Research and Development Food Technician

Summary of Position:

The R&D Food Technician is responsible for assisting in the innovation, development, and qualification of new products along with revisions to existing products. The Food Technician will work with the R&D Manager to assist in development and product modification initiatives that deliver on quality, ensure continuity of supply, and optimize plant efficiency.

Reports to R&D Manager

• Assisting in the development of new and improved products as well as the organization’s research and development activities to accomplish business objectives.
• Participates in the execution of projects from concept stage through formulation, pilot batching, and successful first commercial production runs.
• Manages internal testing to develop and modify formulations that meet regulatory, manufacturing, and customer requirements.
• Works collaboratively with internal and external customers to design and optimize products, including SKU, ingredient, and packaging rationalization initiatives.
• Analyzes existing product SOPs, makes recommendations and leads the execution of improvements to formulas and production processes that streamline manufacturing and deliver cost savings.
• Creates product specifications, sales spec sheets, and formula cards.
• Collaborates with vendors, customers, and other departments as needed to execute projects and resolve product related challenges.
• Responsible for sample request program to support marketing and sales objectives, including set-up and maintenance of sample inventory.
• Prepares and assists with product cuttings for new and existing customers as needed.
• Maintaining the R&D lab to ensure adequate stock of ingredients, materials, and tools required for day to day operation
• Maintaining the R&D lab with a high level of overall cleanliness and organization
• Creation of product samples on an as-needed basis
• Building sample cases and coordinating shipping needs of product samples
• Preparing all products as required for daily evaluations
• Ensuring R&D coolers/freezers (including the sample area in the main freezer) are kept in a clean and organized manner and that product/ingredients are being properly rotated

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or a related field, formal culinary training, certification, or equivalent experience are required.
• Candidates should have a minimum of 3 years of experience in R&D in a food manufacturing environment, bakery experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of HACCP and SQF systems is a plus.
• Must be detail oriented, with excellent communication skills - both written and oral.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to run multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize and find solutions to issues or conflicts that may arise in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to perform as part of a team across all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PPT) is a requirement. MRP/ERP system experience is a plus.
• Candidate should be able to work flexible hours including some weekends and early hours to support production testing as needed.
• Must be able to lift 50-pounds and work in an environment where you would be standing/walking for the entire shift
• Must be able to work in a hot, cold, and frozen environment when needed