LAB TECH III

About the Role

McCormick is seeking a Lab Technician III to support product development, sensory evaluation, culinary, lab operations, and strategic innovation initiatives within the Technical Innovation Center in Hunt Valley, MD. This role will assist with the preparation, application, evaluation, and organization of raw materials, seasonings, seasoning mixes, sauces, and other products across McCormick’s U.S. retail brands and categories.

Responsibilities

• Gather raw materials and compound formulas according to project requirements.
• Apply products to finished applications for tasting, evaluation, and development purposes.
• Manage lab inventory, including raw materials, groceries, supplies, and other materials needed to support lab activities.
• Maintain sanitation standards, lab organization, and a safe, clean working environment.
• Set up, execute, and support lab-level sensory evaluations of finished products.
• Support strategic R&D initiatives, including the First in Flavor program, culinary training for scientists, vendor visits, innovation summits, and new product brainstorming sessions.
• Communicate effectively with R&D, Sensory, Culinary, Innovation, and other cross-functional partners regarding projects, products, timelines, and priorities.
• Assist with creative ideation and product development for seasonings, seasoning mixes, sauces, and other products across McCormick’s North American retail portfolio.
• Work with Sensory, Culinary, Innovation, and Marketing teams to build technical knowledge and support broader business needs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency.
• A minimum of twelve (12) college credits/CEUs OR in lieu of college credits, 4 years of lab experience.
• Strong PC skills, including experience operating in a Windows environment, managing files, and handling data.
• Experience in a food manufacturing or food preparation environment, kitchen or lab, and knowledge of food safety.
• Beginner level cooking skills.
• Professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage time and prioritize work effectively.
• Experience following principles and making informed decisions.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to identify, analyze, and solve problems.
• Ability to present information to peers in a logical manner.
• Strong teamwork capabilities and flexibility to adjust to project demands, including weekends and overtime on rare occasions.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to lift 10 pounds continuously, 20 pounds frequently, and 50 pounds occasionally.
• Solid math skills, including the ability to work accurately with formulas and decimals.
• Ability to work independently with little or no supervision and as a member of a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• B.S. in Food Science or similar degree.
• Intermediate PowerPoint and Excel experience.
• Experience maintaining confidential information.
• Intermediate cooking skills.
• Knowledge of and interest in consumer food trends.

Pay

Base Salary: $23.65 - $35.47. Base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, experience for this role, and/or internal equity of our current employees as part of any final offer.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Career growth opportunities
• Flexibility and support for diverse life stages and choices
• Comprehensive health plans covering medical, vision, dental, life, and disability benefits
• Family-friendly benefits such as paid parental leave, fertility benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and caregiver support
• Retirement and investment programs including 401(k) and profit-sharing plans

This position is also eligible to participate in McCormick’s Incentive Bonus (MIB) Plan/ McCormick’s Sales Incentive Bonus (SIB) Plan/ McCormick’s Dividend Program.