Job Description:

The Q&FS Technologist - Site Sterilization Expert is responsible for the implementation and maintenance of thermal processes and procedures at the manufacturing site in order to achieve, maintain and audit compliance to MARS thermal processing standards and relevant governmental (city/local) regulations regarding thermal processing of shelf stable foods.

What are we looking for?

Minimum Qualifications:

B.S. Degree in Science, (Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, Food Science) or adjacent technological studies (i.e. Microbiology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Meat Science)

 2 - 3 years' experience in Food Manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree in science, (Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, Food Science) or adjacent technological studies (i.e. Microbiology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Meat Science), is preferred

Successfully attended an FDA- sponsored Better Process Control School.

Experience with Thermal process calculation software, i.e. Ellab, Calsoft, NumeriCAL, Thermodl.

Ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for effective communication

Familiarity with microbiology and food safety of canned foods – Better Process School Training 

Familiarity of food manufacturing equipment and processes for all temperature states (ambient, refrigerated, frozen).

Regulatory audit compliance knowledge (FDA, GFSI)

Awareness of shelf stable food regulations for region (FDA)

Packaging material seal performance and its relevance to food safety.

What will be your key responsibilities?

Ensure full compliance of Mars Global Quality Standards for thermal processing

Design and conduct heat penetration tests using Statistical Process Control for critical factors as a means of designing to worst case based on the plant’s ability to control.

Complete analysis of Heat Penetration data in order to establish a thermal process schedule letter.

Conduct TDHD (Temperature and Heat Distribution Testing) by analyzing and creating a report of the test situations conducted and impact to the thermal process schedule.

Conduct deviation analysis and draft disposition release/scrap reports. 

Ensure CAPAs and PRIMPs are issued for thermal processing related deviations and drive continuous improvement.

Maintain deviation tracker to aide in the troubleshooting of retort/control or operator training issues.

Manage the thermal process letters by site/line

Assess impact to thermal processing on intended Project charter changes for ingredients, processing and packaging.

Ensure annual retort surveys are conducted by Engineering/Maintenance.

Liaise with maintenance & engineering staff to drive improved retort reliability.

Ensure annual retort by-pass (i.e. raw-processed product traffic control) assessment is conducted.

Ensure electronic system validations are conducted by appropriate personnel regarding (Yokogawa instrumentation).

Participate and contribute to the Thermal Processing Community of Practice across the Food segment through the creation of documented practices (NEXUS).

Responsible for local thermal processing training modules to new associates, recurring refresher training where relevant.

Conducts audits against thermal standards at frequency established by the business.

Supports and assists NPD or/ and Focus Improvement Team with new product implementations and developments.

Represent thermal processing in site ATG meetings.

Maintain all site thermal process specifications & documents in Nexus.

Leads the Root Cause Analysis investigation of Thermal processing food safety incidents and drives effective implementation of corrective and preventative actions. 

Program retort process parameters into factory retort control systems and pilot retort

What can you expect from Mars?

Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.

Join a purpose-driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.

Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.

An industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including a company bonus.

#LI-MP1

#Onsite

Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.