What are the responsibilities and job description for the R&D Technician position at Califia Farms, LLC?
Overview
WHO WE ARE: CALIFIA FARMS
Rooted in California, Califia Farms is on a mission to create a future where plants replace dairy, without compromise. The company creates a variety of great-tasting plant-based beverages that make the transition to eating plant-based dairy easy and delicious. Califia Farms is one of the fastest-growing, independently owned, natural beverage companies in the U.S., the UK and Australia, and is well-known for its iconic curvy bottle. Califia Farms was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in the downtown Los Angeles Arts District, with a manufacturing facility in Bakersfield, Calif. The company’s culture is built around four core values: passion for purpose, insights into action, fierce interdependence, and challenger spirit.
Responsibilities
- Support the execution of experiments, prototype development and plant trials by R&D Scientists & Engineers
- Weigh and mix ingredients, support lead technician on operating equipment on benchtop and pilot plant scale
- Tear down and clean equipment according to GMPs established for the food industry
- Assist R&D team members on collecting samples and data for product quality monitoring including pH, solids, color measurements, performance testings
- Assist Scientists with their experiments and prepare prototypes in the Lab/Pilot Plant
- Provide technical coverage and support for plant trials as requested by R&D Scientists & Engineers
- Support on operation, cleaning, calibration and maintenance of lab/pilot plant facilities and equipment for Food Product & Process Development activities
- MicroThermics Pasteurization/Sterilization equipment
- Homogenizer, Silverson, Thermomix
- Processing and lab areas (pHmeter, solids analyzer, particle size analyzer)
- All other R&D equipment as directed (appropriate training will be provided)
- Collect and maintain experimental and production samples/data
- Collect samples and/or data during experiments or after production trials as directed by R&D Scientists/Engineers
- Maintain sample inventories for prototypes, shelf-life samples and retrieve requested samples for evaluation and sensory tests as directed by R&D Scientists/Engineers
- Order and maintain stock ingredient and supplies inventories as necessary and requested by team members
- Ensure cleaning and maintenance of facilities and enforce pest control for Pilot Plant and R&D office spaces
Qualifications
- Experience with food manufacturing equipment and working in a food manufacturing environment
- Experience in the use of laboratory equipment is a plus
- Able to learn and follow GMPs and SOPs for food manufacturing at Califia Farms
- Able to leverage resources and tools available at Califia Farms to understand our products and processes
- Basic understanding of Food Operation, Safety, Cross Contamination, HACCP etc. Training will be provided as necessary.
- Able to stand for extended periods and work in a laboratory environment including handling lab material and a multitude of ingredients
- Have a mechanical aptitude and understanding of safety
- High School Diploma and a minimum of 3 years’ experience in food manufacturing
This position is classified as Non-Exempt (eligible for overtime). The expected hourly rate for this position is between $26.00 – $29.00 per year based on a full-time schedule. Location, confirmed job-related skills and experience will be considered in setting the actual hourly rate.
The Company is committed to providing equal opportunity for employees and applicants in all aspects of the employment relationship, without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law.
Salary : $26 - $29
