Product Development Technician

Pharmavite•Valencia, CA

37d•$45,000 - $73,000

About The Position

Working at Pharmavite is an experience like no other. With a focus on complete nutrition for all, each endeavor is urgent and every day counts. You'll have the opportunity to work on the #1 selling national vitamin and supplement brand, Nature Made, as well as an exciting portfolio of other products that are shaping the future of the healthy living industry. Consumer-driven innovation, high quality products and a promising portfolio, all driven by a team with a shared sense of purpose -- that's Pharmavite. Join us to bring the gift of health to life. This role is not available for sponsorship, including I-983 participation. Position Summary: Prepares and evaluates bench-top prototypes, feasibility pilot samples, and/or scale-up batches based on written or oral instructions and procedures from formulators or other superiors. Works under minimal supervision and performs a variety of physical testing, equipment set-up, operation, and cleaning, and formulation support.

Requirements

Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. Some college courses preferred.
Requires five to seven years of experience in manufacturing (tableting, soft gel, and/or two-piece encapsulation) and/or in a pilot plant or lab environment.
Demonstrated ability to work independently.
Ability to simultaneously work on multiple projects.
Good time management skills so assignments are completed on time.
Basic arithmetic skills are required to calculate averages, percentages, and process times.
Basic computer skills, including data entry, word processing, and spreadsheets (Microsoft suite).
Good oral and written communication skills to be able to follow verbal and written procedures, maintain routine numerical records, and communicate clearly and concisely.
Understanding of formulation functionality for excipients and active ingredients.

Responsibilities

Conducts physical testing, such as but not limited to water activity, texture analysis, viscosity, particle size distribution, flowability, disintegration, and density, and reports results.
Independently runs all tablet, softgel, and two-piece encapsulation equipment and other related equipment to complete complex project assignments.
Records data and archives records data per the current SOP or JI.
Trains other technical personnel as needed.
Monitors and supports pilot and full batch manufacturing trials with minimal supervision.
Updates raw materials specifications and physical testing procedures as needed.
Sets up, operates, and cleans tablet presses, softgel encapsulation machines, two-piece encapsulation machines, and other lab equipment.
Supports formulators in conducting bench-tops and pilot plant runs.
Obtains raw materials from other facilities (Opelika, San Fernando, VALW) for benchtop and pilot work.
Logs in inventories of new and existing raw materials and supplies.
Files reports, specifications, and other documents as needed.
Supports the maintenance of pilot plant equipment by working with the maintenance team to troubleshoot and diagnose equipment issues. Also contacts outside vendors to order parts or services when needed.
Follows cGMPs and SOPs completely and correctly to meet industry and established department standards.
Performs other duties as assigned.