Research and Development Technician

Reports to: Product Development Manager

Location: Irwindale, CAMake a greater impact at Bonduelle Americas! Bonduelle Americas is a certified B Corp inviting people to embrace a flexitarian lifestyle with an expanding portfolio of plant-rich products available in and beyond the produce aisle. We operate four facilities and employ nearly 3,000 Associates in the US. Bonduelle Americas is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Groupe Bonduelle (BON.PA), an established global brand with more than 170 years of family heritage bringing the joy of plants to tables around the world. Globally, our ready-to-eat plant-rich food products are grown on 173,000 acres by our grower partners and marketed in nearly 100 countries. Our mission is to inspire the transition toward a plant-rich diet to contribute to people's well-being and planet health. Join us at Bonduelle Americas for an opportunity to advance your career in a culture that places people first. As a valued member of our company, you will work in a mission-driven environment aimed at preserving the planet's resources while providing healthy plant-based products to millions of consumers around the world.

Position Summary: This is an innovative and visionary team. The candidate for this position must be a self-motivated, creative thinker, with strong interpersonal skills. This position is an entry-level position, requiring multiple-project management skills, and ability to accomplish tasks in cooperation with others.

Key Responsibilities: Under the direction of the Product Development manager, this position is responsible for: 50% Managing and coordinating execution of product samples including communication with internal teams (sales, operations, customer service, etc) and external teams (FedEx, DHL, etc). Maintaining adequate inventories of ingredients, packaging, and shipping materials. Ordering and picking up ingredients required from production facilities and suppliers when necessary. 30%: Assisting with product development related activities: Conducting various tests and analytical procedures related to the development and improvement of new and existing products, including line trials, shelf-life testing, sensory evaluation, and other evaluation procedures. Recording and management of internal data, written and verbal reports, summaries, evaluations, and file management related to the above and other activities. Assisting with spec set up/maintenance of internal/external specs using various database systems. Utilizing Genesis nutritional program, preparation and maintenance of ingredient information 10%: Participating in various project meetings with cross-functional teams, which involves program development, brainstorming sessions, timelines and project status updates.

Minimum Qualifications: BS in Food Science or related science (nutrition, dietetics, chemistry, microbiology, food engineering, etc.) 1-2 years of relevant work experience Requires knowledge in food product design, formulation, ingredient functionality and interaction, nutrition facts, process design, product scale-up, plant testing and commercialization Highly organized, excited to learn, open minded, self-starter able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, adapt well to change and able to prioritize multiple work assignments Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written)

Physical Requirements: Ability to conduct plant trials requiring climbing of catwalks and stairs in a refrigerated, wet processing environment Ability to lift up to 30 lbs 30% desk time/70% standing/lab work Some travel as required

About the company: We aim to inspire the transition toward a plant-rich diet to contribute to people's well-being and planet health. Since 1853, the family business has already crossed seven generations, with a drive that has stood the test of time: to create solutions to offer the consumer the best of what nature gives us. Offering high-quality plants from sustainable agriculture, harvested at the height of their maturity and very little processing: our promise is possible thanks to the work of close proximity and mutual trust with our 2,000 farmers partners, all over the world. Behind our three brands (Bonduelle, Cassegrain, Globus), 9,000 employees and a whole ecosystem of stakeholders are committed to contribute to a balanced diet, sustainable and affordable diet for as many people as possible.