THE OPPORTUNITY

We are currently seeking a Technical Services Food Technician to support our cheese operations. This role is critical in driving product innovation, process optimization, and sanitation excellence across our plants. This permanent, full-time position will report to the Sr. Director – Technical Services. Essential functions include but are not limited to the following:

• Provide hands-on technical support and troubleshooting for cheese production and performance issues across all production plants.
• Lead operational commercialization of new and existing products.
• Collaborate with R&D, QA, Sales, and Plant Management to qualify and scale up new products.
• Design and conduct experiments with key vendors to evaluate ingredients and optimize recipes.
• Drive process improvements to enhance throughput, yield, and product quality.
• Prepare and distribute technical reports from qualification trials.
• Support CIP validations and resolve sanitation issues efficiently.
• Identify automation and instrumentation opportunities to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs.
• Optimize cleaning systems to minimize loss and improve quality.
• Lead cost-saving initiatives related to chemicals, water, energy, and labor.
• Partner with chemical suppliers, procurement, and plant teams to trial and implement cost-effective sanitation solutions.
• Stay current on manufacturing and sanitation technologies and recommend improvements.
• Support sanitation design and CIP elements in capital projects.
• Work with operations to optimize the use of ingredients and process aids.

The Skills you will bring to the team

• M.S. in Dairy/Food Science or B.S. with at least 2 years of hands-on experience in dairy production, technical services, or R&D.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to follow detailed instructions.
• Creative, self-motivated, and innovative mindset.
• Team-oriented with a willingness to lead collaborative problem-solving efforts.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and challenge existing processes with practical, data-driven solutions.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Understanding of process improvement and quality improvement concepts.

If you think you have what it takes, but don’t necessarily meet every single point on the job description, please apply!

• Provide hands-on technical support and troubleshooting for cheese production and performance issues across all production plants.
• Lead operational commercialization of new and existing products.
• Collaborate with R&D, QA, Sales, and Plant Management to qualify and scale up new products.
• Design and conduct experiments with key vendors to evaluate ingredients and optimize recipes.
• Drive process improvements to enhance throughput, yield, and product quality.
• Prepare and distribute technical reports from qualification trials.
• Support CIP validations and resolve sanitation issues efficiently.
• Identify automation and instrumentation opportunities to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs.
• Optimize cleaning systems to minimize loss and improve quality.
• Lead cost-saving initiatives related to chemicals, water, energy, and labor.
• Partner with chemical suppliers, procurement, and plant teams to trial and implement cost-effective sanitation solutions.
• Stay current on manufacturing and sanitation technologies and recommend improvements.
• Support sanitation design and CIP elements in capital projects.
• Work with operations to optimize the use of ingredients and process aids