Process Support Specialist

About Us

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.

Why Join Us

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

Overview

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.

Qualifications

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 / Physical Requirements

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.

Responsibilities

• Safety, Environmental, & Quality Compliance

• Utilize safe work habits and follow all policies and procedures

• Make sound decisions while not compromising safety, environmental or quality standards

• Complete/assist with audits as required and follow-up on any findings until corrected

• Turn in any hazards as they are identified to get them corrected as soon as possible

• Attend regularly scheduled training sessions to stay current on all compliance initiatives

• Maintain integrity and reputation through compliance with state, federal and AJICO guidelines and regulations

• Maintain ISO standards in all areas of work within the department

• Process Support

• Assist in developing processes to improve product yield, productivity and reduce costs in manufacturing

• Assist manufacturing staff in solving problems related to production systems with minimal guidance

• Recommend new process formulas and technologies to achieve cost effectiveness and quality

• Write experimental report and summaries

• Utilize scientific theory and application towards the development of new products and processes

• Design and scaling up of processes, instruments, and equipment from the laboratory stages of development to the pilot plant and manufacturing processes through process/engineering calculation

• Research issues for stable operations in production site and take leadership to solve the problem

• Collect, analyze, and utilize appropriate information to solve problems from inside/outside the plant or previous technical history

• Identify and plan activities to be newly considered for supported stable operations and seek continuous improvement

• Support to meet or exceed plant production technical targets including but not limited to productivity, yields and variable cost unit consumptions

• Support the manufacturing plants in effective, thorough, prompt execution of investigations, CAPAs and troubleshooting of process deviations

• Assists in the preparation of work instructions (WIs) and standard operating procedures (SOPs)

• Provide appropriate communication/documentation of projects/operations status to upper management

• Ensure adequate PM for all lab equipmentAssist with planning, prioritizing, and assigning work within the department

• Resolve problems and set deadlines to ensure timely completion of work

• Continuous Improvement & Collaboration

• Collaborate with other departments within the company to accomplish tasks/goals as needed

• Suggest/implement process improvement, cost down, or best practice ideas

• Continually strive for increasing processing efficiencies

• Complete 5S activities to keep the work area clean and organized

Salary Range

75,000

EEO Statement

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.