Research and Development Technician

Bonduelle Group Americas; Irwindale (CA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Bonduelle Americas in Irwindale, CA is seeking an entry-level Product Development Coordinator to support the Product Development Manager. You will coordinate sample execution, ingredients, and supplier interactions while performing lab tests on new and existing products.

Ideal candidates are self-motivated, organized, and eager to learn in a plant-based foods environment with collaboration across sales, operations, and customer service.

Qualifications

• BS in Food Science or related field.
• 1–2 years of relevant work experience.
• Knowledge in food product design, formulation, ingredient functionality and nutrition facts.
• Strong organizational and communication skills; ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Willingness to travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage product samples under the Product Development Manager.
• Maintain inventories of ingredients, packaging, and shipping materials.
• Order ingredients from production facilities and suppliers when needed.
• Conduct tests and analytical procedures for new and existing products, including line trials and shelf-life studies.
• Assist with spec setup and maintenance using internal/external specs.

Skills

Food product design

Project coordination

Interpersonal communication

Multitasking / organization

Lab coordination

Education

BS in Food Science or related field

Tools

Genesis nutritional program

Job description

• Department: Product & Development
• Reports to: Product Development Manager
• Location: Irwindale, CA

Make a greater impact at Bonduelle Americas!

Bonduelle Americas is a certified B Corp inviting people to embrace a flexitarian lifestyle with an expanding portfolio of plant-rich products available in and beyond the produce aisle. We operate four facilities and employ nearly 3,000 Associates in the US.

Bonduelle Americas is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Groupe Bonduelle (BON.PA), an established global brand with more than 170 years of family heritage bringing the joy of plants to tables around the world. Globally, our ready-to-eat plant-rich food products are grown on 173,000 acres by our grower partners and marketed in nearly 100 countries. Our mission is to inspire the transition toward a plant-rich diet to contribute to people's well-being and planet health.

Join us at Bonduelle Americas for an opportunity to advance your career in a culture that places people first. As a valued member of our company, you will work in a mission-driven environment aimed at preserving the planet’s resources while providing healthy plant-based products to millions of consumers around the world.

Position Summary:

This is an innovative and visionary team. The candidate for this position must be a self-motivated, creative thinker, with strong interpersonal skills. This position is an entry-level position, requiring multiple-project management skills, and ability to accomplish tasks in cooperation with others.

Key Responsibilities:

• Under the direction of the Product Development manager, this position is responsible for:
• 50% Managing and coordinating execution of product samples including communication with internal teams (sales, operations, customer service, etc) and external teams (FedEx, DHL, etc).
• Maintaining adequate inventories of ingredients, packaging, and shipping materials.
• Ordering and picking up ingredients required from production facilities and suppliers when necessary.
• 30%: Assisting with product development related activities:
• Conducting various tests and analytical procedures related to the development and improvement of new and existing products, including line trials, shelf-life testing, sensory evaluation, and other evaluation procedures.
• Recording and management of internal data, written and verbal reports, summaries, evaluations, and file management related to the above and other activities.
• Assisting with spec set up/maintenance of internal/external specs using various database systems.
• Utilizing Genesis nutritional program, preparation and maintenance of ingredient information
• 10%: Participating in various project meetings with cross-functional teams, which involves program development, brainstorming sessions, timelines and project status updates.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS in Food Science or related science (nutrition, dietetics, chemistry, microbiology, food engineering, etc.)
• 1-2 years of relevant work experience
• Requires knowledge in food product design, formulation, ingredient functionality and interaction, nutrition facts, process design, product scale-up, plant testing and commercialization
• Highly organized, excited to learn, open minded, self-starter able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, adapt well to change and able to prioritize multiple work assignments
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written)
• Physical Requirements:
• Ability to conduct plant trials requiring climbing of catwalks and stairs in a refrigerated, wet processing environment
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs
• 30% desk time/70% standing/lab work
• Some travel as required