Sr Research & Development Technician

at  SCHWANS

Schwan’s Company, a U.S. affiliate of the global lifestyle company, CJ CheilJedang Corporation, is a leading U.S. manufacturer and marketer of quality foods offered through retail-grocery and food-service channels. Our many popular brands include Red Baron®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Villa Prima™ and Freschetta® pizza; Mrs. Smith’s® and Edwards® desserts; and Pagoda® and Bibigo Asian-style snacks. Schwan’s is a place for people with an appetite for more. To learn about joining a team where you can belong, contribute, and thrive, visit www.schwanscompany.com
We are searching for a Research & Development Technician or Sr Technician to join our team in Fullerton, CA. In this role you will be responsible for the support of Research & Development groups in the areas of new product development, product improvement, cost reduction, product maintenance, lab operations and maintenance, sensory testing and technical support. We are willing to train if you have good software skills, organizational skills, a passion for food and good team work!

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent; Associates degree preferred.
• 1+ years of related experience - lab experience or food manufacturing experience preferred but not required
• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Strong communication and interpersonal skills; intermediate PC skills including Microsoft Suite; good problem solving and critical thinking skills; ability to create and work with simple to complex spreadsheets; ability to learn the operation of R&D laboratory instruments and basic R&D lab and pilot plant equipment; ability to taste and ingest any type of food product currently under development.
  The employing subsidiaries of Schwan’s Company are Equal Employment Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, age, race, color, religion, gender, vet status, national origin, or other protected class

• Prepares experimental formulas or processing techniques and specifications with guidance from scientists or engineers.
• Develops and validates cooking instructions or other product documentation according to established guidelines and procedures, with guidance from food scientist
• Coordinates test run requirements or testing methods. Observes and document test results and problems and recommend solutions
• Maintains bench top and pilot lab operations, inventory records, retained samples, project related ingredients, and other relevant performance data
• Prepares and ships ingredients, subassemblies, and finished goods according to request and instructions
• Prepares samples for evaluation by the project team, R&D Leadership, Marketing, Focus Groups, and even customers.
• Analyzes problems and makes recommendations utilizing experience and knowledge.
• Keeps lab areas, pilot lab, annex, and equipment clean and operational according to cleaning and operational instructions
• Maintains operational status of instruments. Notifies engineering, maintenance, or equipment suppliers of necessary calibration or repairs.
• Assists in developing specifications for raw material, subassemblies, and finished products, processing techniques or product testing