Associate R&D Process Engineer: Scale-Up & Optimization

Nordic-Naturals; Vista (CA); On-site; USD 84,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

Nordic Naturals in Vista, CA is seeking an Associate R&D Process Engineer, Business Sustaining to support material, formula and process sustainment across softgel, gummy, and packaging operations.

You will assist in material qualification, engineering trials, and documentation, growing toward a full Process Engineer role with increasing ownership of trials and improvements within a regulated manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• BS in chemical engineering, industrial engineering, pharmaceutical engineering, food science, or related field.
• Experience in manufacturing, process development, or engineering (internships acceptable). Preference for dietary supplements, food, pharmaceutical, or regulated manufacturing.
• Familiarity with SAP, PLM, or other manufacturing systems is a plus.
• Hands‑on experience with production equipment, pilot trials, or lab‑scale process work.
• Ability to read, interpret and create SOPs, batch records, specifications.
• Ability to learn and operate specialized instrumentation for product characterization.
• Ability to deal with complex problems with many variables.

Responsibilities

• Own small‑scale engineering trials for softgels, gummies, and packaging‑adjacent processes, including data collection and parameter tracking under guidance.
• Support packaging trials and assist in softgel and gummy process development (encapsulation, cooking, drying, finishing, sampling).
• Support DOE studies, center‑lining, process capability assessments, and troubleshooting of process deviations.
• Own updates to MMRs, SOPs, batch records, and work instructions; maintain documentation accuracy through change control processes.
• Support development of process flow diagrams, equipment specifications, and trial documentation.
• Own small process improvement initiatives and support RCA/CAPA investigations through data gathering, documentation, and analysis.

Job description

Nordic Naturals in Vista, CA is seeking an Associate R&D Process Engineer, Business Sustaining to support material, formula and process sustainment across softgel, gummy, and packaging operations.

You will assist in material qualification, engineering trials, and documentation, growing toward a full Process Engineer role with increasing ownership of trials and improvements within a regulated manufacturing environment.