R&D Technician

JOB TITLE: R&D Pilot Plant Technician (1st Shift)

FUNCTION: R&D

REPORTS TO: R&D Manager / R&D Director

LOCATION: Hilbert, Wisconsin

POSITION TYPE: Full Time

Ornua (meaning “new gold”) is Ireland’s largest exporter of Irish dairy products, proudly bringing the unique taste of Irish dairy to the world since 1961. 

Ornua is actively seeking an R&D Pilot Plant Technician team member to join the Ornua Family as we continue our growth trajectory. As an R&D Technician you’ll play a key role in supporting the development and optimization of Ornua’s functional cheese ingredients. This position is highly hands‑on and requires independence, strong technical skills, and the ability to operate pilot‑scale equipment safely and effectively. The technician will run pilot cooks, perform routine laboratory analyses, and ensure accurate documentation of all work. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys practical, physical work, and continuous learning within an innovation‑driven environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Independently operate pilot plant equipment to run pilot cooks, following established procedures and safety guidelines.
• Prepare and execute pilot trials by accurately weighing ingredients, setting up equipment, following processes, adjusting as needed, recording and communicating data and observations, and ensuring all materials are available and properly documented.
• Perform laboratory analyses including moisture, pH, salt, fat, and other routine quality measurements.
• Record, summarize, and communicate trial results, observations, and data in a clear and organized manner.
• Maintain accurate logs for all incoming ingredients, trial batches, and analytical results.
• Keep the pilot plant and laboratory clean, safe, and well‑organized, collaborating with Maintenance and Sanitation to ensure proper care, calibration and operation of equipment.
• Conduct sensory evaluations and support shelf‑life studies as needed.
• Ask questions and seek clarification when procedures, expectations, or results are unclear.
• Overtime may be needed depending on operational needs (Potential support of additional plant‑related duties).

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be dependable, self‑motivated, and comfortable working independently for extended periods.
• Associate degree or at least 2 years’ experience in a Food Plant (operations/quality/laboratory/R&D).
• Strong attention to detail with solid analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Must be willing and able to taste a wide variety of dairy and nondairy foods.
• Basic computer proficiency (Excel, Word, Windows).
• Team‑oriented mindset with a positive, can‑do attitude.
• Ability to work a 4‑day, 10‑hour/day schedule, with flexibility for overtime as needed.

• Must be able to lift-up to 50 lbs and perform physically demanding tasks in a pilot plant environment.

Desired Qualifications

• Prior laboratory or pilot plant experience
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Solid work history
• Prior food manufacturing experience
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and food safety standards.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This role requires regular standing, walking, bending, twisting, pushing, pulling, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Employees must be able to perform repetitive motions and safely operate equipment while following all safety and quality procedures.  

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a food manufacturing facility with variable temperatures — cooler warehouse areas and warmer production zones. The environment includes exposure to moving equipment, moderate to loud noise levels, and required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety shoes, safety glasses, hearing protection, hard hats and hairnets.

WHY ORNUA?

Ornua is a purpose-driven, values-led co-operative creating value for Irish dairy farming families through our global operations. With 10 business units, 16 production facilities, and in-market teams across the world, we operate through two divisions — Ornua Foods, which markets our iconic consumer brands including Kerrygold and Pilgrims Choice, and Ornua Ingredients, which provides innovative, customized dairy ingredient solutions to our customers.

• Our Values lie at the core of everything we do. Our five values encourage us to Seek and Embrace New Ideas, Make It Happen, Be Our True Selves, Show You Care, and Achieve Great Things Together.
• We invest in our people and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Career progression opportunities, including global mobility.
• Comprehensive benefits with region-specific offerings.

Ornua is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will be provided with equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or genetic information.  Ornua is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact Ornua People Services at View phone number on careers.ornua.com or View email address on careers.ornua.com. 

This employer participates in E-Verify, a federal program that verifies the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. As part of the hiring process, information provided on your Form I-9 will be submitted to the E-Verify system. 

E-Verify compares your information to records maintained by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration.
For more information about E-Verify, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

Nearest Major Market: Appleton
Nearest Secondary Market: Oshkosh