R&D Laboratory Technician

Prinova USA; Norton Shores (MI); On-site; USD 37,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) with employer match

Paid leave and holidays

Job summary

Prinova is seeking an R&D Laboratory Technician to support agglomeration sample creation and material evaluation at our Norton Shores, MI facility. This role oversees the lab, pilot operations, and storage areas, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance.

The candidate will handle sample logistics, execute work orders, and may perform light formulation adjustments under direction. Strong regulatory, analytical, and data interpretation skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or equivalent in a scientific discipline with 1+ years’ related experience and/or training.
• “OR” Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a scientific discipline with academia-related experience and/or training.
• “OR” 2+ years’ experience in a related work environment.
• Previous lab experience and knowledge of metric system required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain sample warehouse inventory, including receipts and transfers.
• Manage and overhaul the sample work order (launch, execute, close) process.
• Operate and maintain the 5K pilot agglomerator and associated laboratory equipment.
• Create agglomerated samples based on work orders and instructions/direction provided by the Commercialization Manager.
• Maintain appropriate documentation records for all pilot batches.
• Organize and fulfill direct requests for 3rd-party raw material or finished good samples.

Skills

Regulatory interpretation

Documentation

Mathematical calculations

Data interpretation

Written communication

Education

Associate’s degree in scientific discipline

Bachelor’s degree in scientific discipline

2+ years related experience

Tools

Excel

Word

Inventory management systems

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.

R&D Laboratory Technician

Department: R&D - Particle Tech

Location: Norton Shores, MI

Type: Full-time

Summary

The R&D Lab Technician creates agglomerated samples for customer evaluation. In addition, the R&D Lab Technician will evaluate raw materials and finished goods by performing laboratory testing when applicable. The R&D Technician will direct and oversee the laboratory, pilot, and R&D storage areas in training and day-to-day operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain sample warehouse inventory, including receipts and transfers.
• Manage and overhaul the sample work order (launch, execute, close) process.
• Operate and maintain the 5K pilot agglomerator and associated laboratory equipment.
• Create agglomerated samples based on work orders and instructions/direction provided by the Commercialization Manager.
• Maintain appropriate documentation records for all pilot batches.
• Organize and fulfill direct requests for 3rd-party raw material or finished good samples.
• May need to do light formulation adjustments for the sample lab.
• Lead coordinator on internal resample requests.
• Will complete other duties as 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

• Associate's degree or equivalent in a scientific discipline with 1+ years’ related experience and/or training
• OR Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a scientific discipline with academia-related experience and/or training
• OR 2+ years’ experience in a related work environment
• Previous lab experience and knowledge of metric system required

Required Skills/Abilities

• Ability to read, interpret, and apply regulatory information, industry standards, and international and federal food regulations.
• Proficient in creating, formatting, and maintaining R&D and Quality documentation.
• Strong mathematical aptitude with the ability to perform calculations involving whole numbers, fractions, decimals, rates, ratios, percentages, and unit conversions.
• Knowledge of nutritional analysis calculations and data interpretation.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate the accuracy, validity, and appropriateness of information and make sound business judgments.
• Strong organizational, prioritization, and decision-making skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail with a consistent focus on accuracy and quality execution.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word, as well as database, inventory management, and customer/contact management systems.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data to support quality, regulatory, and operational objectives.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively document and communicate technical information.

Work Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Work environment is normally in an office setting. 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
• 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

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 – $27 - $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.