IFMA Foodverse

SUMMARY:

The Research and Development Technician operates as an employee to support the initiatives, business plan, and objectives of the Standard Meat Company (SMC) Team within the Research & Development department.  This specialist will be responsible for initiating and executing projects that meets SMC customer needs and desires.  The technician will contribute to the creation or alteration of new and existing food products throughout the new product development process from benchtop formulation to commercialization.

The Research and Development Technician must have excellent verbal and written communication skills to be able to communicate with internal employees, as well as external customers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Under the direction of the R&D Specialist and/or management, prepare and execute sample processing, packaging, and shipment.
• Schedule sample runs with R&D personnel, Operations management, FSQA Manager, and other departments as needed.
• Ensure accurate sample preparation including but not limited to accurate weighing of ingredients/materials, data measurements, and test run record keeping.
• Ensure specifications for samples are being followed or adjust as needed.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with team members in various departments including Sales, Operations, Culinary, Quality Assurance, Supply Chain, and Management.
• Request non-meat ingredients from vendors for samples to execute.
• Provide direction to production employees on new product expectations and processing/handling procedures.
• Participate in product sensory and organoleptic evaluation.
• Support in product commercialization upon project approval.
• Support in writing specifications and operation flows for new products.
• Other tasks as assigned.

OTHER DUTIES, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

• Understand HACCP and GMP’s
• Understand production processes of SMC plant
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Maintain a positive work environment
• Ability to execute mathematical equations

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• 2 years of experience working in the meat industry
• High School degree