R&D Process Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The R&D Process Engineer is responsible for scaling up new formulations from research and development to full-scale manufacturing, with a strong focus on softgel and gummy production. This role collaborates closely with formulators, manufacturing teams, comans, and quality assurance to optimize processes, troubleshoot technical challenges, and ensure product consistency. The engineer will lead technology transfers between facilities, support pilot and plant trials, and assess raw material substitutions to enhance performance and supply chain flexibility. A strong problem solver, the R&D Process Engineer drives continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and integrate new technologies. This position plays a key role in bridging product development and large-scale production, ensuring seamless commercialization of high-quality dietary supplements. You thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects and competing priorities with excellence and efficiency.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Process Scale-Up & Optimization : Work closely with formulation scientists to transition new dietary supplement formulations (softgels, gummies, and other dosage forms) from R&D to full-scale manufacturing (internal or external) while ensuring process efficiency and product quality.

Softgel Manufacturing Expertise : Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot softgel encapsulation processes, including gelatin preparation, fill formulation, drying, and finishing operations.

Gummy Manufacturing Support : Assist in the development and scaling of gummy supplement formulations, optimizing cooking, depositing, curing, and packaging processes.

Technology Transfer : Lead the transfer of processes from one manufacturing facility to another, ensuring seamless knowledge transfer, process consistency, and regulatory compliance.

Pilot & Plant Trial Support : Plan, execute, and evaluate pilot and plant trials to validate new formulations, optimize production parameters, and troubleshoot scaling challenges.

Raw Material Substitution Assessments : Evaluate and qualify alternative raw materials to improve product performance, reduce costs, or address supply chain challenges while ensuring compliance with product specifications.

Equipment & Process Validation : Identify, test, and validate equipment and process parameters to improve production efficiency and ensure consistency in final product quality.

Technical Problem-Solving : Analyze process deviations, investigate root causes of manufacturing issues, and implement corrective actions to maintain high-quality standards.

Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams : Work closely with formulators, quality assurance, production, and regulatory teams to ensure seamless product development and compliance with industry standards.

Process Documentation & SOPs : Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), batch records, and work instructions for new and optimized manufacturing processes.

Regulatory & Compliance Support : Ensure all processes comply with FDA, cGMP, NSF, and other regulatory guidelines for dietary supplement manufacturing.

Continuous Improvement Initiatives : Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and optimize production costs.

Technology & Innovation Integration : Evaluate and recommend new technologies, materials, and processing techniques to enhance product performance and scalability.

Supports team through the process of perfecting formulations and processes across various locations

Supports development and management of 36-month product pipeline

Manage multiple projects in different stages at a high level of quality with attention to detail

Research, quote, and qualify new RMs, packaging, bulk product, and turn-key finished products

Seek out innovation through raw materials, formula combinations, delivery forms, packaging configurations, and / or clinical research that meets Nordic Natural’s quality and innovation standards

Partner with brand / marketing throughout the development process to ensure new product viability, ensuring product info is transferred effectively in support of desired claims and marketing collateral

Work directly with reviewing and qualifying new raw material vendors and contract manufacturers

Address issues associated with internal and external manufacturing planned and unplanned deviations

Establish and continue building viable working relationships with Nordic Manufacturing and NN HQ communicating project goals, timelines, and criteria for completion

Support the startup and maintenance of pilot plant operations as appropriate

Implementation of knowledge management strategies to improve access and accuracy of technical data to the appropriate functions

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Competency Statement(s)

Positive - Ability to view all situations with a positive attitude.

Innovative - Ability to look beyond the standard solutions.

Communication - Ability to communicate effectively with others using spoken and written word clearly and concisely.

Organized - Possessing the trait of being organized or following a systematic method of performing a task.

Detail Oriented - Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task.

Problem Solving - Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively with work-related problems.

Research Skills - Ability to design and conduct a systematic, objective, and critical investigation.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Computer Skills

Must be proficient with MS Office and have excellent Excel skills.

Other Requirements

BS in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related field plus 8 years of experience in formula and / or process development or equivalent combination of education and experience.

The estimated annual pay for this role is $116,000 to $122,000. This pay is an estimate and the exact compensation may vary depending on an applicant's location, skills, prior experience, professional qualifications, and other relevant factors. Additional compensation may also include incentive compensation (i.e. bonus or commission) if applicable.

At Nordic Naturals, ‘step one’ toward achieving our goal of a healthy world is taking care of our family of employees. We offer a comprehensive and attractive benefits program to employees and eligible family members. Our benefits & perks include the following :

• Multiple Health Plan Options
• Dental & Vision
• Dedicated Mental Health & Wellness Plan
• Access to Multiple EAP Plans
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• Paid Holidays (9 holidays per year)
• Paid Sabbatical (3 weeks of paid sabbatical after every 5 years of employment)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan (employer matches dollar for dollar up to 3%)
• Free Monthly Supplements
• Product Discount Program
• Wellness Coach

Nordic Naturals is an equal opportunity employer. A pre-employment drug screening and background check are conditions of employment.

At Nordic Naturals, we’re committed to delivering the world’s safest, most effective nutrients essential to health. Our award-winning omega-3 fish oil and other foundational nutrients are research supported, expertly formulated, rigorously tested, proven effective and, best of all, great tasting. With products for the whole family, we deliver the nutrients essential for healthy living.

Nordic Naturals has been revolutionizing omega-3s since 1995, pioneering a new definition of fish oil as it relates to purity, freshness, taste, and dosage. Headquartered in Watsonville, CA, the company has expanded beyond solely omega-3s and offers complementary, foundational nutrients essential to health. Our portfolio, which is distributed to over 35 countries, includes more than 200 products in a variety of flavors and formulations for adults, kids, athletes, and pets. Family owned; Nordic Naturals works passionately to see generations of healthier, happier people around the world.

Salary : $116,000 - $122,000