Quality and R&D Technician

Prinova USA; SOUTH PLAINFIELD (NJ); On-site; USD 74,501,000 - 85,962,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) with match

Paid time off

HSA & FSA

Life insurance

Training & development

Holidays

Job summary

Prinova, a leading global supplier of ingredients and premix solutions, is seeking a Quality and R&D Technician in South Plainfield, NJ. You will perform organoleptic testing and QC instrumentation, maintain records, and ensure FDA-aligned procedures are followed on the production floor.

The role requires a science degree with 1–2 years of experience (or equivalent), strong regulatory interpretation, and meticulous documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, or related field with 1–2 years of relevant experience.
• Or an Associate’s degree with 3–5 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in food manufacturing, nutraceuticals, or a regulated environment.
• Ability to interpret regulatory information and create quality documents.

Responsibilities

• Testing support using GC/GC-MS and wet analyses.
• Documenting results and maintaining QC records.
• Maintaining and cleaning lab equipment and glassware.
• Ensuring QA processes meet specifications.
• Collaborating with other departments and coordinating with Sample Coordinator.

Skills

Regulatory knowledge

Analytical skills

Mathematics & calculations

Detail orientation

Time management

Team player

Laboratory skills

Education

BSc in Chemistry or related field

Associate degree in science

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Tools

GC & GC-MS

Mettler Toledo autosampler

Polarimeter

pH meter

Refractometer

Spectroscopy instruments

Job description

Unlock your potential with Prinova

We are Prinova, a leading global supplier of ingredients and premix manufacturing solutions, and trusted by the world’s best-known food, beverage, and nutrition brands. Part of the NAGASE Group, our expertise lies in Ingredient Distribution, Manufacturing Solutions, and Customized Services. Our global network of colleagues, located in offices and manufacturing facilities around the world, deliver sustainable value-added solutions to our customers. We are recognized for our deep expertise, commitment to excellence, and bold innovation, which have earned us a strong reputation as a trusted industry leader. Wherever your career is headed, you’ll find direction, opportunity, and belonging with us.

Quality and R&D Technician

Department: Quality/Regulatory, Aromas

Location: South Plainfield, NJ

Type: Full-time

Summary: The Quality and R&D Techincian will perform routine operations of organoleptic testing, QC analytical instrumentation (including, but not limited to GC, GC-MS, Mettler Toledo autosampler D4, RX4, UV7 colorimeter, MiniFlash FP Vision, Polarimeter Polax-2L, Semiautomatic Polarimeter POL-200, Handheld density meter, Handheld refractometer, pH meter) routine maintenance, instrument verification, and maintaining proper records according to appropriate FDA guidelines for Foods.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Testing: Supporting testing for production and samples using GC, GCMS. Performing wet analysis: specific gravity, refractive index, optical rotation, and flash point. Perform approval of inbound raw materials, work orders, labels and in-process production products, cataloging and handling samples according to procedures. Assist in the completion of product samples, as requested by the Sample Coordinator.
• Documentation: Recording and analyzing test results and documenting quality control and manufacturing processes. Perform production in-process inspections at the required frequencies. Generate associated documentation and communicate non-conformances.
• Equipment: Preparing, maintaining, and cleaning equipment and glassware.
• Quality Assurance: Maintaining quality assurance processes and ensuring that products meet quality specifications.
• Communication: Good communication skills, detail-oriented and team-oriented. Interacting with other departments and sharing findings with others.
• Inventory: Keeping inventory of laboratory supplies and chemicals. Keeps abreast of current regulations and industry standards. Abide by all food safety programs and be able to monitor the area for food safety adherence.
• Will complete other duties assigned.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, or a related scientific discipline and 1-2 years of relevant experience
• OR, Associate's degree in a scientific discipline and 3-5 years of relevant experience or
• An equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in food manufacturing, nutraceuticals, or a regulated environment.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Ability to read, understand, and interpret regulatory information, industry standards, and International and Federal Food Regulations. The ability to format and create regulatory/quality documents where necessary
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent. Thorough understanding of unit conversions and nutritional analysis calculations
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment

Travel: 0 to10%

Work Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift/or move 25lbs
• Work environment is normally on the production floor. Must be able to make frequent rounds in a warehouse environment
• Ability to view a computer screen and type for extended hours
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time
• Other physical requirements include moderate standing and occasional squatting, bending, and twisting
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time
• Must be able to wear any required PPE such as scrubs, hair net, lab coat, and facemask
• Ability to work in a packaging area with a moderate powder substance in the air with or without a respirator
• Ability to work above shoulders
• Other physical requirements include frequent squatting, bending, twisting, and bi-lateral wrist movement
• Ability to work around a variety of different smells and aromas
• Ability to adjust work schedule as business needs require.

Quality/Safety Responsibilities: All Prinova employees are required to ensure compliance standards with food safety, food defense, and food quality (FDA, ILDPH, FSMA, and BRC). It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with occupational safety and health standards issued under OSHA and to follow all rules, regulations, and procedures established by the Company to ensure that their actions do not impact the health and safety of themselves or others.

What’s in it for you?

Competitive Pay – $26 - $30 an hour

Experience, education, geographic location and shift all taken into consideration.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Employer paid STD and LTD
• HSA and FSA
• Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave
• PTO
• Employer paid Basic Life Insurance
• 401(k) & Roth with employer match
• Eight Paid Holidays + 3 Floating Holidays
• Voluntary - Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident
• Personal growth including training and development opportunities

Disclaimer: Prinova is committed to providing equal opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, creed, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition, medical leave, marital status, citizenship status, ancestry, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, genetic information, domestic violence victim status, Civil Air Patrol status, or any other characteristic or group status protected under applicable law.