Job Description:

Description: Our organization is seeking to fulfill the role of Research & Development Technical Services (RDTS) Specialist to oversee the development of new internal product specifications based on customer requirements. The RDTS Specialist will interface with potential and existing customers, participating in customer presentations to understand desired product quality attributes. They will plan and execute production trials, analyze results, and present data as it relates to quality, food safety, and production. The RDTS Specialist provides support to the Quality Assurance and Food Safety (QAFS) Team and other plant personnel to develop QA laboratory testing protocols and will be responsible for preventive maintenance and calibration of lab equipment. This role reports directly to the QAFS Manager as responsibilities fall under the scope of the QAFS management systems. This role will also lead the maintenance of the company's supplier approval program, directing risk analysis for new ingredients and ensuring update to date documentation for existing suppliers.Roles and Responsibilities:â— Works collaboratively in the execution of development from bench to production scale for new products and product improvementsâ— Conduct variety of applicable tests and analyses on products to determine inherent properties before presenting analysis of results to the leadership team for further product development and improvementâ— Collaborate with operations to conduct production trials to ensure successful launch of new and revised productsâ— Apply sound scientific methods in all stages of development including planningexecuting trials and analyzing dataâ— Participates in customer presentations andor prepares productcontent for customer meetingsâ— Report and present oralwritten updates including product demonstrations to team and customersâ— Submit Food Safety and Quality Management documentation to customers per customer Supplier Quality Assurance requirementsâ— Work with QA to conduct product shelf-life, quality testing, and troubleshootingâ— Designtest products to ensure shelf-life stability and all aspects of product (flavor, color, texture, nutritional content, etc.)â— Conduct packaging stability assessments to deliver against customer specificationsâ— Develop product labels and nutritional declarations to comply with all statefederal regulatory labeling requirementsâ— Manage documentation and records in order to ensure that they are complete, current, secure, and easily retrievable; this may include designing, organizing, andor maintaining technical and regulatory recordsreportsâ— Identify, classify, maintain, and protect files, documentation, and sensitive information consistent with record handling and retention requirements; record data from analyses or experiments in a computer, log book, or laboratory notebookâ— Develop new ingredientproduct specifications and own formula entry into formula management systemâ— Ensure laboratory equipment is operated in a consistent and accurate manner according to approved methodsâ— Maintain lab calibration and preventative maintenance programs for lab equipmentâ— Create and revise QA lab methods, procedures, and protocols as needed, reviewing data for completeness and accuracyâ— Manage supplies for the R&D test kitchenâ— Maintain a laboratory environment that is clean, orderly, and safeâ— Understand and comply with all food safety and food manufacturing policiesproceduresâ— Maintain up-to-date technical knowledge of analytical equipment and test methods while training others as needed on equipment proceduresuseâ— Lead the development and maintenance of the supplier approval program, conduct risk analysis for ingredients, and maintain documentationâ— Assist in conducting onsite supplier audits, issue audit reports, and follow up on non-conformances and corrective actionsâ— Perform other duties as assignedRequired Skills & Qualifications:â— Bachelor of Science in Food Science or applicable technical fieldâ— Exposure and knowledge of Food Safety Systems, CFR, FSMA, GFSI, HACCP, GMPs, etc.â— Experience with Quality Assurance, Food Safety, and Regulatory Complianceâ— Minimum 5 years' experience with food manufacturing products, preferably Ready-To-Eat peanut ingredient processingâ— Technical writing experience, specifically relating to product specifications and laboratory proceduresCompensation & Benefits:This will be a full-time, exempt position. Company provides competitive salary based on experience with potential for annual bonuses. Medical, Dental, and Employee Life Insurance is provided by the company as well as Short-Term Disability, 401K Matching, Paid Time Off, and (10) Paid Holidays.