Research & Development Technician I

Description

Ready for more than just a job? Build a career with purpose.

At Lactalis in the USA, we’re committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our people to learn, grow, and thrive—whether you’re just starting your journey with us or looking to take the next step in your career. From day one, we offer the tools and support to help you succeed.

As the world leader in dairy, Lactalis is a family-owned company with over 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals across the globe. Each day, we’re proud to produce award-winning dairy products that bring people together.

In the US, we proudly offer an unrivaled house of beloved brands, including Galbani® Italian cheeses and ricotta, Président® specialty cheeses and butters, Kraft® natural and grated cheeses, Breakstone’s® cottage cheese, Cracker Barrel®, Black Diamond® cheddar, and Parmalat® milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi’s®, Stonyfield Organic®, Brown Cow™, Oui®, Yoplait®, Go-Gurt®, :ratio®, Green Mountain Creamery®, and Mountain High®, along with a growing family of ethnic favorites like Karoun®, Gopi®, and Arz®.

At Lactalis, we live by our core values—Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity. We foster a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone’s unique background and ideas are valued.

Even if you don’t meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We want to hear about your PASSION, your STORY, and how your EXPERTISE can help us shape the future of dairy. 

From your PASSION to ours

Lactalis USA, part of the Lactalis family of companies, is currently hiring a R&D Technician based in Buffalo, New York. As a Research & Development Technician I, the role will carry out responsibilities such as but not limited to assisting the Research Scientist from conceptual stages through product life cycles. Additionally, the Research & Development Technician I will collaborate with production and maintenance to align duties with the company's goals and values.

From your EXPERTISE to ours

Key responsibilities for this position include:

• Will be familiar with all equipment in the Pilot Plant and its operation. Responsible for trouble shooting  equipment problems and making repairs and/or adjustments.
• Will work closely with the Research staff in setting up, operating and evaluating experiments run in the Pilot Plant. 
• During runs will operate all equipment and will record all appropriated observations during experiments. Will request clarification or direction from Research Staff when needed
• Will be very familiar with good manufacturing practices and good sanitation practices. 
• Will be responsible for proper housekeeping and safe work practices in the Pilot Plant. Will follow the Company Policy
• May be required to gain familiarity with special equipment, techniques or analysis, which may be under 
• consideration by the company. May be required to evaluate same.
• Should be in a position to recommend or suggest to the Research Staff approaches or ideas which may be 
• considered in projects.
• Should possess or be willing to develop familiarity with various analytical equipment and techniques. May be required to perform analysis of samples or perform other “bench” tasks.
• May be required to work directly with Cheese Plant personnel when new products or equipment is introduced into the operation.
• Will be responsible for ordering and receiving all supplies, parts and materials used in the Pilot Plant. Will follow all company procedures and receive proper authorization for purchases.

Requirements

From your STORY to ours

Qualified applicants will contribute the following:

Education

• Bachelor's degree is preferred.

Experience

• 1+ years of experience is preferred.

Certifications and specific knowledge

• Knowledge of Cheese Processes is preferred.
• Knowledge of Food Safety/GOP is preferred.
• Understanding of mechanical and logic related usage of industrial equipment is preferred

At Lactalis, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generously to retirement plans, and offer Paid Time Off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement. Join us and grow your career.

Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities. Further, any division of the Company that is an Affirmative Action Employer will comply with all related legal obligations.