R&D TECHNICIAN I - 1ST SHIFT (SPARKS, NV)

Job Description

Job Description

Summary:

Provides support for R&D Supervisors and R&D Specialists on developmental product assignments. Collects, interprets, and records relevant research and data, operates and maintains lab (Pilot Plant and Food Sensory) equipment, and maintains laboratory supplies. Conducts experiments and assists with the more practical aspects of daily R&D activities, including but not limited to weighing ingredients, assisting with benchtop prototyping, documenting experimental trials, etc. This position regularly works in the Pilot Plant. Working 6:45am-3:15pm.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Locates and gathers raw materials needed from different locations, follows inventory control procedures and prepares QCW transfer sheets.

• Prepares sample mixes for tablets, capsules, and liquid formulations using PK blender, ribbon blender, homogenizer, paddle mixer, or other equivalent equipment.
• Sets up pilot plant tablet press and encapsulator for experimental new product runs and for troubleshooting existing ones.
• Performs preventative maintenance of tablet press, encapsulator, and related tools and accessories.

• Performs various tests including density, sieve analysis, pH, hardness, friability, brix, viscosity, thickness and length measurements, and organoleptic.
• Helps prepare and package representative batches for AET and stability studies.
• Assists in various packaging tests, including vacuum, freeze-thaw, and heat.
• Responsible for organization and housekeeping activities in the pilot plant.

• Identifies and submits suggestions to improve efficiencies, quality and safety. 
• Complies with safety and GMP requirements.

 

SAFETY RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

Supports a culture of safe laboratory operations and exhibits safe work practices. Actively participates in the safety program by engaging in safety activities. Effectively provides and accepts constructive peer-to-peer feedback on safety performance. Adheres to policies, procedures, SOP’s, safe work practices, and safety policies and procedures. Reports ALL workplace incidents to supervisor immediately. Communicates concerns to supervisor, reports hazards, and provides input on prevention. Properly uses, wears, and stores Personal Protective Equipment when required. Participates on safety teams and/or completes safety-related activities as part of regular job responsibilities. 

 

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Associate’s degree in chemistry, science, or engineering with relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably food or pharmaceuticals, preferred.

• Previous laboratory experience preferred, with understanding of GLPs and GMPs.

 

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as product specifications, departmental instructions, safety and procedure manuals. Able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Ability to accurately complete sanitation/production paperwork.

 

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, averages, ratios, proportions, and the metric system to practical situations.

 

REASONING ABILITY

Able to compare results obtained to specifications to determine if the result meets requirements. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions. Good problem-solving skills. 

 

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Basic computer skills required.
• Familiarity with tableting and encapsulation preferred.
• Ability to learn quickly, work independently, change tasks frequently, and assume responsibility for new tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail skills.

• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills, including ability to partner effectively with the Production team.
• Availability to work extended hours to support the business, including off-shifts and weekends.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to handle testing equipment, raw materials and finished products, tools, or controls and reach, ascend and/or descend stairs, balance, or stoop. Employee will regularly use a computer and communicate in person. The employee will regularly taste or smell (products and raw materials). The employee is regularly required to move from place to place within the facility. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, ability to adjust focus, and color vision.

 

When working in the Pilot Plant/Production, the employee will regularly lift, move (in some cases drag items), slide, raise and/or place:

• Ascend and descend steps carrying up to 35 lbs. 
• Lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist height.
• Lift up to 50 lbs. from waist to shoulder.
• Push and pull to generate force for 42 lbs. force at 36-inch height.
• Push and pull to generate force of 65 lbs. at 36-inch height.
• Grasp 60# force.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

 

• Works around ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, botanicals, etc. and chemicals such as alcohol, that may require respiratory protection.
• May be exposed to potentially hazardous chemicals and biological materials.
• When working in Production/Pilot Plant, frequently exposed to vapors, airborne particles and/or herbal aromas, some classified as allergens or irritants. Frequently exposed to all of the FDA designated major food allergens (Milk, Eggs, Fish, Crustacean shellfish (e.g. crab, lobster, shrimp), Tree nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, pecans), Wheat and Soybeans, except for peanuts.
• This position works in all areas of NOW’s manufacturing facilities with direct exposure to ingredients (powders and liquids), mixes (powders and liquids), equipment, and packaging.
• When working in Production/Pilot Plant, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately loud, and in some areas where louder hearing protection is required.

2025 BENEFITS AT A GLANCE