New Product Development Technician

Job Description

Position Summary

The New Product Development Technician reports to the Director, Innovation, Head of US New Product Development. The role is responsible for leading the upkeep and compliance of the product development lab, including equipment calibration and maintenance, SOP development, regulatory and inventory management, training coordination, and supporting sample runs and special projects, while ensuring accurate recordkeeping and adherence to safety and budgetary requirements. Role is intended as a stepping stone into product development or manufacturing scale-up.

Responsibilities

• Lead Product Development lab upkeep:
  • Lead calibration of lab equipment & preventive maintenance of wet lab equipment
  • Follow SOP's for various methods to test products and create specification ranges
  • Lead preventive maintenance on wet lab equipment
  • Lead small line extension projects on existing brands
  • Support and execute shelf-life plan to test stability of product both in accelerated and real-time conditions
  • Manage bi-annual inventory tracking of all ingredients inclusive of flavors, and support disposal of expired ingredients including flavors
  • Labels and sample shipping on own projects to internal or external customers
  • Schedule all lab trainings & report near misses
  • Support wet lab sales sample runs as requested incl. batching procedures
  • Maintain accurate, up to date records, hardwired or digital lab notebooks
• Regulatory & compliance:
  • Maintain accurate record of alcohol inventory, use & receipt in NPD tracking system & ensure compliance in accordance with alcohol license displays
  • Lead special projects - developing shelf-life extension tools, pipeline projects; Maintain inventory record of all ingredients - Enforce expired inventory to be destroyed; maintain destruction records for all ingredients in accordance with policies
  • Maintain accurate documentation on all testing, project work in digital lab notebooks (One-Note). Review with Lab manager each month for feedback & continuous improvement
  • Promote teamwork, Support lab and people safety and shared knowledge amongst the lab staff
  • Track budget on own projects & company issued P-card expenses and any PO'S across lab spend

• Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, food science, and/or similar
• 2+ years' experience in a laboratory or product development environment, preferably in food, beverage, or chemical industries.
• Experience with laboratory equipment calibration, maintenance, and SOP development.
• Familiarity with wet lab operations, sample preparation, and batching procedures.
• Proficient in digital and hardcopy laboratory notebook management.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance, especially regarding alcohol handling and inventory tracking.
• Experience coordinating training, maintaining inventory records, and managing budgets or P-cards.
• Ability to manage vendor relationships and external service schedules.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Commitment to lab safety and continuous process improvement.

• Bilingual (English/Spanish)

• Must be able to sit and/or stand for long periods of time and work on a computer for extended periods. Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.