Entry-Level R&D Technician - Breakfast Cereal

Entry-Level R&D Technician - CerealBroad Exposure Role | Product Development Career PathLocation: Perryville, MO Department: Cereal Research & DevelopmentLaunch Your Product Development CareerThis entry-level R&D role is designed for a recent Food Science graduate who wants hands-on experience across a wide variety of breakfast cereal products and a clear path into product development.As an R&D Technician on our Cereal team, you'll support development work from bench-scale concepts through pilot plant testing and full-scale manufacturing trials. This is a true development role, intended to grow into an R&D Technologist position and then Product Developer, based on performance, skills, and interest.What You'll Work OnYou'll support a broad portfolio of cereal products and work closely with Product Developers, Technologists, Operations, Quality, and Plant teams.Key responsibilities include:Supporting new product development and product optimizationAssisting with bench-top, pilot plant, and full-scale plant trialsPreparing ingredients, batching formulas, operating pilot-scale equipment, and collecting samplesObserving and documenting processing conditions and product performanceSupporting plant trials directly in manufacturing facilitiesAccurately documenting formulas, trial results, and technical observationsSummarizing data and preparing basic technical reportsParticipating in sensory evaluations and product reviewsHelping maintain a clean, organized, and food-safe R&D and pilot plant environmentFollowing all food safety, quality, and employee safety standardsThis role includes a mix of desk-based technical work and hands-on work in pilot plant and production environments.Who This Role Is ForThis position is ideal for someone early in their career who wants broad exposure to cereal product development and how products are manufactured at scale.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in Food Science, Cereal Science, Food Engineering, or a related fieldInternship, co-op, or academic lab experience preferred, but not requiredStrong interest in product development and food manufacturingComfortable working in office, pilot plant, and manufacturing environmentsStrong attention to detail and willingness to follow proceduresAbility to clearly document work and communicate with team membersHelpful (But Not Required)Exposure to cereal or grain-based foodsPilot plant or manufacturing experienceFamiliarity with food safety or quality systemsCareer Development & GrowthThis role is intentionally structured as a stepping stone position, not a dead end.Successful candidates can expect:Broad exposure to many cereal products and processesIncreasing technical responsibility over timeA clear development path to R&D Technologist and Product DeveloperMentorship from experienced R&D and Operations professionalsFirst-hand experience translating product ideas into scalable manufacturing processesWork Environment & Physical RequirementsWork in pilot plant and manufacturing environments (noise, heat, dust)Occasional lifting of ingredients and materials (up to [XX] lbs)Use of required PPE in production areasWhy Join Our TeamWe make a wide variety of cereal products"”and we intentionally develop people the same way. This role offers a strong foundation for a long-term career in product development, food manufacturing, and technical leadership

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