R&D Lab Technician

Company: California Natural Products
Location: Lathrop
Posted on: June 10, 2021

Job Description:

Position Overview

The R&D Lab Technician is primarily responsible for supporting all aspects of product development. This includes and is not limited various analytical tests, set up and facilitate product cuttings and managing lab day to day activities related to projects and administrative support. The position is also responsible for supporting plant trials and production audits, obtaining ingredient and/or product samples, sample preparation, and shipment of samples.

Job Responsibilities

• Interact with R&D team to deliver bench, plant trial samples and analytical results in a timely manner.
• Responsible for the preparation, set-up, and test processing of raw materials, finished products and retention samples.
• Analyzes data acquired through testing processes to determine the suitability of raw ingredients/materials and participates in process improvement regarding ingredient purchasing, sampling, and processing.
• Support plant trial planning and execution as needed.
• Responsible for carefully reading and following batching instructions to ensure appropriate materials are weighed, measured to blending and mixing specifications.
• Support production trials and start-ups as needed.
• Assure technically sound product review panels are conducted for product development, shelf-life studies, product improvement and competitive testing.
• Maintains all laboratory equipment calibration records and performs testing procedures daily to ensure customer and compliance standards are met.
• Maintains assigned work area and production environment in clean and orderly condition.
• Interact with cross functional teams to ensure assigned project task are complete.
• Actively participates in team and cross functional meetings, as specified.
• Ensures compliance with safety standards and with applicable regulatory requirements while following the companys Good Manufacturing Practices
• Gather, store, and manage incoming and retain samples (raw material and finished product), update logs, track for development use and manage proper disposal.
• Support lab activities including material inventory and ingredient management.
• Comply with department development and process protocols.
• Manage all aspects of sample shipment as needed for specified projects and customers, including labeling, logging, and generating shipping confirmation communications.
• Coordinates and executes retain, in-process, and production raw material sample collection.
• Occasional weekend and off shift work will be required.
• Other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• 3-5 Plus years of experience in a food laboratory, kitchen, or food manufacturing environment
• Works well with a team and demonstrates accountability for assigned task.
• Good mathematical calculations skills
• Good computer skills (Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point)
• Demonstrated organization, attention to detail and observation skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with sense of urgency, often with limited supervision.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously while maintaining a strong attention to detail.
• Must be able to build credibility and appropriate rapport to deliver results within a diverse team.
• Must be a proactive thinker who understands the process and bigger picture goals.
• Ability to lift, carry and empty containers weighing up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to read and follow oral and written instructions in the English language

Preferred Qualification

• Prior food lab or food manufacturing experience.
• Associate degree in Sciences, Food Technology, Culinary (or other science-based area of study) plus industry experience

Keywords: California Natural Products, Tracy , R&D Lab Technician, Other , Lathrop, California