Research and Development Technician – Automation and Mechanical (Food Industry) - Nothum

Location: Springfield, MO (with travel as required)

Company: Nothum Food Processing Systems

Nothum is a 50-year-old manufacturing company headquartered in Springfield. Mo. Nothum offers a 3-Day Weekend for all Team Members- Every Month! Our Amazing Benefits package includes 100% Company Paid Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability coverages! We value integrity, and character, and embrace a Can-Do attitude in how we work. We offer a strong employer match 401K, encourage our team members to live their best life and balance that with opportunities to excel at work. If you share our passion for people, precision and success, we want to talk to you!

Nothum is a Drug-Free workplace. If you enjoy working in and contributing to a clean, safety-focused, high-quality, zero-drama workplace, you will enjoy working at Nothum Food Processing Systems.

Job Overview:

Nothum Food Processing Systems is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Research and Development Technician with a strong background in automation, mechanical systems, and food science. The ideal candidate will play a key role in developing innovative solutions for the food processing industry, ensuring products meet both safety and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities:

· New equipment designs and process improvements.

· Read and interpret technical prints, schematics, and diagrams.

· Conduct hands-on testing and validation of equipment and processes.

· Solve complex mechanical and automation challenges in food processing.

· Ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards in all R&D activities.

· Know your way around Sheetmetal and fabrication.

· Follow established protocols with attention to detail to maintain project consistency.

· Prepare technical reports and presentations using Microsoft Office suite.

· Travel to customer sites and other locations as needed for field testing, installations and data collection.

Qualifications:

· Strong background in automation, mechanical systems, and food science.

· Experience in research and development within the food industry.

· Ability to read technical prints and schematics.

· Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

· Familiarity with food safety and quality standards (HACCP, FSMA, etc.).

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

· Ability to travel as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

· 2+ years of experience in a similar R&D role.

· Familiarity with food processing equipment design and testing.

· Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.

Essential Functions:

• Ability to work on concrete floor in manufacturing setting for 8-10 hour shifts.

• Ability to work in, around, and beneath equipment.

• Work a standard schedule of Monday - Friday with the potential for some OT.

• Able to lift, bend, and carry up to 75 lbs on a routine basis.

• Overtime may be required occasionally, and on rare occasions, all associates may be required to work on Saturday or Sunday to meet customer requirements.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Exposure to conditions, such as: dust, fumes, noise and high-degree varying seasonal temperatures. Machinery with energy sources including electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, or other energy.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Ability to regularly walk, stand, use hands and fingers, handle, grasp or feel; reach with hands and arms climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Additional effort requirements consist of, but are not limited to, lifting, pushing, and pulling materials. Ability to work for 8 hours or longer on hard surface concrete floors, and to wear all required PPE including safety footwear at all times.

What We Offer:

· Competitive salary and benefits package.

· Opportunities for professional growth and development.

· A dynamic and innovative work environment.

If you are passionate about driving innovation in the food processing industry and have the technical skills to match, we encourage you to apply!

Nothum Manufacturing Company is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender, pregnancy status, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, marital status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

This role is a safety-sensitive manufacturing position. The company conducts pre-employment drug screens and as a safety-sensitive position, a positive result for any federally illegal drugs may result in the retraction of any job offers that have been extended.