Product Development Technician

Cresco Labs•Joliet, IL

7d•$65,000 - $70,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Product Development Technician supports the Cresco Lab’s business strategy in developing, evaluating, and commercializing new and optimized products. This role contributes to prototype creation, ingredient screening, sample preparation, production trials, shelf-life studies, technical documentation, and manufacturing support. The Technician works cross-functionally with R&D, Operations, and Quality teams to help ensure products meet Cresco Labs’ standards for quality, consistency, compliance, and consumer experience.

Requirements

1-3 years prior work experience in a laboratory or manufacturing setting supporting R&D or Product Development
Associate degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Engineering, Biology, Food Science, or a related scientific or technical field preferred; equivalent experience in laboratory, manufacturing, or product development environments may be considered
Strong attention to detail with the ability to produce accurate documentation, trial records, and technical reports
Ability to work effectively in a team environment
Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently
Demonstrates initiative, accountability, and a sense of urgency in exceeding project timelines, performance expectations, and professional development goals
Possesses creative problem-solving skills
Ability to stand for long hours when needed
Experience with cannabis extracts, processing, or food and beverage production and different infusion techniques a plus
Must be able to lift and move 50 pounds, and perform typical cleaning of facilities and equipment
Must be 21 years of age or older to apply
Must comply with all legal or company regulations for working in the industry
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without the need for current or future sponsorship at any time.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Engineering, Biology, Food Science, or a related scientific or technical field preferred; equivalent experience in laboratory, manufacturing, or product development environments may be considered
Experience with cannabis extracts, processing, or food and beverage production and different infusion techniques a plus

Responsibilities

Support the development team across a wide variety of projects including but not limited to new product development, product optimization and new ingredient evaluations
Plan and conduct product and process development trials from product briefs through commercialization
Maintain subject matter expertise of equipment functions, operations and troubleshooting processes used in the Cresco network
Work in the Joliet, IL. facility for 80-100% of working hours
Ability to travel to other in-state or out-of-state company locations with reasonable notice, as business needs require
Execute benchtop and production-scale development trials using bench-top laboratory and manufacturing equipment
Record, analyze, interpret, and present technical data to support product and process decisions
Create product prototypes and samples for distribution to key project stakeholders
Work with cross-functional team members to learn, perform, plan and train for new product launches from benchtop scale through manufacturing scale and product commercialization
Research, diagnose, and troubleshoot technical issues during development and production phases and find creative solutions with urgency
Monitor and take action to improve manufacturing yields and product scrap reduction
Identify, validate and develop resources to demonstrate and maintain product quality before, during and after product commercialization
Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary laboratory and production work environment in accordance with company standards
Develop manufacturing documentation in a timely and detailed manner
Participate in non-medicated product evaluations and creative brainstorming sessions, providing feedback on product appearance, taste, texture, format, and overall consumer experience
Work independently or with cross-functional team members to meet product commercialization timelines and schedules
Prepare, maintain, monitor, and report on shelf-life studies
Conduct product quality testing during development using analytical equipment and methods, including pH, viscosity, moisture analysis, particle size analysis, and water activity testing
Research and suggest new ingredient applications to support, improve and diversify product portfolios
Adapt to changing priorities, project needs, and work locations in a fast-paced product development and manufacturing environment
Participate in establishing, improving, and adhering to policies, procedures and reporting requirements for all relevant Environment, Health and Safety regulations; local, state and federal food safety regulations; GMP and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); GFSI, SQF, BRC and/or customer food safety requirements and other third-party inspections