R&D Pilot Lab Technician

All Aviation Jobs

Vista (CA)

On-site

USD 37,000 - 43,000

Full time

5 hours ago

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Job summary

All Aviation Jobs in Vista, CA is seeking a R&D Pilot Lab Technician to support the development and scale‑up of softgel processes in the Product Development pilot facility. You will prepare and run pilot‑scale softgel batches, operate equipment, perform in‑process testing, and document results with high accuracy.

As the softgel pilot lab is newly established, you will help develop workflows, SOPs, batch records, and equipment readiness under the guidance of the Senior R&D Process Engineer, while

Qualifications

Minimum 3 years’ experience working in manufacturing, preferably in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical or food production.
Must be able to read and interpret documents such as standard operating procedures, and regulations
Must be able to work cross functionally with many different departments and various skill levels
Basic knowledge of food & supplement regulations such as cGMPs is highly desirable
Ability to deal with complex problems with many variables
Basic skills in math, including algebra are required

Responsibilities

Prepare and execute pilot‑scale softgel batches (including gelatin prep, fill formulation, encapsulation, drying) with increasing independence and strong attention to process parameters.
Operate, clean, tear down, and maintain softgel pilot equipment; perform basic troubleshooting and identify mechanical or process issues for escalation within PD.
Conduct in‑process and analytical testing (viscosity, density, fill weight, moisture, gel strength, pH) and prepare samples for QA, stability, or external laboratory evaluation.
Support development and maintenance of pilot lab workflows, SOPs, batch records, equipment logs, and cleaning procedures for softgel operations.
Maintain pilot lab inventory of raw materials, consumables, and testing instruments; ensure readiness and 5S organization across the lab.
Contribute to small process improvement initiatives and support RCA/CAPA investigations through accurate data collection, documentation, and process observations, within the pilot lab environment.
Execute small‑scale engineering trials under guidance, including parameter tracking, sampling, data logging, and trial documentation to support DOE, center‑lining, and process capability assessments.
Work closely with PD Formulators and the Senior R&D Process Engineer to support softgel development, scale‑up readiness, and business‑sustaining technical activities.
Communicate equipment issues, process risks, and trial outcomes to PD engineering leadership to support ongoing pilot lab development and optimization.

Skills

Detail oriented

Cross-functional teamwork

Problem solving

MS Office proficiency

Tools

MS Office

Excel

Job description

Location - Vista, CA - On Site

Salary - $27/Hour to $31/Hour

Position Summary

The R&D Pilot Lab Technician supports the development, optimization, and scale‑up of softgel processes within the Product Development pilot facility. This role is responsible for preparing and executing pilot‑scale softgel batches, operating and maintaining pilot equipment, performing analytical and in‑process testing, and documenting trial results with high accuracy. As the softgel pilot lab is newly established, the Technician will help develop lab workflows, SOPs, batch records, and equipment readiness under the guidance of the Senior R&D Process Engineer. The position also supports material qualification activities by conducting pilot‑scale evaluations, collecting data, and preparing samples to inform technical assessments within PD.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Function Statement(s)

Softgel Pilot Execution & Equipment Operation

Prepare and execute pilot‑scale softgel batches (including gelatin prep, fill formulation, encapsulation, drying) with increasing independence and strong attention to process parameters.
Operate, clean, tear down, and maintain softgel pilot equipment; perform basic troubleshooting and identify mechanical or process issues for escalation within PD.
Conduct in‑process and analytical testing (viscosity, density, fill weight, moisture, gel strength, pH) and prepare samples for QA, stability, or external laboratory evaluation.

Pilot Lab Setup, Documentation & Continuous Improvement

Support development and maintenance of pilot lab workflows, SOPs, batch records, equipment logs, and cleaning procedures for softgel operations.
Maintain pilot lab inventory of raw materials, consumables, and testing instruments; ensure readiness and 5S organization across the lab.
Contribute to small process improvement initiatives and support RCA/CAPA investigations through accurate data collection, documentation, and process observations, within the pilot lab environment.

Engineering Trial Support & PD Collaboration

Execute small‑scale engineering trials under guidance, including parameter tracking, sampling, data logging, and trial documentation to support DOE, center‑lining, and process capability assessments.
Work closely with PD Formulators and the Senior R&D Process Engineer to support softgel development, scale‑up readiness, and business‑sustaining technical activities.
Communicate equipment issues, process risks, and trial outcomes to PD engineering leadership to support ongoing pilot lab development and optimization.

Competency Statements

Positive - Ability to view all situations with a positive attitude.
Accountable – takes ownership for responsibilities, acknowledges and learns from mistakes
Innovative - Ability to look beyond the standard solutions and "think outside the box".
Independent – Must be self‑motivated and able to manage obligations without direct supervision
Assertiveness - Ability to act in a self‑confident manner to facilitate completion of a work assignment or to defend a position or idea.
Communication - Ability to communicate effectively with others using spoken and written word clearly and concisely.
Customer Oriented - Ability to take care of the customers’ needs while following company procedures.
Enthusiastic - Ability to bring energy to the performance of a task.
Self-Motivated - Ability to be internally inspired to perform a task to the best of one’s ability using his or her own drive or initiative.

Position Qualifications

Minimum 3 years’ experience working in manufacturing, preferably in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical or food production
Must be able to read and interpret documents such as standard operating procedures, and regulations
Must be able to work cross functionally with many different departments and various skill levels
Basic knowledge of food & supplement regulations such as cGMPs is highly desirable
Ability to deal with complex problems with many variables
Basic skills in math, including algebra are required

Skills & Abilities

Meticulous attention to detail.
Ability to produce high-quality work with limited supervision.
Must possess knowledge pertaining to the nutraceutical industry and must be well versed in a variety of ingredients, their usage, forms, activities and all other relevant characteristics.

Computer Skills

Must be proficient with MS Office and have advanced Excel skills.

Certifications & Licenses

N/A

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Demands

Stand
F (Frequently)
Walk
F (Frequently)
Sit
F (Frequently)
Handling / Fingering
F (Frequently)
Reach Outward
F (Frequently)
Reach Above Shoulder
F (Frequently)
Climb
O (Occasionally)
Crawl
O (Occasionally)
Squat or Kneel
O (Occasionally)
Bend
O (Occasionally)
10 lbs or less
O (Occasionally)
11-20 lbs
O (Occasionally)
21-50 lbs
O (Occasionally)
51-100 lbs
O (Occasionally)
Over 100 lbs
Only when assisted by other team member
Push/Pull
12 lbs or less
O (Occasionally)
13-25 lbs
O (Occasionally)
26-40 lbs
O (Occasionally)
41-100 lbs
Only when assisted by other team member