Research & Development Innovation Specialist

GENERAL SUMMARY: 

This is a salaried position at   City of Industry, CA that reports to the R&D Manager. Designs & creates   innovative products for breakthrough concept developments or alters &   improves existing products; use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, &   other sciences to study the principle underlying the processing &   deterioration of products. Develops specifications & ensures products are   produced in compliance with established quality parameters. Supports   transition of new products from bench top to production scale. Ensures that   new products developed meet all regulatory & customer requirements;   follows HACCP steps to ensure product safety & stability.

• The Research & Development  Innovation Specialist keeps abreast of   emerging food trends, consumer preferences, and innovations in ingredients or   technology to inspire new product ideas.
• Combines knowledge of food science, technology and   consumer trends to create new product profiles that are   industry breakthroughs. 
• Research & creates innovative products for new concepts of dressing & sauces that are in trend with consumer preferences; foods that are   tastier, healthier, safer or more convenient. 
• Coordinate with customers for needed changes   during the development process; provide revisions with sense of urgency to   ensure compliance with customer timeline. 
• Ensure that product   formulations comply with regulatory & industry standards, studies the microbiological, physical, & chemical properties of   finished products & ingredients. 
• Conduct HACCP analysis on new raw materials   used for product development as well as new finished products developed.
• Develop detailed mixing instructions to ensure that products are   manufactured optimally & consistently meet the specifications. Improve manufacturing processes   to be more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly without   compromising product quality.
• Conduct lab tests and trials to   ensure that food products are safe, stable, and high in quality. This   includes sensory evaluation and nutritional analysis.
• Create nutrition label & ingredient statements in compliance   with NLEA (Nutrition Labeling Enforcement Act); ensure compliance with   nutrition label claims. 
• Develop product & packaging specifications, including label   formats per customer specifications, USDA labeling & standard of identity   compliance. 
• Ensure that the checklist for new product development is completed   before product launch, emphasis on batch check & packaging specifications.
• Work with the Mix Deck mixers & helpers during the first 3   productions of new products to ensure that the correct materials are used,   validate recipe & mixing instructions.
• Update mix deck recipe to include new products approved or changes   as per SCR to be consistent with ROSS.
• Complete Private Label Specification as per customer required formats,   including completion of  customer   portal requirements for new products approved or specs up-date.
• Evaluate raw material substitutes for specs deviation typically due   to shortage or supplier issues; validated through actual product application   & group sensory.
• Develop re-work order for complicated products put “On Hold- MRB;”   non-compliance that needs actual product application confirmatory test.
• Evaluate results of competitive product analysis to benchmark GFF   products against competition. 
• Travel is needed to support new product launches, customer   presentations, attend conferences or for purchases of R&D-related   supplies (approx. 20% of the time)
• Create & submit RFC(   for costing), NPSU (for approved products). 
• Shelf-life studies and/or   product challenge studies.
• SOP/SSOP review &   development.
• HACCP risk assessment. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

• Must have a Degree in Technical Course (Food Science, Chemistry,   Microbiology, etc.) or equivalent work experience.
• 2-3 years’ experience in Research and Product Development position.
• Skilled in statistical charts & data analysis.
• Good communication, leadership, & interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work well with team members & other departments. 
• Strong Math skills,   Advanced Excel, spreadsheet, PowerPoint presentations capabilities.

DESIRED:

• Knowledge of manufacturing environment & practices.
• Dressing & Sauces manufacturing experience
• Food Processing Technology background
• Knowledge of CFR/FDA   Regulatory Compliance