Research & Development / Technical Services Specialist

Description:

Our organization is seeking to fulfill the role of Research & Development / Technical Services (RDTS) Specialist to oversee the development of new internal product specifications based on customer requirements. The RDTS Specialist will interface with potential and existing customers, participating in customer presentations to understand desired product quality attributes. They will plan and execute production trials, analyze results, and present data as it relates to quality, food safety, and production. The RDTS Specialist provides support to the Quality Assurance and Food Safety (QAFS) Team and other plant personnel to develop QA laboratory testing protocols and will be responsible for preventive maintenance and calibration of lab equipment.

This role reports directly to the QAFS Manager as responsibilities fall under the scope of the QAFS management systems. This role will also lead the maintenance of the company’s supplier approval program, directing risk analysis for new ingredients and ensuring update to date documentation for existing suppliers.

Roles and Responsibilities:

● Works collaboratively in the execution of development from bench to production scale for new products and product improvements

● Conduct variety of applicable tests and analyses on products to determine inherent properties before presenting analysis of results to the leadership team for further product development and improvement

● Collaborate with operations to conduct production trials to ensure successful launch of new and revised products

● Apply sound scientific methods in all stages of development including planning/executing trials and analyzing data

● Participates in customer presentations and/or prepares product/content for customer meetings

● Report and present oral/written updates including product demonstrations to team and customers

● Submit Food Safety and Quality Management documentation to customers per customer Supplier Quality Assurance requirements

● Work with QA to conduct product shelf-life, quality testing, and troubleshooting

● Design/test products to ensure shelf-life stability and all aspects of product (flavor, color, texture, nutritional content, etc.)

● Conduct packaging stability assessments to deliver against customer specifications

● Develop product labels and nutritional declarations to comply with all state/federal regulatory labeling requirements

● Manage documentation and records in order to ensure that they are complete, current, secure, and easily retrievable; this may include designing, organizing, and/or maintaining technical and regulatory records/reports

● Identify, classify, maintain, and protect files, documentation, and sensitive information consistent with record handling and retention requirements; record data from analyses or experiments in a computer, log book, or laboratory notebook

● Develop new ingredient/product specifications and own formula entry into formula management system

● Ensure laboratory equipment is operated in a consistent and accurate manner according to approved methods

● Maintain lab calibration and preventative maintenance programs for lab equipment

● Create and revise QA lab methods, procedures, and protocols as needed, reviewing data for completeness and accuracy

● Manage supplies for the R&D test kitchen

● Maintain a laboratory environment that is clean, orderly, and safe

● Understand and comply with all food safety and food manufacturing policies/procedures

● Maintain up-to-date technical knowledge of analytical equipment and test methods while training others as needed on equipment procedures/use

● Lead the development and maintenance of the supplier approval program, conduct risk analysis for ingredients, and maintain documentation

● Assist in conducting onsite supplier audits, issue audit reports, and follow up on non-conformances and corrective actions

● Perform other duties as assigned

Required Skills & Qualifications:

● Bachelor of Science in Food Science or applicable technical field

● Exposure and knowledge of Food Safety Systems, CFR, FSMA, GFSI, HACCP, GMPs, etc.

● Experience with Quality Assurance, Food Safety, and Regulatory Compliance

● Minimum 5 years’ experience with food manufacturing products, preferably Ready-To-Eat peanut ingredient processing

● Technical writing experience, specifically relating to product specifications and laboratory procedures

Compensation & Benefits:

This will be a full-time, exempt position. Company provides competitive salary based on experience with potential for annual bonuses. Medical, Dental, and Employee Life Insurance is provided by the company as well as Short-Term Disability, 401K Matching, Paid Time Off, and (10) Paid Holidays.