R&D Engineer / Scientist

Description

Job Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Research Engineer to join our dynamic team. This role is ideal for individuals passionate about advancing technology through innovative research and development. The Senior Research Engineer will provide scientific and engineering support to run the R&D Food laboratory. Primary responsibilities include managing and completing customer-funded R&D projects, serving as a subject matter expert, troubleshooting processes, and supporting scale-up from development to production. This role emphasizes particle technology, food processing, and GMP compliance.

AVEKA Group is a dynamic, innovative Contract Manufacturing, Research, and Service Company headquartered in Woodbury, MN. As an Employee-Owned Company (ESOP), we specialize in particle processing and technology. Our expertise includes spray drying, fluid bed agglomeration, milling, grinding, separation processes, colloidal dispersions, bulk powder processing, microencapsulation, and surface modification. We serve diverse industries such as Industrial, Food, Health and Wellness, Agribusiness, Cosmetics, Personal Care, Environmental, 3D Printing, Medical, and Microelectronics.

Responsibilities:

Food Lab Responsibilities:

• Oversee operations and logistics for food-related projects.
• Manage and complete assigned customer-funded R&D projects as Principal Investigator.
• Projects may include standard services, exploratory concepts, scale-up development, or complex research initiatives.
• Ensure safety, cleanliness, and organization in the Food Lab.
• Handle food-grade products following best practices and 21CFR110 guidelines.
• Partner with Quality teams to maintain compliance with GMP standards.
• Document cleaning and training records for the Food Lab.
• Address and resolve GMP-related issues in consultation with management.
• Maintain cleaning tools and chemicals for the lab and equipment.
• Initiate internal projects to expand capabilities or explore new tools and equipment.
• Perform hands-on experimental and processing work at laboratory and pilot scales.
• Plan and execute experiments, including equipment setup, modification, and cleanup.
• Analyze results and prepare detailed reports.
• Provide technical expertise and lead work:
• Train and mentor R&D Operators and coworkers.
• Collaborate with other Principal Investigators to support ongoing projects.
• Partner with Business Development to define scopes of work and customer follow-ups.
• Coordinate with Quality to meet customer requirements.
• Participate in IP development as requested.
• Engage in AVEKA sub-teams (e.g., Safety, Quality Audits, ESOP committees).
• Lead process scale-up and improvements:
• Explore emerging tools and platforms for particle technology.
• Address process bottlenecks and streamline operations.
• Work with R&D and Production teams to design scalable processes.
• Prioritize and schedule projects with the R&D Group Leader.
• Maintain clear communication with Quality and Shipping/Receiving teams.

Work Environment:

• Primarily based at AVEKA Woodbury (95%), with occasional travel (5%) to other AVEKA sites, customer locations, or conferences.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Engineering, Food Chemistry, Biosystems Engineering, or Chemical Engineering.
• 3-5 years of experience in engineering or a related field.
• Experience working in GMP environments such as laboratories, pilot plants or manufacturing facilities

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong analytical skills and technical knowledge.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and technical software.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Familiarity with FDA regulations, ISO standards, and GMP processes.
• Experience handling high-value and food-grade materials and food grade raw materials and chemistry.