R&D Technician

COMPACT INDUSTRIES INC; St. Charles (IL); On-site; USD 44,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Compact Industries, Inc. in St. Charles, IL is seeking a Full Time R&D/QA Lab Technician. The role involves preparing samples per procedures, evaluating materials, weighing ingredients, and maintaining thorough data logs for customer projects.

The position requires a High School Diploma or GED, the ability to lift 20 lbs, and strong math and organizational skills. The job includes benefits, paid time off, and a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Experience in R&D or QA Laboratory and production facility.

Responsibilities

• Check emails and follow instructions from Managers and Food Scientist.
• Prepare samples according to procedures and obtain approvals.
• Weigh ingredients, record data, and verify criteria before sending to customer.
• Pack and ship according to customer instructions and log data.
• Keep lab clean and organized and communicate findings to R&D.

Skills

Math skills

Multitasking

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Email

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: St. Charles, IL - St Charles, IL 60174, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $44,000.00 - $52,000.00 Salary/year, Do you want to transform your job into a career?

Compact Industries, Inc. is a women/family-owned company, and we are looking for energetic people that are eager for success to join our team. Since 1963, Compact Industries has been the leading contract manufacturer of dry food products to the Fortune 500 companies that market the national brands you know and love to become part of our growing team.

Why Compact?

• Day One- Comprehensive Benefits Package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life
• 401k retirement plans – The Company will contribute a matching contribution equal to (a) 100% of your 401(k) contributions that do not exceed 3% of your gross wages and (b) 50% of your 401(k) contributions that are more than 3% of your gross wages but not more than 5% of your gross wages.
• Attendance Bonus Program
• Referral Bonus Program
• Advancement Opportunities
• Two Weeks PTO Accrual in the First Year
• Paid Weekly
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Lunch
• Onsite Gym and Wellness Program
• Tuition Reimbursement

PURPOSE:

To make, evaluate and provide samples that meet internal and external customer expectations and requirements.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Daily:

• Check emails. Receive instructions from Managers and Food Scientist about changes in existing formulas or creating new ones.
• Evaluate any expired material, substandard product, batches on hold, and new ingredients for approval.
• Prepare samples according to preparation procedure. Call Manager and Food Scientist to evaluate sample and control. Seek out and follow instructions for next steps.
• Retrieve ingredients from warehouse if needed while following all GMPs.
• Weigh ingredients according to the formula and mix or blend them in lab blender. Weigh the formula; take density, brix, screen analysis, and any other analytical data of blended formula. Evaluate to ensure it meets established criteria before sending them to customer.
• Pack and ship according to customer’s instructions. Enter information in corresponding file. Keep accurate data log in timely manner.
• Keep laboratory clean and organized, including washing dishes, cleaning counters and cabinets.
• Evaluate samples with R&D team and identify differences to help with product development and hold batches.
• Effectively communicate to R & D members in timely manner to ensure successful project completion.

Weekly:

• Take inventory of supplies (spoons, plastic cups, bags, beakers, etc.). Notify Manager and Food Scientist in timely manner if more supplies are needed.
• Take inventory of ingredients needed in lab, replace expired ones. Send list of ingredients taken from warehouse to inventory group to make the proper adjustments in Syspro. Add new ingredients to the existing ingredient library.
• Keep R&D file folders organized and current.
• Assist in completing finished good specifications for needed parameters.
• Prepare R&D standards for first commercialization runs and/or as needed.

Monthly:

• Keep a retain of each sample sent to customer. Make space for future retains by discarding old retains.
• Make a list of all new ingredients received from suppliers and keep them in numbered boxes for easy retrieval.
• Keep R&D cage clean and organized.

Occasional, Infrequent:

• Maintain the R&D outside area by keeping items organized and clean. Discard all expired samples.
• Review R&D procedures and forms with the R&D department

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to lift on average of 20 lbs.
• 70% of the day standing or walking.
• Flexible hours required; may need to start earlier or stay late based on customer/plant/ QA needs.

COMPUTER SKILLS:

• Proficient in Microsoft word, excel, email

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Operate a bag sealer, mixer, K-Cup sealer, scale, cappuccino machine
• Multitasking, organizational skills
• Ability to handle confidential information
• Strong basic math skills
• Ability to speak Spanish is a plus

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma or GED

WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Experience in R&D or QA Laboratory and production facility.