R&D Process Engineer

Joining King's Hawaiian makes you part of our `ohana (family). We are a family-owned business for over seventy years, respecting our roots while thinking about our future as we continue to grow and care for our customers and the communities we serve. Our `ohana members build an environment of inclusivity as they freely collaborate, pursue learning through curiosity, and explore innovation as critical thinkers. Beyond that, we are also passionate about supporting the long-term health and well-being of our employees and their families. If you're excited to rise with our team, come and join our `ohana

Working under the general supervision of Director, Product Development, The R&D Process Engineer, is an idealist, researcher, designer, and builder. This role develops new processes and makes the right equipment selection to commercialize new products, and ideates, develops, tests, and collaborates with others to introduce new, irresistible products for King's consumers to love and share. The R&D Process Engineer will be a part of a multi-disciplinary Innovation & Commercialization team with a start-up type culture. The role will work with Product Developers. Packaging Engineers, Marketing Insights, and Production to commercialize these new products. Employees in this position may interact with their leader several times a week to receive guidance and feedback. Some non-routine activities may require a supervisor's advance approval, but routine decisions within the general scope of the role may be made independently.

At KING'S HAWAIIAN® we create unique and irresistible foods that people love beyond reason. We are not in the business of copying mainstream products or pursuing short-term trends. Our goal is to create new, long-term value to market with consumer-led innovation ideas. This role will report to the Director, Product Development and be a part of a multi-disciplinary Innovation & Commercialization team with a start-up type culture. Within a team of Product Developers, Research Scientist, Process Engineer this individual will partner with experienced chefs to develop design equipment and processes for commercialization, while also working with Packaging Engineers, Marketing Insights, and Production to produce these new products.

Who Are You?

The R&D Process Engineer is an idealist, researcher, designer, and builder. Your imagination and problem solving combines new ingredients and flavors, develops new processes and makes unique equipment selection to commercialize innovative products. Your creations tell stories and create moments of irresistibility for people.

The following characteristics describe you perfectly:

• Curious - you break boundaries and do not settle for the status quo. You have an instinctive desire to always dig deeper. Your curiosity leads you to think differently and try new things.
• Persistent - you do not settle for mediocracy and have an unmatched determination to solve your complex problems. You always strive for perfection and cannot rest until you've carried out your mission.
• Courageous and Agile- you like to jump and take risks You recognize that the future cannot be shaped without taking leaps forward. You trust your beliefs and see every failure as an opportunity.
• Self-starter and Proactive- the world of innovation and ambiguity does not scare you. You know how to self-manage. You are a leader and initiator. You do not wait around for someone else to step up.
• Foodie and a Scientist - you LOVE food. Food is one of your passions in life. You love to try new foods, experience cuisines from different cultures, and gather with others to break bread. You also love science and engineering and have a passion for new technologies in the food industry.
• Collaborator- You are willing to find solutions by trusting others and get energized while working in a team environment. You are not afraid to take responsibility for the mistakes and don't hesitate to give credit to other contributors. You are an active listener

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Process Development: Design, develop, and optimize manufacturing processes for new and existing food products to ensure quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
• Scale-Up: Lead scale-up activities from laboratory to pilot plant and full-scale production, ensuring a smooth transition and compliance with food safety and regulatory standards.
• Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams including Product Development, Quality Assurance, Operations, and Marketing to align process innovations with business objectives.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement process improvements to enhance product quality, reduce waste, and increase production efficiency.
• Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve production issues, implementing corrective actions to minimize downtime and maintain product quality.
• Documentation: Prepare and maintain detailed technical documentation, including process flow diagrams, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and validation protocols.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all processes comply with relevant food safety standards, regulations, and certifications.
• Project Management: Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion within budget constraints.
• Innovation: Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices to drive innovation and competitive advantage.
• Equipment Design: Design and specify food processing equipment to meet production and product development needs. Innovate and implement new equipment solutions to improve manufacturing capabilities.
• Equipment Vendor Management: Evaluate, select, and manage relationships with equipment vendors. Ensure vendor compliance with company specifications and standards.

BASIC QUALIFICATION (EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE)

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in chemical, Mechanical, Food Engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited 4-year college
• 3+ years of progressively responsible experience in R&D process engineering role.
• Experience in the baking industry is preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift 50 lbs
• Ability to stand 2-3 hours

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (JOB SKILLS, ABILITIES, KNOWLEDGE)

• Experience with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of HACCP, GMP, and other food safety and quality management systems.
• Familiarity with process simulation software and statistical analysis tools.
• Experience in managing capital projects related to equipment installation and commissioning.
• Expert understanding of the process and methods for developing and commercializing shelf-stable foods.
• Working understanding of different methods of packaging (retort, aseptic, UHT, Hot/Cold Pasteurization, MAP)
• Working understanding of Project management - plan, coordinate, communicate progress and challenges, execute project activities.
• Proficient ability to work with third party manufacturers (co-manufacturers, co-packers) in developing products.
• Expert ability to muti-task and contribute to many projects at the same time.
• Ability to seek and be open to new experiences with different food from other cultures and enjoy foods in a different way. Does not settle with mediocre products.
• Ability to consistently demonstrate King's values of excellence, dignity, saying it like it is in a way it can be heard, and curiosity, collaboration, critical thinking and emotional intelligence.
• Ability to travel up to 10%.

The salary range for this role is $105,000 to $140,000 plus a 10% annual bonus.

We operate in a hybrid environment, where we are in the office Monday - Wednesday and remote on Thursday and Friday. However, due to the nature of work, coming into the office on some Thursdays and Fridays may be necessary.

King's Hawaiian is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for our ohana.

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