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For more than 115 years, Ferrara has created sugar confections that enable moments of sweetness, celebration, and connection for candy lovers of all generations. Today, the company is the #1 sugar confectioner in the United States. Ferrara boasts a passionate team of nearly 9,000 employees creating and delivering hundreds of products sold under 20 popular brands like Brach’s®, NERDS®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, and Trolli® to more than 66 million U.S. households annually and popular Dori snacking products under brands such as Dori, Gomets, Pettiz, and Yogurte 100 in Brazil. Additionally, Jelly Belly, known world-wide for its confections, was acquired in November of 2023.

Sugar Lab Technician

Job Location: ​Chicago​

Want to make an impact?

Reporting to the Sr. Scientist, R&D - Global Brands, this individual will facilitate rapid benchtop prototyping utilizing a variety of equipment. They will oversee preventive equipment maintenance, clean and sanitize tools and equipment, maintain ingredient and warehouse inventory, capture and report data, and ensure the safe working and operation of equipment and environment. This role will also provide sample packaging and shipping for product developers and process engineers for innovation, renovation, and brand maintenance projects.

Ways you will make a difference

  • Operation of various small to mid-scale processing equipment, producing various samples for internal and external use as requested by R&D.
  • Operation of various small to mid-scale analytical equipment, testing various samples for internal and external use as requested by R&D.
  • Ordering and restocking ingredients, supplies, equipment, and chemicals.
  • Maintaining a safe, clean, and orderly lab environment for R&D.
  • Ensuring Standard Operating Procedures, One Point Lessons, and other relevant lab documentation is created, stored, and used appropriately by lab users.
  • Labeling and shipping samples to internal and external stakeholders, domestically and internationally.
  • Maintaining security and confidentiality of information within the research and development team.
     

Skills that will make you successful

  • Manage a heavy workload on short timelines involving frequent changes.
  • Understand basic food science and be willing to learn technical functionality details.
  • Assist in maintaining equipment in good sanitary and working conditions.
  • Perform and coordinate preventive maintenance on equipment.
  • Adhere to GMP and other safety regulations.
  • Understand and demonstrate the Company’s core values.
  • Conducts assigned work in a safe manner and adheres to Ferrara safety methods.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
     

Experiences that will support your success

  • Confident skillset in a R&D lab and application in a scientific manner to facilitate rapid prototyping.
  • Poised and not overwhelmed in high workload and ambiguous environments.
  • Proactive mindset and approach.
  • Good ability to use constructive communication skills, both written and oral.
  • Ability to operate and maintain equipment safely.
  • Ability to use complex equipment in an effective manner.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills to foster a positive team environment.
  • Self-starter, self-motivating: able to balance competing priorities without losing momentum.
  • Ability to maintain a safe working environment through proper housekeeping and safety practices.
  • Adopt a positive and inclusive work environment where colleagues feel respected and valued for their contributions.
  • Strive for high standards, seeks innovative solutions, drives continuous improvement of products and processes, and demonstrates a high degree of attention to detail.
  • Demonstrated ability to meet critical deadlines.
  • Detail-oriented and extremely thorough.
  • Experiences that will support your success

Working conditions and physical requirements:

  • Sitting/standing/walking for up to 8+ hours.
  • Lifting up to 50 lbs.
  • Exposure to hazards (hot surfaces, steam, chemicals, machinery, confined spaces, etc.).

Preferred Skills

  • Confectionery or food manufacturing experience
  • Bachelor’s or Associate degree a plus but not required
  • Experience with Microsoft Office
     

What We Offer

At Ferrara, we're proud to support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include paid time off (PTO). 

Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. 

Learn more about our benefits here.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $48,500 - $67,000 annually.

Ferrara’s success in industry-leading innovation has been driven by deep consumer insights, strong retailer co-creation and partnerships, and a dedication to diversity of thought, experience, and people. A privately held company, Ferrara has its global headquarters in Chicago and an operational network of more than 27 locations in North America, Brazil, and China that includes manufacturing, distribution, sales, and R&D facilities. Ferrara is a privately held Ferrero related company. Learn more at www.ferrara.com or www.linkedin.com/company/ferrara-.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, employment decisions and opportunities at Ferrara will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, military or veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic information, pregnancy (childbirth or related medical condition), or on any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.

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