Research & Development Process Engineer

Riviana Foods; Foote Homes (TN); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Riviana Foods Inc. seeks a Research & Development Process Engineer to design, formulate, and develop new products for the Riviana rice platform. This includes prototype development in an experimental kitchen and pilot testing to validate processes.

You will collaborate with Product Development, Operations, Engineering and Marketing to move concepts from pilot lines to commercial production, leveraging 3+ years of relevant experience and a degree in chemical/food engineering.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical/food engineering.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a similar role.
• Technical knowledge of Riviana rice processes and regulatory product development.

Responsibilities

• Assist on product development activities, methodologies, and formulation processes.
• Propose methods and techniques for the project, and advise on solutions.
• Deliver projects through transfer to production or other areas with proper documentation.
• Prepare and present technical reports of trials and tests.
• Coordinate lab and pilot plant operations and ensure safe, compliant testing.

Skills

Thermal processes

Retorts

Ready to Serve

Rice instant process

Regulatory development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical/Food)

Job description

Welcome to Riviana Foods Inc. While you may not know us by our company name, you grew up loving our brands many of which have been your favourite's for over 100 years. We are America’s largest processor, marketer and distributor of branded and private label rice products. and our portfolio includes over 20 trusted brands with more than 500 products widely distributed in many countries around the world. Riviana brands are well known for their quality and excellence and the company is committed to providing the most wholesome products on the market today, to leading the rice industry in innovation, and to providing high-quality products you can be proud to serve your family. Our global reach is an important factor in Riviana's success. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ebro Foods, S.A., the world leader of the rice sector, we take a world view of the rice business and draw upon the global resources of our parent company. For a detailed look at our rice portfolio, click on this link - https://www.riviana.com/en-us/content/29880/OurBrands.aspx

Research & Development Process Engineer

About the Position

R&D Process Engineer is responsible for the activities related to the R&D Department as: Design, formulation, and development of new products, including prototype development in an experimental kitchen. Conducting pilot tests and industrial validations, interpreting results and proposing improvements. Generates product and ingredient specifications for the rice platform, all technologies: Long Cook, RTS, IQF, Instant. Process Scaling: Experience in moving, testing, and optimizing processes from pilot lines to commercial production. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Working with Product Development, Operations, Engineering and Marketing to bring new products to market. This position is under supervision of R&D director.

Job Responsibilities

• Assist on product development activities, methodologies, and formulation processes.
• Propose possible methods and techniques for the project, innovating where necessary and exercising sound technical judgement in recommending solutions.
• Effective completion of projects- either through the transfer of skills and knowledge to other areas (quality or production) or the delivery and technical transfer to operational areas within the company.
• Responsible for internal technical transfer (documentation and training) for production and quality staff.
• Prepare and deliver technical reports of trials and tests performed.
• Manage and operate laboratory and pilot plant equipment. Establish protocols of operations.
• Establish specifications, define testing requirements, and help with problem resolution.
• Coordinate industrial trials with operations ensuring their success in terms of quality, safety, and productivity.
• Conduct Heat penetration tests.
• Conduct Distribution tests.
• Keep record of the thermal process equipment (probes, readers, and software) and information.
• Strong team player, able to collaborate with peers in other areas and locations.
• Preparing appropriate documentation for the project- to record knowledge gained or technical documentation relevant to the development.
• Prepare executive summaries of the projects.
• Maintain and organize detailed records of prototypes, analysis, and trials.
• Create all technical specifications: ingredients, finished goods and processes.
• Able to identify confidential material and protect company IP from unauthorized release.
• Able to provide hands‑on training and support to other technical staff.
• Ensuring that at all times safe working practices are used.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Chemical/Food Engineering)
• At least 3 years’ experience in similar position.
• Technical knowledge of specifics applicable to Riviana rice:
  • Thermal processes and retorts,
  • Ready to Serve
  • Rice instant process
  • Raw materials
  • Regulatory product development processes

Riviana Foods Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and to compliance with all Federal, State and local laws that prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, age, military/veteran status, disability, predisposing genetic characteristic, marital status, sexual orientation/gender identity, citizenship where legally permitted to work, or any other protected category under federal, state or local law, regulation or ordinance. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations.

An Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/D/V