Production Technician Upstairs Snacks Processing
J.M. Smucker · Topeka, KS
- Level
- Technician
- Team
- Process
- Degree
- Required (or equivalent experience)
- Industry
- Food & beverage
- Posted
- 3 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level process role at J.M. Smucker (food & beverage) in Topeka, KS. To make/produce high quality Treats with minimal yield loss, to produce product for the company.
- They ask for
- degree required (or equivalent experience)
- Tools it names
- FDA / GMP, Painting / coating
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Manufacturing Technician roles in the US: typical posted base $60k–$91k.
Median of the low and high ends of 63 live postings that list pay, out of 970 manufacturing technician openings in the US, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Kansas plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 128 other live process postings in the US.
- Experience asked
- Not stated
Similar roles usually ask 3+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Team leadership 39%
- Tooling 20%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for Painting / coating, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Process team at J.M. Smucker
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: J.M. Smucker in Topeka
2 other open roles at this site.
- Packaging Production Technician · Production · Technician
- Maintenance Industrial Mechanic · Reliability · Technician
Full description from J.M. SmuckerAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Key responsibilities
- ◆Follow all company Safety Rules and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's).
- ◆Produce high quality products in a safe and healthful manner.
- ◆Assigned shift attendance is required.
- ◆Make dye
- ◆Make Coating
- ◆Adding hand-adds to dry mixes.
- ◆Responsible for running and monitoring system on a continuous basis
- ◆Responsible for weekly start-ups, shut-downs and clean-ups.
- ◆Responsible for minor maintenance of department equipment.
- ◆Sanitation is a constant and critical issue – keep production and preparation areas clean
- ◆Operation of forklift, pallet jack and hand truck
- ◆Must be prepared to do what is manually required to keep system running
- ◆Ability to work as part of a team.
- ◆Assist fellow employees as needed.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The
requirements
listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the duties and functions of the position.
- ✓Must be able to report to work on time and to work the entire scheduled work period or shift. Timely and regular attendance is required.
- ✓Must be able to successfully handle and manage stress.
- ✓Accustomed to and able to work in a high-volume, fast-pace, complex and busy environment.
- ✓Proven ability to successfully manage multiple competing priorities.
- ✓Strong problem-solving skills coupled with the ability to act. A “can-do” mindset and attitude is a must.
- ✓Must be flexible and have the ability to work additional hours when workload, deadlines, production requirements, shift coverage or overtime demand it of the role.
- ✓Consummate team player attitude of sharing and helping others. Must be able to interact positively, professionally and in cooperation with others.
- ✓Ability to work alone/unsupervised (make decisions, correct problems, complete tasks, etc.)
- ✓Good utilization of time and initiative
- ✓Knowledge and experience in use of tools
- ✓Ability to learn and adapt quickly to changes
- ✓Basic knowledge of diagrams and schematics – know how to follow and read
- ✓Basic computer skills
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
High-school degree or equivalent is required.
Requirements
Employee must have the ability to perform the essential job functions identified above consistent with safety standards and practices with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Topeka Plant ($1000 Retention Bonus! Start Rate $28.10 per hour) To make/produce high-quality Treats with minimal yield loss, to produce product for the company.
Title
Production Technician Snacks Processing
Reports to
Area Leader/Team Leader
Summary
To make/produce high quality Treats with minimal yield loss, to produce product for the company.
Language skills
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, GMP's and general instructions. Good communication skills are required.
Reasoning ability
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out both oral and written instructions.
Physical demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions and duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities.
- •While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and lift. The employee is required to stand and walk at minimum 70% of the time.
- •The employee must be able to work 8 hour rotating shifts, with the flexibility to work additional planned or unplanned hours, as business needs.
- •The employees must lift/push/pull or carry up to fifty (50) pounds and should be able to lift 30-35 pounds on a frequent basis.
- •The employee must be able to squat or kneel and to bend on a frequent basis.
- •The employee must be able to work in a cold (40-50 degree) environment.
- •The employee must be able to tolerate exposure to flour and yeast materials.
- •The employee must be able to climb steps and vertical ladders 10ft high on a frequent basis.
- •The employee must be able to work with automatic equipment, pressurized air hoses, high pressure hoses, strahman water hoses (hot-steam injected water) and very hot piping
Work environment
The work environments characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Hot in summer, cold in winter
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high.
The Right Place for You
We are bold, kind, strive to do the right thing, we play to win, and we believe in a strong community that thrives together. Our culture is rooted in our Basic Beliefs , and we believe in supporting every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs.
Stay connected with us on LinkedIn®