Product Development Scientist II

Rich Products Corporation•Buffalo, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Rich’s, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a family-owned food company dedicated to inspiring possibilities. From cakes and icings to pizza, appetizers and specialty toppings, our products are used in homes, restaurants and bakeries around the world. Beyond great food, our customers also gain insights to help them stay competitive, no matter their size. Our portfolio includes creative solutions geared at helping food industry professionals compete in foodservice, retail, in-store bakery, deli, and prepared foods, among others. With more than 13,500 associates working globally in 100 countries and annual sales of $5.8 billion, Rich’s is a global leader with a focus on everything that family makes possible. Rich’s®—Infinite Possibilities. One Family. Rich Products, a $5.5Billion food manufacturing company, is looking for a Product Development Scientist II to join our growing R&D Team. In this role, you will be responsible for new product development, product maintenance and product improvement for our toppings, creams and culinary solutions (TCCS) category. In this role, you will collaborate with cross functional teams to ensure successful development and commercialization of new products, product improvement or cost reductions. You will conduct routine, non-routine and complex research and development activities concerned with the chemical, biological and/or physical complexity of product formulations in order to develop new products and evaluate and improve the quality of existing products and related processes. You will successfully partner with others cross-functionally. This role is based in Buffalo, NY, with expected travel of up to 25%.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Food Engineering or related field with 2+ years product development related experience in food preparation/food industry; or M.S.in Food Science, Food Engineering, or related field with 1+ years product development related experience in food preparation/food industry.
Experience in applying advanced mathematics (i.e. statistics) and their practical application required.
Broad understanding of food science (e.g. biochemistry, microbiology, nutrition, etc.) acquired through both lecture and laboratory work.
Demonstrated ability to apply technical standards, principles, theories, concepts and techniques.
Solid verbal and written communication skills and presentation skills; with all levels within an organization.
Demonstrated ability to work in a fast paced environment.
Solid PC proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 including Word and PowerPoint; intermediate to advanced proficiency level in Excel and database, statistical software (spreadsheets, computer analysis; report writing).

Nice To Haves

Experience developing some of the following - ambient icings, fillings, glazes, emulsions, dairy, UHT products highly preferred.
Proficient with relevant software tools (e.g. PLM, etc.) a plus.
Ability to use presentation and project management software beneficial.

Responsibilities

Prepares prototype and line extension products using research lab, pilot lab, manufacturing facilities and equipment, as required. Typical project assignments involve small product line extensions and iterative new products (e.g. modifying a customized product formula to create a new product).
Plans, organizes and completes projects of modest scope or are a segment of a larger project. Selects and/or develops appropriate methods for conducting projects and assists in designing experiments.
Interfaces frequently with various internal departments (i.e. Marketing, Purchasing, Engineering) and customers in accomplishing project milestones.
Selects and evaluates raw materials for experiments
Sets-up, operates and maintains research lab equipment.
Works with outside labs, universities, ingredient suppliers and lab equipment vendors as needed by project activity
Designs and conducts complex shelf life and storage studies, including product and package performance under various conditions and makes recommendations for appropriate adjustments in product and/or package as required.
Designs and conducts storage studies, including product and package performance under various conditions
Performs complex measurements and statistical analysis.
Presents results of complex experiments and recommendations to various groups, both internally and externally.
Orders materials for producing and evaluating complex prototypes
Develops solutions to a variety of technical problems of moderate scope and complexity by applying extensive technical knowledge and experience.
Maintains accurate, up to date records, laboratory notebooks and computer database
Prepare and document all plant validation trials according to department protocol.
Ensures the work environment is sanitary, safe, and orderly.
Maintains a sanitary, safe and orderly work environment