Product Development Scientist I

Rich’s, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a family-owned food company dedicated to inspiring possibilities. From cakes and icings to pizza, appetizers and specialty toppings, our products are used in homes, restaurants and bakeries around the world. Beyond great food, our customers also gain insights to help them stay competitive, no matter their size. Our portfolio includes creative solutions geared at helping food industry professionals compete in foodservice, retail, in-store bakery, deli, and prepared foods, among others. Working in 100 locations globally, with annual sales exceeding $4 billion, Rich’s is a global leader with a focus on everything that family makes possible. Rich’s®—Infinite Possibilities. One Family. Purpose Statement Rich Products, a $5.5Billion food manufacturing company, is looking for a Product Development Scientist I to join our growing R&D Team. In this role, you will be responsible for new product development, product maintenance and product improvement for our Toppings, Creams and Culinary Solutions (TCCS) category. In this role, you will collaborate with cross functional teams to ensure successful development and commercialization of new products, product improvement or cost reductions. You will conduct routine, non-routine and complex research and development activities concerned with the chemical, biological and/or physical complexity of product formulations in order to develop new products and evaluate and improve the quality of existing products and related processes. You will successfully partner with others cross‑functionally. This role is based in Buffalo, NY, with expected travel of 30%. Key Accountabilities And Outcomes New Product Development/Product Improvements/Cost reductions (40%) Prepare prototype products using research lab, pilot lab, manufacturing facilities and equipment, as required. Administer and coordinate routine assignments, small projects or segments of larger projects, assisting in defining project objectives, organizing and prioritizing tasks and conducting necessary experiments and analyses. Interface frequently with various internal departments (e.g. Marketing, Procurement, Engineering, QA and Operations) and customers in accomplishing project milestones. Select and evaluate raw materials for experiments. Set up, operate and maintain pilot lab and research lab equipment. Design and conduct basic shelf life and storage studies, including product and package performance evaluations under various conditions. Demonstrate new and existing products to staff and/or customers. Perform basic measurements and statistical analysis. Technical Support (45%) Present results of basic experiments and recommendations to various groups, both internally and externally. Order materials for producing and evaluating basic prototypes. Develop solutions to routine technical problems by applying basic technical knowledge and experience. Record‑keeping: (10%) Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date records, laboratory notebooks and computer database. Prepare and document all plant validation trials according to department protocol. Ensure the work environment is sanitary, safe and orderly. Knowledge, Skills, And Experience Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Food Engineering or related field. Knowledge of advanced mathematics (e.g. statistics) and their practical application. Broad understanding of food science (e.g. biochemistry, microbiology, nutrition, etc.) acquired through both lecture and laboratory work. Ability to apply technical standards, principles, theories, concepts and techniques. Solid verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Work Environment & Safety Notice Research and Development laboratories are not food-allergen-free environments. Individuals with severe food allergies should consider this before applying. Employees may occasionally be exposed to Cleaning-In-Place (CIP) detergents through smell or incidental contact during routine operations. Exposure to food ingredients, chemicals and cleaning agents is expected; appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety training will be provided to minimize risks. Work may occur in varying temperature environments, including refrigerated and heated areas. Physical Requirements Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs safely. Stand for 6 or more hours during the workday, with opportunities for sitting. Regular bending, stooping, crouching and reaching to access equipment, materials and storage areas. Ability to work in confined spaces and at various heights, including occasional climbing of ladders or steps. Push, pull and maneuver carts, bins and equipment, including heavy items with the assistance of mechanical aids when necessary. Manual dexterity and fine motor skills for handling small components and operating precision instruments. Ability to use hand tools and equipment safely and effectively as required for operating various laboratory or production equipment. Sensory ability to compare and distinguish differences in ingredients, materials and products through taste, smell, touch and visual inspection. Ability to follow all safety protocols, including proper lifting techniques and ergonomic practices. Compensation In accordance with state law, the rate or range provided is Rich Products Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Rich’s”), reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount may be higher or lower, based on non-discriminatory factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, shift differential, and location. Annual Range/Hourly Rate $65,456.00 - $88,558.00 Rich Products Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Rich’s”), are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity, standing up for fairness and maintaining a culture of belonging, to provide an exceptional experience for all. We will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, military or veteran status, or any other Federal or State legally protected classes. The information collected by this application is solely to determine suitability for employment, verify identity and maintain employment statistics on applicants. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on Rich’s. Please contact Rich’s Associate Experience Network at View email address on click.appcast.io if you need assistance completing this application or to otherwise participate in the application process. #J-18808-Ljbffr