R&D Technician II

Basic American Foods; Blackfoot (ID); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Basic American Foods in Blackfoot, ID is seeking an R&D Technician II to join our hands-on development team. You will conduct testing, operate lab and pilot-plant equipment, and analyze results to turn ideas into tangible products.

Working across our lab, kitchen, pilot plant, and production environments, you’ll document findings, support project managers, and help maintain safety and quality as we bring new packaging and processes to life.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or two-year college/technical school.
• 1–3 years of related experience and/or training.
• Strong critical-thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills (A3 methods).
• Basic mechanical aptitude with lab or industrial equipment experience.
• Ability to perform laboratory testing and document findings.
• Proficiency with Excel, Outlook, Teams, and Word; familiarity with Optiva, Red Jade, and IFS.
• Strong written and verbal communication; professional email etiquette.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills; able to work independently.
• Willingness to work flexible hours; travel up to 25%.
• Forklift certification preferred.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs, up to 100 lbs occasionally.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute R&D testing for new and existing products and processes.
• Maintain accurate test documentation, including records and results.
• Operate and maintain pilot plant equipment and ensure safety and compliance.
• Support Project Managers with equipment, ingredients, materials, and vendors.
• Procure, organize, and manage ingredients and materials for R&D projects.
• Coordinate shelf-life studies and document tastings and results.
• Manage inventory and order necessary supplies and shipping materials.
• Perform laboratory testing to support development and quality objectives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and independently manage projects.
• Support food safety initiatives and maintain a safe, organized environment.

Skills

Critical thinking

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Excel proficiency

Outlook

Teams

Word

Lab equipment operation

Education

Associate's degree or equivalent

Tools

Optiva

Red Jade

IFS

Job description

R&D Technician II, Blackfoot ID

Do you enjoy hands-on work, solving problems, and helping bring new products and ideas to life? If you're detail-oriented, technically minded, and enjoy a variety of challenges, this could be the opportunity for you!

Who We Are

What makes an amazing meal so great? The people who create them – those in kitchens and dining rooms everywhere who work hard to plan, prepare, and cook every dish to perfection. They're heroes in our eyes, and it's our job to set them up for success.

We are proud of our 85-year history, and we credit our success to our startup mentality and strategic focus on providing tasty and innovative products to kitchens, cafeterias, and dining rooms throughout America. Our supportive and collaborative culture is driven by our mission – to make mealtime victories happen every single day.

Where We Are

Our locations in Southeast Idaho provide the family-friendly feel of a small town with plenty of nearby nature to explore. This area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and is only a short distance from two national parks!

What BAF Is Like

As a relatively flat organization, you have a voice from your first day, along with opportunities to explore, learn, and develop new skills through challenging and rewarding work.

We're focused on your success, both professionally and personally, and are committed to offering competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package.

We are a family-owned, family-friendly company that empowers and supports our employees. We live out our company values and expect all team members to do the same.

What Is the Role?

As a Technician II, you'll play an important role in supporting the development and improvement of our products, packaging, and processes. Working alongside our Research & Development team, you'll conduct testing, operate equipment, analyze results, and help turn innovative ideas into reality.

This is a hands-on position that combines technical expertise, problem-solving, and independent work in laboratory, kitchen, pilot plant, and production environments.

In this role, you will:

• Plan, coordinate, and execute research and development testing for new and existing products, packaging, and process technologies, including laboratory, pilot plant, and production plant trials.

• Maintain accurate and detailed test documentation, including laboratory records, experimental results, formulations, analytical findings, and other relevant data.

• Operate and maintain pilot plant equipment while ensuring proper housekeeping, food safety, and compliance with established procedures.

• Support R&D Project Managers with research and investigations involving equipment, technologies, ingredients, materials, vendors, and product development activities.

• Procure, organize, and manage ingredients and materials needed for R&D projects and testing.

• Coordinate and maintain product shelf-life studies, including preparing samples, conducting tastings, documenting results, and maintaining temperature-controlled storage areas.

• Manage inventory and order necessary supplies, including shipping materials, cleaning supplies, office supplies, and equipment.

• Perform laboratory testing and product analysis to support research, product development, and quality objectives.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams while independently managing assigned projects and priorities.

• Support food safety initiatives and maintain a safe, organized, and efficient work environment.

Do You Have the Ingredients to Become a Basic American Foods Hero?

We're Looking for Someone With:

• An associate's degree from a two-year college or technical school, or 1–3 years of related experience and/or training.

• Strong critical-thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills, including familiarity with A3 problem-solving methods.

• Basic mechanical aptitude and experience operating food processing or similar industrial equipment.

• The ability to perform laboratory testing, analyze results, and accurately document findings.

• Proficiency with computer applications, including Excel, Outlook, Teams, and Word, and the ability to work with systems such as Optiva, Red Jade, and IFS.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate professionally through email and serve as a point of contact for customer complaints when needed.

• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining accurate, reliable data.

• The ability to collaborate effectively with project teams and provide technical support.

• Flexibility to work outside normal business hours, including different shifts or weekends, when project needs require.

• Forklift certification preferred.

• The ability to travel up to 25% to support projects.

• The ability to frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 100 pounds, with reasonable accommodations as applicable.

You'll Love Working Here If You:

• Love what you do, and it shows. You're passionate about your work, enjoy learning new things, and take pride in delivering quality results.

• Are knowledgeable and confident, but never boastful. You bring your skills and experience to the team while remaining humble, approachable, and willing to learn.

• Are guided by integrity and personal values. You believe in doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.

• Hold yourself and others accountable. You take ownership of your work while treating others with dignity and respect.

• Believe in professional development. You're always looking for opportunities to grow your skills and support the development of others.

Work Environment & Safety

This position involves working in laboratory, kitchen, pilot plant, and manufacturing environments. Responsibilities may require standing, walking, climbing, bending, reaching, and operating processing equipment.

Employees may be exposed to varying temperatures, wet or humid conditions, moving machinery, and loud environments.

Safety and food quality are essential to everything we do. All employees are expected to follow BAF safety policies, uphold SQF Food Safety Code principles, and promptly report any food safety, quality, workplace safety, or plant security concerns.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform the essential functions of the position.

At Basic American Foods, we are an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and strive to create a supportive and inclusive community of individuals committed to helping each other and our company thrive.