Process Support Specialist

At Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition, we are making significant advances in food and health with new ideas and innovative technologies. We are seeking candidates with energy and enthusiasm to be part of our growing team throughout North America. As an Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition employee, you are part of a diverse, innovative, and collaborative community committed to enhancing lives through nutrition and health. Our team is committed to providing amino acid-based solutions that create better lives for all. We do not use AI to screen applications. Applications and resumes of qualified applicants are reviewed by a real person because we value your time and believe each qualified applicant deserves thoughtful, human consideration. It’s an old‑fashioned approach—done with purpose. Our people are the key ingredient to our success. We offer a collaborative, innovative environment where you can grow your career and make an impact on global food and health solutions. We provide a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package, including Competitive Pay and Annual Bonus Opportunity 401(k) with Company Contributions Medical, Dental, and Vision — Effective Day 1 Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, and Floating Holidays Paid Parental Leave Wellness Programs and Yearly Wellness Reimbursement Work Flexibility Company-Paid Life and Disability Insurance Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Tuition Reimbursement Opportunities Career Growth and Development within a Global Organization Company-Provided Mental Health and Caregiving support Responsible for research and plant support in the purification process. Directly responsible for assisting plant processes to improve yield, productivity and reduce costs in manufacturing. Maintaining quality systems, ensuring safety of team members and protection of environment. EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE Four-year degree in Engineering/Science related field preferred Two-year degree in bio-processing or related field required 2+ years’ experience in a manufacturing setting required KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Excellent verbal and written communication skills High degree of scientific and technical proficiency Knowledge of Amino Acid production processes Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and familiarity with standard operating procedures (SOPs) Ability to transfer technical knowledge to practical applications Ability to design laboratory experiments for commercial plant scale up Knowledge of computers and electronic data processing Working knowledge of laboratory and analytical equipment WORKING CONDITIONS Fast paced bio-chemical/chemical/dry blending manufacturing environment working in office, laboratory & plant settings. This position may perform activities in an environment containing hazardous elements and requiring safety awareness and adherence to all safety policies and guidelines. Work must be performed in a safe manner for personal protection and for the protection of other team members. All safety, quality and environmental procedures must be followed, enforced, and strictly complied with. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Sitting or standing, repetitive use of hands and arms, and eye/hand coordination for 6+ hours a day.Walking required, usually < 1-2 hours a day. The position may require lifting, up to 50 lbs., infrequently.Occasional bending, reaching overhead, crouching, balancing, pushing, or pulling.May be required to drive a car or truck.Safety, Environmental, & Quality ComplianceUtilize safe work habits and follow all policies and proceduresMake sound decisions while not compromising safety, environmental or quality standardsComplete/assist with audits as required and follow-up on any findings until correctedTurn in any hazards as they are identified to get them corrected as soon as possibleAttend regularly scheduled training sessions to stay current on all compliance initiativesMaintain integrity and reputation through compliance with state, federal and AJICO guidelines and regulationsMaintain ISO standards in all areas of work within the departmentProcess SupportAssist in developing processes to improve product yield, productivity and reduce costs in manufacturingAssist manufacturing staff in solving problems related to production systems with minimal guidanceRecommend new process formulas and technologies to achieve cost effectiveness and qualityWrite experimental report and summariesUtilize scientific theory and application towards the development of new products and processesDesign and scaling up of processes, instruments, and equipment from the laboratory stages of development to the pilot plant and manufacturing processes through process/engineering calculationResearch issues for stable operations in production site and take leadership to solve the problemCollect, analyze, and utilize appropriate information to solve problems from inside/outside the plant or previous technical historyIdentify and plan activities to be newly considered for supported stable operations and seek continuous improvementSupport to meet or exceed plant production technical targets including but not limited to productivity, yields and variable cost unit consumptionsSupport the manufacturing plants in effective, thorough, prompt execution of investigations, CAPAs and troubleshooting of process deviationsAssists in the preparation of work instructions (WIs) and standard operating procedures (SOPs)Provide appropriate communication/documentation of projects/operations status to upper managementEnsure adequate PM for all lab equipmentAssist with planning, prioritizing, and assigning work within the departmentResolve problems and set deadlines to ensure timely completion of workContinuous Improvement & CollaborationCollaborate with other departments within the company to accomplish tasks/goals as neededSuggest/implement process improvement, cost down, or best practice ideasContinually strive for increasing processing efficienciesComplete 5S activities to keep the work area clean and organized 75,000 Ajinomoto is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis protected by state, federal, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.