Description:
We are seeking a dynamic and innovative R&D Coordinator to join our snack food company in the Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas area, where the new R&D Lab will be located, this role will be hybrid during the first 6 months, and subsequently working from the R&D lab. This hands-on lab position involves working closely with our product development team to innovate and refine our snack food products, including pellets, tortillas, and pork-based items. The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in supporting seasoning and packaging applications within the R&D Lab. This position involves hand-on seasoning formulation and packaging prototypes, ensuring precise applications and testing. The lab coordinator will be responsible for maintaining materials inventory updated, and ensuring a clean, organized and efficient workspace. This role requires you to have a strong background in food science, experience with various ingredients and packaging, a meticulous attention to detail, strong organizational skills and maintaining the laboratory spotless. This position requires the ability to work collaboratively with all product development category leaders. Fluency in both English and Spanish is required.
Key Responsibilities
Product Development and Innovation:
- Collaborate with the R&D product development category leaders to develop and test new snack food, focusing on pellets, tortillas, and pork-based products.
- Experiment with ingredients and formulations to innovate high-quality snack options.
- Produce prototypes for customers, food expos, innovation workshops, or internal ideation.
- Conduct sensory evaluations and gather feedback to refine product formulations.
- Assist in the design of the best product development documentation repository information system, in collaboration with the R&D team lead by the Seasoning manager, and IT organization
- Ensure innovation process compliance (Stage gate) delivering and meeting all the critical activities to deliver the projects on time and according to industry legislations and the company high quality standards
Ingredient and Packaging Expertise:
- Research and source new ingredients to enhance product quality, taste, and nutritional value.
- Assist in the development of new seasonings and packaging materials
- Develop and test new packaging solutions to ensure product freshness, safety, and appeal.
- Support on shelf-life validation across the three different product categories
- Stay updated on industry trends and advancements in ingredients and packaging technologies.
Lab Maintenance and Safety:
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment.
- Ensure all lab equipment is properly cleaned, calibrated, and maintained.
- Follow all safety protocols and regulatory requirements to ensure a safe working environment.
- Manage lab supplies, ingredients and packaging, keeping inventory updated and organized
Testing and Quality Control:
- Ensure all lab activities comply with safety regulations and quality standards
- Define the new R&D laboratory protocols and procedures, roll this out across R&D organization and adhere to its compliance
- Conduct various tests and analyses on products to ensure they meet quality and safety standards.
- Document and report timely test results, ensure accurate records of all experiments and findings.
- Identify potential improvements in the testing process and suggest enhancements.
Collaboration and Communication:
- Work closely with cross-functional teams, primarily across the internal R&D disciplines, and with the project extended stakeholders, including marketing, production, and quality assurance, to ensure seamless product development and launch.
- Communicate project updates and findings to the R&D Seasoning Manager and other stakeholders in both English and Spanish.
- Participate in team meetings and contribute to strategic planning and brainstorming sessions.
Requirements:
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in food science, Food Technology, or a related field.
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a food R&D lab, preferably in the snack food industry.
- Hands-on experience with ingredient research, product formulation, and designing packaging mockups and prototyping.
- Familiarity with products such as pellets, tortillas, and pork-based snacks.
Skills:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
- Effective communication and teamwork skills in both English and Spanish.
- Proficiency in using lab equipment and conducting various food science tests.
- Detail-oriented with a strong focus on quality and safety.
- Innovative mindset with a passion for developing new and improved snack products.
- Ability to work independently and take initiative in a fast-paced environment.
- Language: Fluency in both English and Spanish is required.
Working Conditions:
- Lab Environment: Primarily based in a laboratory setting with regular exposure to food products and lab equipment.
- Physical Demands: Ability to lift and move ingredients and lab equipment as needed.
- This position is based in a lab and office environment with occasional visits to production facilities.
- May require occasional travel for supplier visits, innovation workshops with customers, and industry conferences.
About Palmex-Evans
Palmex-Evans is a leader in the food manufacturing industry, known for our commitment to quality and innovation. We strive to exceed customer expectations through strategic partnerships and a focus on continuous improvement. Join us and be part of a dynamic team, driving growth and excellence in the market.