R&D Lab Technician

Ruiz Foods•Frisco, TX

5h•$20 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

The R&D Lab Technician will be responsible for accurately preparing all samples according to the formula, which includes making cold and hot fillings, assembling, special processing, packaging, and labeling. This role involves observing, documenting, and alerting the R&D project leader of any difficulties encountered during sample preparation. The technician will also perform and document cooking validations, assist in internal sensory panels and product cuttings, and maintain adequate supplies of stock items, kitchen essentials, and organized storage spaces. Maintaining sanitary work surfaces and equipment, along with the calibration and reporting of analytical equipment, are key duties. The position requires receiving, dating, and storing new ingredient samples, notifying appropriate personnel of sample arrivals, and working collaboratively with other R&D members. Responsibilities extend to assisting in product production trials and adhering to all safety policies, USDA, GMPs, QA, HACCP, and sanitation regulations. The role may involve travel to plants, customers, and trade shows, potentially requiring hours outside of the standard first shift and exposure to cold temperatures.

Requirements

Minimum High School Diploma
One (1) to three (3) years related experience and/or training in a food manufacturing environment.
Knowledge of food handling procedures.
Must be able to lift to 50 lbs.
Ability to work under time pressures, flexible, and work with various levels of personnel.
Basic knowledge of computers and related word processing, and spreadsheet programs.
Strong math skills
Knowledge of English language (bilingual preferred, English/Spanish)
Competency in assembly, disassembly, operation, and sanitation of all laboratory equipment.
Competency in the use of all analytical equipment, including the pH meter, Water Activity Meter, Hunter Colorimeter, and Texture Analyzer.
At least one year Ruiz Food production experience or equivalent.
Serve Safe certification (Food Handlers or Manager)

Nice To Haves

bilingual preferred, English/Spanish

Responsibilities

Accurately prepare all samples according to the formula; to include making of cold and hot fillings, assembling, special processing, packaging, and labeling.
Observe, document and alert R&D project leader of any difficulties in preparing samples.
Perform and document cooking validations as assigned.
Assist in preparation and execution of internal sensory panels and multidepartment product cuttings.
Maintain adequate supply of all stock items.
Maintain organization of all small wares, dishware, flatware, and ingredients.
Maintain adequate supply of kitchen essentials such as foil, plastic wrap, and cleaning supplies.
Organize and maintain freezers, refrigerators, and storage spaces to include disposing or bringing to attention of R&D Supervisor any products that seem to be forgotten.
Maintain work surfaces, sinks, microwaves, and kitchen equipment in sanitary order.
Maintain analytical equipment, including regular calibration, as assigned. Report nonfunctioning equipment to R&D Supervisor.
Receive, date and store samples of new ingredients or materials, inspect products to ensure they are acceptable.
Notify appropriate person of the arrival of samples and storage location.
Work as a team: Assist other R&D members in completing their responsibilities.
Assist in product production trials.
Maintain knowledge, understanding and adhere to safety policies, USDA, GMPs, QA, HACCP, Sanitation rules and regulations, and company policies.
Regular and dependable attendance and punctuality is an essential function of this position.
Travel to plants, customers, and trade shows to support trials and collect raw materials (exposure to cold temperatures). May require hours outside of 1st shift