R&D Lab Technician (CPG)

TEK NINJAS; Burlington (MA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

TEK NINJAS in Burlington, MA is seeking an Engineering, Design, R&D - Testing Technician to support beverage development across multiple platforms and brands. The role involves managing the product development lab, from roasting and grinding to formulation and sensory evaluation, ensuring efficient workflows and a safe working environment.

You will work under Product Developers to prepare prototypes, conduct analyses, and document results.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in a scientific field or 5+ years lab experience.
• 3-5 years lab experience in food/beverage preferred.
• Proficiency with beverage development techniques.
• Knowledge of GLP and food safety regulations.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work in team and manufacturing environments.
• Experience with LIMS and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Prepare sample prototypes and formulations, conduct benchtop experiments and analyses.
• Oversee daily operations of the product development lab and manage materials.
• Conduct shelf-life studies and maintain records of tastings and evaluations.
• Enforce lab safety protocols and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain accurate lab inventory and coordinate procurement as needed.
• Ensure lab equipment is calibrated, maintained and serviced.
• Document experiments with data integrity and traceability.

Skills

Lab techniques

Formulation

Analytical testing

Sensory evaluation

GLP knowledge

Quality assurance

Time management

Team collaboration

Communication

MS Teams

Education

Associate degree in a scientific field

Tools

Laboratory information management systems (LIMS)

MS Office

Job description

Job Title: Engineering, Design, R&D - Testing Technician

Location:Burlington, MA 01803

Duration:12+months

Job Description

The Laboratory Technician role will support the Product Innovation and Productivity agenda to develop coffee and powder beverages across existing and new platforms and several brands. The Laboratory Technician will work in a dynamic environment to support the development and commercialization of new concepts and prototypes. This role will be responsible for managing the daily operations of the product development laboratory within the Coffee R&D department, with duties that span roasting, grinding, flavoring liquid and powder beverage products, as well as organizing the lab to facilitate efficient workflow. The successful candidate will exhibit a passion for innovation and a willingness improve ways of working and demonstrate flexibility and resilience to changing business needs and priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Skills: Prepare sample prototypes and formulations, conduct benchtop experiments, testing and analysis, in support of product development, productivity and customer projects, working closely under the direction of Product Developers. Raise technical issues promptly and effectively to project leads.
• Laboratory Management: Oversee the daily operations of the product development lab, including shipping and receiving of samples and ingredients and ensuring a safe, clean and efficient working environment.
• Shelf-Life Studies: Manage shelf-life studies to evaluate product stability and quality over time; managing product pulls, keeping an accurate record keeping of tastings and facilitating sensory and analytical evaluations.
• Lab Safety: Implement and enforce laboratory safety protocols, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and best practices.
• Inventory Management: Maintain accurate inventory of lab supplies and equipment, coordinating procurement as needed to ensure uninterrupted operations.
• Equipment Maintenance: Ensure all laboratory equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, and serviced to guarantee accurate and reliable results.
• Documentation: Maintain detailed and accurate records of experiments, tests, and results, ensuring data integrity and traceability.

Requirements

• Education: Associate degree in a scientific field (Food Science, Chemistry or Biology preferred) or 5+ years experience in a lab environment in related scientific fields.
• Experience: 3-5 years of experience in a laboratory setting, preferably within the food and beverage industry with demonstrated experience with lab management.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in laboratory techniques relevant to beverage development, including formulation, analytical testing and sensory evaluation.
• Knowledge: Strong understanding of food safety regulations, Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and quality assurance principles.
• Organizational Skills: Excellent organizational and time-management abilities, with a keen attention to detail.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with R&D and cross functional team members.
• Adaptability: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines, and to work independently and in a team environment.
• Computer Skills: Proficiency in using laboratory information management systems, and standard office software such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Proficiency with MS Teams is a plus.
• Team Collaboration: Enjoys working in a team-based culture and collaborative environment. Ability to occasionally work in a manufacturing environment.