CD&D Technician - Harvard, IL

Job Title

CD&D Technician - Harvard, IL

This full‑time, non‑exempt position supports ADM’s North American Pet Division in the development and scale‑up of innovative pet food and treat products. The Technician assists scientists throughout all stages of product development—from laboratory trials to full‑scale production—while maintaining meticulous records of experiments, tests, industrial trials, and product information.

• Support new product development trials by collecting samples, monitoring test results, checking recipes, reporting findings, and escalating issues to the responsible scientist.
• Manage laboratory inventory of supplies, ingredients, packaging materials, and samples, ensuring proper organization and adequate stock.
• Analyze and interpret test data, identifying trends, deviations, or opportunities for improvement.
• Maintain and organize the CD&D sample library with proper storage, labeling, and traceability.
• Perform laboratory tasks such as mixing, grinding, labeling, washing utensils, and operating equipment (e.g., NIR, pH meters, water activity meters).
• Weigh and batch recipes, making adjustments to bench‑top formulas based on desired product characteristics.
• Support CD&D with document creation and maintenance, including product and ingredient specifications, data entry, image addition, and measurement recording.
• Measure and document product prototypes, finished products, and packaging for a wide variety of samples.
• Enter data accurately into multiple databases and shared documents to support recordkeeping and reporting.
• Prepare and ship product and packaging samples to external laboratories, customers, or other ADM facilities as needed.
• Communicate with Project Scientists, Sales, and cross‑functional partners through status updates, emails, and sample tracking.

• Education:
  
  Preferably a diploma in Animal Sciences, Food Sciences, or Zoology; alternatively, an AS, BA, BS, or high school diploma.
• Basic Mathematical
  
  Skills:
  
  Comfortable with basic calculations, ratio scaling, fraction proportioning, percentage calculations, graphing, and predictive modeling.
• Basic Scientific
  
  Skills:
  
  Familiar with common scientific terminology and basic chemistry and biology concepts.
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  Operate laboratory and pilot equipment; perform basic instrument calibration, measurements, and data recording.
• Computer
  
  Skills:
  
  Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook); capable of creating, editing, and organizing files and spreadsheets.
• Analytical Thinking:
  Demonstrates attention to detail and accuracy in measurements; identifies deviations and communicates them to scientists.
• Problem Solving:
  Identifies issues, investigates root causes, and proposes practical solutions with minimal supervision.
• Organizational
  
  Skills:
  
  Manages multiple tasks, maintains accurate records, tracks inventories, and upholds a clean and organized workspace.
• Communication:
  Communicates clearly and professionally in written and verbal form with scientists, managers, and partners.
• Teamwork:
  Collaborates in a fast‑paced, cross‑functional environment, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive attitude.
• Safety and Quality Mindset:
  Follows safety, GMP, and quality procedures consistently; contributes to continuous improvement and compliance.

• Action Oriented:
  Initiates and moves quickly from planning to execution, demonstrating urgency, accountability, and follow‑through.
• Applied Learning:
  Quickly absorbs and applies new technical or procedural knowledge from training and on‑the‑job experience.
• Clear Communication:
  Conveys information effectively in written and verbal formats; accurately reports observations, data, and trial results.
• Dependability:
  Meets deadlines, follows procedures, and produces work that meets quality standards.
• Independent Work:
  Works self‑motivated with minimal supervision while aligning with team objectives.
• Initiative and Ownership:
  Proactively identifies opportunities to improve processes, organization, or results, taking responsibility for outcomes.
• Innovation and Continuous Improvement:
  Provides ideas and solutions to…