OVERVIEW

The R&D Technologist role will round out the team of five that leads generation and evaluation of ideas for cost savings within the dairy function in Innovation, Technology & Quality (ITQ) at General Mills. You will work to investigate and develop ideas that may assist in the renovation of existing products (e.g. Oui, Whips, Original-style Yoplait yogurt) and execute brand-agnostic projects that deliver impactful cost savings. This mostly hands-on role will support and lead pilot plant tests, conduct related analytical measurements & analysis, with some bench-top experimentation. Projects can range from less than 1 year to realization to further out time frames (2-3 years).

This role requires the ability to work well independently and with various team members in a collaborative manner to prove the feasibility of an idea to advance forward. The right candidate is comfortable with experimentation and exploring how ingredients work together, while understanding how to bring that to life in a manufacturing setting. You will have the opportunity to develop technical expertise across several Dairy processing technologies, and to both learn from and teach others.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Design (independently & with team guidance), coordinate, and execute experiments from benchtop to pilot plant; collaborate on plant trial planning & execution
• Execute lab analytical testing as needed
• Analyze experimental data, extract learning, and document & share findings
• Build "go-to" technical expertise in a specific area
• Lead and own portions of work or projects
• Participate in cost savings pipeline-building activities, including consumer learning
• Collaborate with scientists on method development and enhancement when needed
• Partner with other technical associates to support plant trials
• Actively share skills with peers across ITQ Technical Community

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma with 3-5 years of directly related experience OR Associate Degree and 2+ years of directly related experience
• Basic understanding of food safety, human safety, and documentation compliance
• Ability to learn & adapt quickly to a dynamic work environment; effectively manage competing priorities
• Comfortable working in a food processing environment where you will using lab analytical equipment and collaborate with plant processing operators to conduct experiments.
• Comfortable working with a team and working independently at times to drive high-quality work
• Competent in basic computer/technology skills (MS Office: Outlook, Word, Excel, other computer programs)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Curiosity about how things work; interest in seeking foundational knowledge/ understanding
• Experienced in processing (pilot plant or plant) environment
• Experience with Dairy technology is an asset
• Ability to communicate effectively, advocate for ideas, navigate ambiguity, and build consensus across different teams
• Previous bench-top prototyping experience

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

• General Mills is unable to provide sponsorship for individuals requiring sponsorship to work in the United States in an on-going fashion.
• General Mills is unable to provide international relocation for this opportunity

We exist to make food the world loves. But we do more than that. Our company is a place that prioritizes being a force for good, a place to expand learning, explore new perspectives and reimagine new possibilities, every day. We look for people who want to bring their best - bold thinkers with big hearts who challenge one other and grow together. Because becoming the undisputed leader in food means surrounding ourselves with people who are hungry for what's next.