R&D Product Development Senior Chemist

Company Description

American Fruits and Flavors, LLC, located in San Fernando, CA, specializes in Flavor Creation and Fruit Juice Technologies to develop world-class food and beverage products. With diverse backgrounds in Flavor Creation and Fruit Juice Technologies, we deliver solutions that elevate products and pave the way for success. Our production capabilities, including a new plant and a second plant in Europe, allow us to meet the demands of global food and beverage manufacturers.

AFF's custom flavor and juice products are tailored to meet consumer preferences for Organic, Kosher, Halal, and many other regulatory requirements worldwide.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: This is a full-time on-site role for a R&D Product Development Senior Chemist at American Fruits and Flavors LLC. Analyzes,develops and improves new and existing products utilizing existing and new raw materials. Matches products supplied by customers and internal personnel from competitors. Calculates costing and suggested selling prices on all products developed. Directs the evaluation and testing of prototypes. May provide supervision to and direct the work of all R&D Product Development Chemists as well as Lab Technicians

• Must demonstrate superior creativity skills in product development.
• Originates and/or develops new and/or existing products including Juice Concentrates and Flavors based on defined customer or in‑house requirements with little to no direction or instructions.
• Requires little to no direction or supervision.
• Determines feasibility of certain projects based on production capacity, technology, equipment, and any other potential limitations.
• Performs cost analysis and suggested selling prices on all work performed.
• Creates master formulas and compounding instructions as needed.
• Prepares and revises product specification sheets.
• Contacts customers technical staff to determine customers' requirements with regard to product development and develops products which meet or exceed customer's needs and application.
• Provides technical assistance to customers and brokers.
• Provides on-site technical support to customers for 1^st time productions and/or any required trouble shooting assistance.
• Provides training to all R&D Product Development Chemists.
• Organizes and establishes guidelines, procedures, and policies for all outgoing samples.
• Assists the Q.C. and Production departments in first time production of all new products.
• Assumes responsibility for all sample request inquiries in R&D Product Development Manager’s absence.
• Performs other duties and special projects as required.
• Must be able to lift 25Lbs.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Food Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years Chemist experience.
• Analytical Skills.
• Research and Development (R&D) expertise.
• Laboratory Skills.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities to work effectively with cross-functional teams. 
• Supervisory and/or management experience preferred.