R&D Chef's Assistant

About Amy’s  

At Amy’s Kitchen, we're more than just a food company- we're a family-owned, proudly independent organic, and vegetarian food company on a mission. As a Certified B Corporation®, our purpose is clear: to make it simple and enjoyable for everyone to eat well.  

We're committed to crafting authentic, mouthwatering dishes using only the finest organic ingredients sourced with care. From farm to table, we ensure top-notch quality in every bite, making healthy eating accessible and convenient for all. At Amy’s, we're not just serving meals; we're serving up a taste of goodness, one delicious dish at a time.  

Shift:   1st | 5am start time 

Pay:    $26-36/hr.

Location:   2330 Northpoint Parkway, Santa Rosa, CA 95407

Amy’s Perks:   

• A fun and safe atmosphere where teamwork is encouraged    


• Weeks of on-the-job training for your new role   


• Discount on Amy’s products    


• Opportunities to grow and advance your career    


• Competitive compensation and benefits package    


• Affordable Amy’s meals on-site for lunch and dinner     


• Bonus incentives based on attendance and safety    


• Referral Bonuses   


• Safety Shoe Program, covered by Amy’s   


• 401k program (up to 4% contribution matching after 1 year)    


• Parental Leave Program    


• Education reimbursement; scholarship Program     


• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Unpaid Time Off options   

SUMMARY

The R&D Chef’s Assistant will assist in the development of all new and reformulated products for Amy’s Kitchen. They will assist in the preliminary preparation, cooking and assembling of new products. The Chef’s Assistant will assist the R&D Chef and R&D Staff in the prepping and executing (cooking) of various tests and tastings, and will assist with all other food preparation in the R&D Kitchen as needed. The R&D Chef’s Assistant will spend some of their day working in the production areas of the plant(s). This role will carry out all R&D activities on the production floor working to ensure proper scale-up of recipes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Includes the following, other duties may be
assigned as needed.

• Learn and understand the processes for manufacturing our products.


• Execute recipe cooking in kitchen during scale-up.


• Maintain R&D samples in holding freezer, making sure all products are organized.


• Learn and understand formulations and batch sheets.


• Execute all types of batch sheets and/or formulations, following standard procedures and ensuring that all pertinent information is accurate and properly documented.


• Track all recipe changes and other pertinent information needed for scale-up activities.


• Check all ingredients and intermediate foods to verify they match batch sheet requirements, and are made to standard.


• Independent troubleshooting of scale up issues. Report back to management with recommendations to address issues.


• Understand the safe use of all equipment (Current equipment as well as new/test equipment units).


• Instruct production staff on use of equipment for all new production runs.


• Taste products frequently ensuring they are meeting R&D standards.


• Execute all instructions given to them by R&D manger and chef.


• It is the responsibility of all employees to uphold the mission of the Amy’s Food Safety and Quality Policy. This includes following all Food Safety and Sustainability programs and participating in all required training.
  

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong working knowledge of Amy’s Kitchen manufacturing and production processes.


• Must have ability to communicate effectively.


• Strong English Skills (both written and verbal) required.


• Must have ability to multi-task and prioritize.


• Team oriented.


• Ability to take initiative; self starter.


• Basic computer skills/knowledge.


• Basic math skills.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• This job does not have supervisory responsibilities.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Culinary technical degree, or five to seven years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to read and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations.


• Ability to write business correspondence.


• Ability to effectively present information to coworkers at a peer level and respond to questions from coworkers, supervisors or managers.

MATHMATICAL SKILLS

• Ability to work with basic mathematical concepts (addition, subtraction, etc.)


• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY

• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.


• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral , diagram, or schedule form.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, OR REGISTRATIONS

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to stand and walk, use hands to
handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, talk or hear,
and taste or smell. The employee will occasionally push, pull, lift and/or move 50 - 65 pounds, and
team lift over 100 pounds. No specific vision abilities are required for this position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
While performing the essential functions of the job the employee may be exposed to and/or work near
moving mechanical parts, wet and/or humid conditions or extreme cold. The noise level is usually
moderate. The position requires frequent movement, reaching, stretching, lifting, pulling, pushing and
rapid movements.