Company Overview
The Company:
Good Sense Foods is a 100-person food manufacturing company located in New Hope, Minnesota. Our brands include Salad Pizazz, our line of delicious salad and veggie toppings that enhance any meal experience, as well as Good Sense, our line of great-tasting, nutrient-dense, better-for-you snacks.
Originally founded in 1976, we are a second-generation family owned and professionally managed business with a clear vision and strong core values in pursuit of bringing the Company to the next level. We are on a mission to help Americans eat better and it starts with our salad toppings, trail mixes, roasted nuts and seeds, dried fruits, and other value-added products.
We foster a collaborative and transparent work environment where individual and team accomplishments are recognized. If you have a desire to make an impact and help us grow, we would love to hear from you.
This position is located in our New Hope, MN facility. It is not a remote position.
Job Summary:
The R&D Technician will be a skilled and detail-oriented person that will assist in the development, testing, and optimization of new and existing products. This role involves working closely with cross-functional teams, including product development, quality assurance, supply chain and manufacturing, to ensure that products meet company standards and consumer expectations.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Product Development Support:
o Assist in the formulation and preparation of prototypes for new product concepts.
o Conduct ingredient trials, material evaluations, and process optimization studies.
o Document formulation changes and maintain accurate records of development activities.
2. Testing and Quality Assurance:
o Perform laboratory and pilot-scale tests to evaluate product performance.
o Assist in sensory evaluations, shelf-life studies, and stability testing.
o Support quality assurance by analyzing new raw material samples and ensuring compliance with specifications.
3. Process Improvement:
o Collaborate with the Product Development team and production team to refine product formulations and manufacturing processes.
o Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.
4. Regulatory and Compliance:
o Ensure all products meet regulatory, safety, and labeling requirements.
o Maintain awareness of industry trends and regulatory updates relevant to the CPG industry.
5. Technical Documentation:
o Prepare detailed reports, including test results, product specifications, and production guidelines for all products during the product lifecycle
o Assist in the creation of manufacturing work instructions for new products being launched.
6. Cross-Functional Collaboration:
o Work with marketing, supply chain, and production teams to transition products from development to commercialization.
o Support troubleshooting activities during scale-up and full-scale production runs.
Qualifications:
• Education:
Bachelor’s degree in, Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, or a related field preferred; relevant technical experience may substitute.
• Experience:
1-3 years in product development, lab testing, or a similar technical role within the CPG Food industry.
• Skills:
o Strong understanding of ingredient functionality and product formulation.
o Proficiency in laboratory techniques and familiarity with testing equipment.
o Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
o Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Technical Expertise:
o Knowledge of CPG production processes and equipment in the shelf-stable snacking industry.
o Familiarity with regulatory guidelines and quality standards (e.g., HACCP, GMP, FDA regulations).
APPLY