R&D Mixing Technician in City of Industry, California at GFF Inc - Plochman Inc

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 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 & revisions to ensure that customer timeline is complied with. Submits completed weekly New Products Development Calendar. Assist in plant shakedown, transfer of lab batch process to production scale-up for the first 3 orders; provides feedback as to recommended modifications to be more efficient operationally without impacting product integrity.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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.
• Mix different recipe revisions until the target flavor profile is achieved; provides input in the process of revisions.
• Assist the R&D Processing Specialist & Product Development Specialist during product test runs; supports first three production validation as R&D transfer process to production.
• Conducts analytical tests (Total Acidity, Total Salt, pH, viscosity, moisture etc.) using designated testing equipment & following SOP.
• Conducts sensory testing for the purpose of product duplication or creating new product concepts.
• Maintains organized system of keeping Product Development Control samples for Quality Control team reference during first production.
• Ensures timely replenishment of raw material supplies needed for product development, from mix deck, spice room or warehouse.
• Collects samples & performs shelf-life testing validation of new products.
• Creates labels for samples to be sent to customers; fills-up lab sample request form for documentation of samples sent; delivers samples to local customers on as need basis.
• Maintains orderliness & cleanliness in the R&D Lab; regular clean-up & organization of the R&D refrigerators, dispose expired samples & raw materials.
• Supports the Sample Helper especially during times with heavy samples workload for Trade Shows.
• Other duties that maybe assigned.

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE

REQUIRED:

• 5 years’ minimum work experience in R&D or QC department in a Food processing company.
• Experience in dressing & sauces manufacturing facility an advantage.
• Requires Microsoft Excel Proficiency
• Good organization skills & detailed reports.
• Good communication & interpersonal skills; Spanish bi-lingual an advantage
• Ability to work well with team members & other departments.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.

DESIRED:

• Knowledge of manufacturing environment & practices.