R&D Scientist

Blommer has been providing delicious, high-quality chocolate and cocoa products to customers since 1939. Built as a family business, we are continuing to grow and are looking for motivated and reliable associates to help in our mission of Bringing Chocolate to Life!

• Formulate products with guidance and develop an understanding of how ingredients, processing and specification parameters translate and impact sensory and finished product applications. Develop understanding of the impact of ingredient substitutions and functional ingredients for Blommer and our customers
• Operate equipment to generate product samples from start to finish (gathering raw materials, making the sample, molding samples into a presentable format, mailing samples)
• Analyze product by measuring physical parameters and performance in application. Participate in and conduct sensory testing with guidance
• Develop and maintain corresponding documentation and data in appropriate systems with review
• Develop understanding of feasibility of running new products or ingredients and conduct trials to support commercialization and meet customer and Blommer operational efficiency expectations
• Execute dynamic research projects with proper documentation of results. With support, analyze data to derive conclusions and communicate results with recommendations of future studies and/or next steps
• With direction, assess and troubleshoot technical problems and provide necessary data to identify solutions (verbally, on site, written communication) for customers and internally
• Develop an understanding of the Blommer portfolio and manufacturing capabilities to provide specific product recommendations and product usage guidance
• Collaborate with internal partners to bring new business, build customer relationships and solve technical issues
• Communicate technical information in an audience appropriate way, in settings including technical training and presentations to customers and internal stakeholders as well as conferences and industry events
• Educate customers on our products and capabilities including giving facility tours
• Represent Blommer within the industry by attending meetings, conferences, and trade shows, actively participating in trade organizations and/or becoming involved in the community
• Maintain awareness of current trends and research in the cocoa/chocolate market

Note:

The employer reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position

• Able to consume chocolate & related products daily and clearly communicate sensory attributes.
• General office environment and hands‑on work in a laboratory environment
• Must be able to climb ladder, bend, and stoop, stand for prolonged periods of time and occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds
• Requires extended periods of standing, walking, climbing and sitting
• Occasionally exposed to heat, cold, noise, dust

• Maintain compliance with all company policies, procedures and code of conduct

• Properly use the tools & systems available to you, including safely running equipment as well as following SOPs and templates.
• Produce high quality, professional written communication free of grammatical and formatting errors.
• Support and foster the established R&D culture, by giving peers mentorship and support, passing on critical knowledge and thinking creatively to efficiently solve problems.
• Collaborate and work directly with a variety of roles, departments & personalities, communicating clearly and resolving conflict as necessary.
• Maintain mindset of continuous professional development, including building and maintaining subject matter expertise.
• With manager direction and support, complete assignments promptly during designated working hours.
• Approach data gathering and research projects with a scientific mindset, executing provided experimental designs in a repeatable fashion with appropriate input from teammates.
• Able to gather & clearly communicate relevant data to inform recommendations and decisions regarding an ingredient, formula or product’s performance

• General…