R&D Technician II

Basic American Foods•Blackfoot, ID

About The Position

The R&D Technician II supports the development and improvement of products, packaging, and processes while working alongside the Research & Development team. This hands-on role involves conducting tests, operating equipment, analyzing results, and supporting the development of new ideas. Work takes place in laboratory, kitchen, pilot plant, and production or manufacturing environments, and combines technical expertise, problem-solving, and independent work.

Requirements

Associate's degree from a two-year college or technical school, or 1–3 years of related experience and/or training.
Strong critical-thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills, including familiarity with A3 problem-solving methods.
Basic mechanical aptitude and experience operating food processing or similar industrial equipment.
Ability to perform laboratory testing, analyze results, and accurately document findings.
Proficiency with Excel, Outlook, Teams, and Word, and ability to work with systems such as Optiva, Red Jade, and IFS.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including professional email communication and serving as a point of contact for customer complaints when needed.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accurate, reliable data.
Ability to collaborate effectively with project teams and provide technical support.
Ability to travel up to 25% to support projects.
Ability to frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 100 pounds, with reasonable accommodations as applicable.
Ability to work in laboratory, kitchen, pilot plant, and manufacturing environments, including standing, walking, climbing, bending, reaching, and operating processing equipment.
Ability to work around varying temperatures, wet or humid conditions, moving machinery, and loud environments.

Nice To Haves

Forklift certification.

Responsibilities

Plan, coordinate, and execute research and development testing for new and existing products, packaging, and process technologies, including laboratory, pilot plant, and production plant trials.
Maintain accurate and detailed test documentation, including laboratory records, experimental results, formulations, analytical findings, and other relevant data.
Operate and maintain pilot plant equipment while ensuring proper housekeeping, food safety, and compliance with established procedures.
Support R&D Project Managers with research and investigations involving equipment, technologies, ingredients, materials, vendors, and product development activities.
Procure, organize, and manage ingredients and materials needed for R&D projects and testing.
Coordinate and maintain product shelf-life studies, including preparing samples, conducting tastings, documenting results, and maintaining temperature-controlled storage areas.
Manage inventory and order supplies, including shipping materials, cleaning supplies, office supplies, and equipment.
Perform laboratory testing and product analysis to support research, product development, and quality objectives.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams while independently managing assigned projects and priorities.
Support food safety initiatives and maintain a safe, organized, and efficient work environment.
Follow BAF safety policies and SQF Food Safety Code principles, and promptly report food safety, quality, workplace safety, or plant security concerns.