R&D Mixing Technician

Job Summary

This is an hourly position in City of Industry, CA that reports to the R&D Supervisor. The R&D Mixing Technician prepares samples for new products or changes in the recipe for existing products for cost savings or improvement. Follows the recipe provided by the R&D Supervisor, Product Development Specialist & or Product Development Analyst. Creates prototypes and revisions to ensure that the customer timeline is complied with.

Submits completed weekly New Products Development Calendar. Assists in a plant shakedown and the transfer of lab batch processes to production scale-up for the first three orders; provides feedback to recommend modifications to be more efficient operationally without impacting product integrity.

• Prepares laboratory scale batch for dressing & sauces prototypes as directed by the R&D Supervisor, Product Development Specialist & or Product Development Analyst, using the recipe provided with detailed mixing instructions.
• Provides feedback on recipe instructions to optimize processing for large scale production.
• Mixes different recipe revisions until the target flavor profile is achieved; provides input in the process of revisions.
• Assists the R&D Processing Specialist & Product Development Specialist during product test runs; supports the first three production validations as the R&D transfer process to production.
• Conducts analytical tests (Total Acidity, Total Salt, pH, viscosity, moisture, etc.) using designated testing equipment and following SOP.
• Conducts sensory testing for the purpose of product duplication or creating new product concepts.
• Maintains an organized system of keeping Product Development Control samples for the Quality Control team reference during first production.
• Ensures timely replenishment of raw material supplies needed for product development, from the mix deck, spice room or warehouse.
• Collects samples and performs shelf‑life testing validation of new products.
• Creates labels for samples to be sent to customers; fills up the lab sample request form for documentation of samples sent; delivers samples to local customers as needed.
• Maintains orderliness & cleanliness in the R&D Lab; performs regular clean‑up & organization of the R&D refrigerators, disposes of expired samples & raw materials.
• Supports the Sample Helper especially during times with heavy sample workload for trade shows.
• Other duties that may be assigned.

• R&D Experience, Quality Control, Food Processing, Dressing Manufacturing, Sauces Manufacturing
• Microsoft Excel proficiency
• Organization skills, Communication skills, Interpersonal skills, Teamwork, Analytical Testing, Sensory Testing, Shelf‑life Testing, Sample Management, Raw Material Management
• Bilingual Spanish (advantage)

• 5 years’ minimum work experience in an R&D or QC department in a food processing company.
• Experience in a dressing & sauces manufacturing facility is an advantage.
• Microsoft Excel proficiency.
• Good organization skills and ability to produce detailed reports.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills;
  Spanish bilingual an advantage.
• Ability to work well with team members and other departments.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.

• Knowledge of manufacturing environment & practices.