Job Purpose

The R&D Operations Technician is responsible for assisting with the development of new products and product quality improvement programs. This team member will play a pivotal role in supporting our R&D team by ensuring the efficient operation of laboratory activities and technical processes.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintains and participates in sensory testing on new and existing products.
• Assist with developing products Mixing/grinding/stuffing batches.
• Maintain a clean and organized R&D areas
• Packing/slicing/boxing up finished samples.
• Help for the preparation of meetings.
• Be able to take direction for tasks and maintain accurate records and reports.
• Attend production runs, as needed.
• Package and ship samples as needed.
• Maintain inventory of R&D product samples, shelf-life and ingredients as needed.
• Preform benchtop samples.
• Other duties as assigned.

Interpersonal Skills

• Reliable, comes to work every day and arrives to work on time.
• Comes prepared to contribute.
• Works to the best of their ability.
• Accepts constructive feedback.
• Team player.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications required to successfully perform the job include:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related field, relevant experience will be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Ability to operate and maintain equipment safely.

• Must be able to read, write, and speak English.
• Ability to use Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.
• Demonstrates ability to prioritize activities in order to meet business-critical timelines.
• Ability to take direction with a minimum of supervision.
• Ability to learn new skills and ways of working.
• Must adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's).
• Must be detail oriented and have basic mathematics skills.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Demonstrate communication capabilities that promote participation, education and information sharing, while setting high personal and departmental deliverables.
• HACCP certified or willing to become certified.

Working Conditions

Various conditions including office, warehouse, lab and production facilities. Working conditions will include extended periods in cold and wet meat processing environments requiring protective clothing.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to perform extensive walking and standing throughout the shift daily.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, as needed.
• Manual Dexterity to handle laboratory equipment and perform delicate procedures.
• Vision and hearing abilities to observe experiments and communicate effectively.