Product Development Technologist- food

About LiDestri Foods

LiDestri Foods has grown from its roots as a pasta sauce and salsa manufacturer to become an R&D engine, formulating and producing innovative food products for national and retailer brand partners. Based in Rochester, NY, LiDestri employs over 1,000 people across three U.S. locations and has longstanding partnerships with respected CPG companies and inventive retailer brands.

Position Summary

Independently develops, improves, and commercializes new and existing formulas for LiDestri brands and its customers.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a network of relevant internal and external relations, including stakeholders, partners, customers, and suppliers
• Set up, plan, and execute projects in own area, within project guidelines and R&D and/or commercial strategies
• Have complete understanding of core processes, manufacturing equipment, and QA equipment
• Design, test, and implement innovative and technologically feasible processes in production environments
• Be proficient in the operation of pilot equipment, including all equipment/machinery in the pilot room used to trial formulas to ensure they are ready for commercialization
• Scale up and implement new products and/or applications in operational environment according to applicable guidelines with minimal supervision
• Support QA and operations in implementing new and/or updated recipes and processes
• Write QA and manufacturing procedures, with the ability to make corrections as needed
• Form Batch Cards and enter recipe into editor or equivalent
• Work flexible schedule, attend trials, and possible travel
• Absess, improve, and refine existing products and applications
• Maintain lab cleanliness and ensure lab equipment is in proper working order
• Prepare sample requests and prepare for shipment with accuracy
• Search and utilize current business systems including Oracle and M-Files
• Maintain raw material and finished product inventories
• Report food safety & quality problems to personnel with authority to initiate action

Required Education, Skills & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum of 3-5 years R&D experience in related industry
• High level of accuracy and detail
• Ability to operate lab and pilot equipment
• Apply basic Microsoft programs, communication skills, math functions, root cause analysis, and the ability to work independently

Working Conditions

• Long periods of standing/moving
• Working around moving mechanical parts/conveyors
• Loud environment
• Hot/cold, wet/dry conditions
• Frequent reaching/pulling/climbing stairs/stooping/kneeling/bending
• Exposure to lifting/carrying

Disclaimer

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed and is not an inclusive summary of job duties and responsibilities. The omission of specific statements of duties or responsibilities does not exclude them from the position. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the Company as the needs of the Company and requirements of the job change.