Contractor Technician, Better For You Product Development

Job Title

Reporting to the Associate Manager Better For You R&D and working at the Technical Center, the position will collaborate with multiple scientists within the Better For You R&D team to achieve innovation goals and programs. The individual will perform basic tasks and follow standard work methods or specific instructions required to support product development.

Responsibilities include:

• Working in partnership with scientists and engineers to create samples and prototypes using different technologies and methods.
• Performing basic calculations, data collection, handling ingredients, computer applications, good manufacturing practices, and pilot plant manufacturing production.
• Being dependable, proactive, and demonstrating excellent communication skills.
• Working specifically on protein bars, low sugar/zero sugar chocolate confections, and potentially zero sugar hard candy & gummies.

Specific Role Focus Areas:

• Benchtop development
• Pilot plant testing
• Equipment assembly and preparation
• Support in-plant initiatives such as trials, sales sample production, and start-ups
• Identify project support needs
• Partner with project leaders on planning and execution
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and prepare product for testing
• Ability to learn and apply new skills quickly
• Good time-management and organization skills to manage multiple projects
• Open to traveling up to 15% of the time

Major Duties / Responsibilities:

• 80% – Partner with project leaders to prepare for and perform equipment trials, make samples using equipment and new technologies, and clean equipment
• 10% – Participate in developing trial protocols, enter data, analyze results, document experiments, develop SOPs, and report outcomes
• 10% – Maintain an organized, clean, and sanitary laboratory workspace, manage inventory of ingredients and supplies, and ensure regulatory compliance through entry of ingredient/packaging information in the lot tracking database

Top Three Technical Skills:

1. 40% – Ability to prepare and execute trials on food equipment in the pilot plant
2. 30% – Ability to develop written documentation and/or communicate orally
3. 30% – Ability to collaborate with scientists

Must Haves / Requirements:

• GED/HSD with a minimum of 2-3 years of related experience, or BS in a non-related field with no experience
• Desire to work in the food industry in the local area
• Ability to travel for work outside of the local area
• Ability to work overtime as needed

Software Skills and Purpose:

• MS Office

Industry Experience:

• Preferred experience in produce processing, food manufacturing, or research and development

Team Size:

• Support role; will work closely with others and have individual work. Team size: 10

Work Environment:

• Labs, pilot plant, desk work, and occasionally manufacturing facilities for tests and trials

Upcoming Projects / Busy Seasons:

• Project work is ongoing within a fast-moving and dynamic R&D program