R&D Technician

Gay-Lea-Foods; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 52,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Retirement savings plan

Paid vacation

Other perks

Job summary

Gay Lea is seeking an R&D Technician in Hamilton, ON to support product development through pilot plant trials and lab testing. Under the direction of a Research Scientist, you will execute formulations and testing plans, while maintaining lab readiness and safety.

The role involves handling samples, data collection, and equipment maintenance, with travel up to 20% and lifting up to 20 kg. A college diploma in related food science fields is required, with knowledge of pasteurization and

Qualifications

• College diploma in a relevant field for entry-level lab work.
• Knowledge of pasteurization and hygienic handling is a plus.
• Ability to follow SOPs and perform precise testing.

Responsibilities

• Operate pilot plant equipment for batch trials following the approved SOP.
• Prepare ingredients, samples, equipment and materials for trials and testing according to approved plans.
• Conduct analytical testing on samples and finished goods with accuracy and precision.
• Record ingredient usage and maintain inventory records; coordinate with Lab Coordinator.

Skills

Food formulations

Ingredient functionality

Batch calculations

Laboratory instruments

Excel

Teamwork

Communication

GMPs

Sanitation

Flexibility

Pilot plant basics

Education

College diploma in Food Science/Technology/related field

Tools

Pilot plant equipment

Job description

R&D Technician

Department: R & D

Reports to: Senior Manager, R&D Capabilities and Excellence

Status: Onsite - Hamilton, ON

The pay range for the role is $52,300 to $87,100 plus bonus, comprehensive benefits, retirement savings plan, paid vacation, and other perks and opportunities.

Purpose:

The R&D Technician provides hands-on support for product development through pilot plant trials, laboratory testing, sample preparation, and data collection. Working under the technical direction of a Research Scientist or Supervisor, the role executes approved formulations, trial plans, and testing methods to support development from concept through full-scale production. The position also supports the day-to-day readiness, cleanliness, and maintenance of laboratory and pilot plant facilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Good understanding of Formulations and ingredients specifications.
• Operate pilot plant manufacturing equipment for batch trials following the approved SOP.
• Prepare ingredients, samples, equipment and materials for trials and testing according to approved plans.
• Conduct analytical testing on samples and finished goods as per required instructions demonstrating high accuracy and precision.
• Ability to compile data and complete simple reports as per directions given from Research Scientist or Principal Scientist.
• Perform organoleptic testing and instrumentation testing following the approved SOP.
• Conduct sensory analysis of various dairy products with high accuracy and precision.
• Perform daily maintenance on equipment used in analytical testing or pilot batching.
• Prepare samples and required technical information for external laboratory testing, in coordination with the Lab Coordinator.
• Record ingredient usage, maintain assigned inventory records, and communicate replenishment needs to the Lab Coordinator.
• Perform laboratory and pilot plant cleaning daily as instructed.
• Follow quality procedures and safety program as per approved protocols.
• Support the execution of experiments and plant trials in manufacturing facilities according to approved plans and technical direction.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and traceable records of samples, formulations, processing conditions, test results, and trial observations.
• Identify and promptly report deviations, unexpected results, and equipment issues to the appropriate technical or operational lead.
• Support continuous improvement by sharing practical observations and suggesting improvements to SOPs, testing practices, and trial execution.
• Travel up to 20% to various sites and a valid G2 License with daily access to a car.
• Ability to lift up to 20 kg’s
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Minimum College diploma in Food Science/ Food Technology, Food Analytical Chemistry, Food Microbiology, Food/Chemical Engineering or Culinary School.
• Knowledge of pasteurization techniques, hygienic product handling, and basic pilot plant equipment operation and sanitation is an asset.

Skills:

• Basic knowledge of food formulations, ingredient functionality and processing principles; dairy-specific knowledge is an asset.
• Ability to perform formulation and batch calculations, including percentages, unit conversions and batch scaling.
• Ability to operate laboratory instruments and follow approved analytical testing methods accurately.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to complete assigned trial and testing activities independently once trained following approved procedures.
• Work primarily on days, but must be able to work flexible hours based upon business needs
• Working knowledge of food safety, GMPs, sanitation and laboratory safety.
• Working proficiency in Excel and ability to learn R&D software systems.
• Good communication and teamwork skills, including clear reporting of results and deviations.