R&D SPECIALIST I - 1ST SHIFT

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Formulates and / or re-formulates existing products with the simplest and most cost-effective formulations that can be manufactured efficiently based on the priorities of meeting profitability objectives, company deadlines, operating budget responsibilities, and company goals.
• Supports manufacturing by providing technical troubleshooting in situations where corrective action is required to increase efficiencies, rectifies product deviations, resolves quality problems, and works out production difficulties.
• Coordinates, develops and evaluates existing formulas to ensure that they are compliant with NOW specifications.
• Inputs information into Oracle in the form of bill of materials, specifications, and manufacturing instructions.
• Works directly with Pilot Plant equipment as needed for product trials, production troubleshooting, and other related activities assigned.
• Completes and evaluates product approval packages for final review by appropriate managers.
• Performs tests on new and existing raw materials in order to provide information needed to determine whether to accept or reject based on parameters set forth by manufacturing capabilities.
• Reviews manufacturing processes, determining where improvements could be implemented in terms of product quality to contribute towards the success of the company.
• Follows all company requirements related to standard operating procedures and change control procedures.
• Complies with safety and GMP requirements.

SAFETY STATEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

Supports a culture of safe production and operations; follows all safety rules and procedures. Actively participates in the safety program by : engaging in training activities to learn what constitutes a safety hazard; reporting safety concerns to the supervisor, submitting safety suggestions, and correcting or reporting to the appropriate people when an employee sees a workplace health or safety hazard, until it is resolved. Assists with communicating safety information to new employees. Fulfills responsibilities as outlined in the company safety management plan.

QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and / or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s of Science degree in Food Science; or minimum of two years related experience and / or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Intermediate skill level with Microsoft Office required. Familiarity with tableting and encapsulation preferred. Food or pharmaceutical industry experience and experience with gluten-free products a plus.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to handle testing equipment, raw materials and finished product, tools, or controls and communicate in person and on the telephone. The employee frequently is required to taste or smell and ascend and / or descend stairs. The employee is occasionally required to move from place to place within the facility, to reach, ascend and / or descend, balance, or stoop. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, ability to adjust focus and color vision.

The employee must regularly lift, move (in some cases drag items), slide, raise and / or place :

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The employee is frequently be exposed to vapors, powders and / or herbal aromas.

This position works in all areas of NOW’s manufacturing facilities with direct exposure to ingredients (powders and liquids), mixes (powders and liquids), equipment, and packaging.