 401(k) match, immediate vesting in some materials, and access to an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. These elements contribute to a favorable view of total compensation value.
-
Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave for all parents and on-site childcare at key locations signal a family-forward approach. Additional supports such as adoption assistance and pet-related leave reinforce this emphasis.
-
Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid time off, seasonal compressed schedules, and flexibility options are highlighted across materials. The ability to start with substantial PTO and buy additional time enhances perceived time-off breadth.
The J.M. Smucker Co. Insights
What We Do
Each generation of consumers leaves their mark on culture by establishing new expectations for food and the companies that make it. At The J.M. Smucker Co., it is our privilege to be at the heart of this dynamic with a portfolio that appeals to each generation of people and pets with products found in 90 percent of U.S. homes and countless restaurants. This includes a mix of iconic brands consumers have always loved such as Folgers®, Jif® and Milk-Bone® and new favorites like Café Bustelo®, Smucker’s® Uncrustables® and Rachael Ray® Nutrish®. By continuing to immerse ourselves in consumer and pet parent preferences for food, how it’s purchased and how the companies that make it should operate, we will maintain the important role we play in their lives. This will allow us to continue growing our business and the positive impact we have on all of those who count on us.
