Product Development Technician, Applications

Summary of Position

The Product Development Technician plays a supporting role—driving for action and results to further internal and external project progress. This individual works both within the Product Development and Applications teams, assisting others under the direction of experienced R&D staff, as well as individually on assigned project work. The specific day-to-day tasks may vary but include Pilot Plant batching, analytical testing, sample preparation and shipment, and support for shelf-life studies.

Essential Job Duties

• Batch, package, and ship product samples for client evaluation, third party laboratory or consumer testing.
• Package, label, and ship flavor samples to clients as needed.
• Batch and prepare formulas for processing in the Pilot Plant. 
• Conduct analytical testing on raw and finished product samples including but not limited to pH, titratable acidity, total solids/moisture, particle size, Brix, density, viscosity, and color.
• Monitor shelf life for given projects and pull product samples at regular intervals for analytical testing.
• Keep detailed records of batched formulas, analytical testing data, shelf life data and collaborate with the Product Development, Engineering, and Sensory teams to produce formal reports when needed.
• Execute other duties as assigned within established SOPs and participate in SOP revision, optimization, and creation with other R&D stakeholders. Participates in training and onboarding initiatives.
• Maintain, clean, and organize all work areas including participation in maintenance of communal workspaces.
• Follow all Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) guidelines.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Detail-oriented work style with a team-centric mindset.
• Comfortable with a brisk working pace and environment of changing priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in a scientific field.
• Experience in a food manufacturing facility and/or laboratory.

Working Conditions

• Typical office setting for most desk work and paperwork including use of standard office equipment.
• Typical food/beverage laboratory and pilot plant setting for all hands-on development work including the use of standard laboratory equipment.
• Must be able to sit, stand, or remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
• May occasionally need to move, lift, or transport containers of ingredients weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Exposure to food and beverage product tastings which may include allergens.