Technician, Research & Development

Work is Sweet!

'Quality without Compromise' is not just a motto at See’s Candies. It is the most important ingredient in our recipe for success. See’s Candies has been in business since 1921 and maintains a reputation for producing the highest quality candy and providing superior customer service.

See’s is a leader in the confectionery industry with over 250 retail shops across the USA, a growing e-commerce business, and expanding opportunities internationally. We are seeking friendly, enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about helping us grow and thrive in our second century.

Job Description Summary:

The Research & Development (R&D) Technician supports R&D management in developing new confectionary and candy products, testing new ingredients, and reformulating current products to improve product attributes and processes and/or to comply to new regulations.

The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $26- $28 per hour; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Job Description:

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide assistance and support benchtop and plant trials under direction of R&D management.  Support tasks include (but not limited to) collecting trial samples for evaluation and recording trial data.  Attention to details is essential. 
• Provide documentation support through accurate data gathering and entry into technical documents such as specifications, JobAids, and related documents.
• Support entry of recipes/formulations into ERP/software system.
• Support sensory and/or laboratory analyses and testing through preparing and labeling samples, scheduling sensory tests, and distributing confectionary and candy samples.  Familiarity with food and beverage sensory testing is a plus.
• Utilize the digital sensory evaluation platform (e.g., RedJade) to design and execute studies, including setting up evaluations and extracting statistically-sound data analyses to support product development decisions.
• Assist R&D management with data gathering and recording of processing settings from confectionery production lines.
• Coordinate the storage of samples under direction of R&D management.
• Participate in the sensory evaluations, as appropriate, under the direction of R&D management. Timely communicate task/project updates to appropriate stakeholders.
• Attend and participate in operational and project meetings, as appropriate.
• Follow all company, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Accommodate flexibility on rare occasions to work outside standard business hours to support trial & production schedules.   

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• 1 - 2 years experience in technical support, product development, manufacturing, engineering or other relevant category of food manufacturing/consumer goods industry. 
• Previous technician and/or Summer Intern experience(s) at a consumer goods/food industry company is a plus.
• Laboratory or product development bench work experience in food and beverage industry is a plus.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Strong time management skills. Proactive and attention to details.
• Basic computer skills required, including Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams.
• Must adhere to strict food production and hygiene protocols, including wearing hairnets, gloves, non-slip shoes, as appropriate. 
• Able to safely work around food products, which may include common allergens such as nuts, peanuts, and dairy.
• Authorized to work in the U.S.

OTHER INFORMATION:

• This is a hands-on, on-site position.
• Primary work location is located at See’s Candies South San Francisco Manufacturing Plant.

See's is an EOE
See’s will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable local, state or federal law (including San Francisco Ordinance #131192 and Los Angeles Municipal Code 189.00).