Product Technologist

The Sun Orchard Innovation team plays a critical role in driving company growth by developing and optimizing products and processes that deliver customer and consumer satisfaction while maximizing profitability.

The Product Technologist position will work with Innovation team colleagues on assigned projects focused on the development and commercialization of new products and processes, and the enhancing of existing product and process efficiencies. The position will also collaborate with cross-functional team members and external partners to deliver high-quality, safe, and cost-effective products that deliver against customer and consumer needs. The position will involve working in laboratory, test kitchen and food manufacturing environments.

LOCATION: Boca Raton, FL

Essential Duties include:

• Engage directly in product formulations and calculations, laboratory bench experiments and prototype development, sensory evaluations, process integration, shelf-life validations, and technical specifications development, through collaboration with a cross-functional team, from concept through commercialization and launch.
• Support multiple assigned projects involving product and process development and optimization, including manufacturing trials and scale-up.
• Represent the Innovation department as a point contact for other departments, in support of optimization projects including but not limited to cost savings, product blending strategies and troubleshooting.
• Develop product prototypes that meet organoleptic, nutritional and cost targets.
• Conduct sensory and shelf-life studies to determine the stability and performance of finished products and raw ingredients through analytical and sensory testing.
• Support the scale-up and optimization of new and existing products by creating production formulations, blending instructions, and process guidelines in collaboration.
• Develops recipes and product applications for food shows, sales, and media content.
• Write detailed & accurate reports of analyses, experiments, shelf-life studies, specifications, and standard operating procedures.
• Effectively communicates activity and project updates.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for internal and customer presentations and at industry events.
• Demonstrates adaptability and resourcefulness in responding to changing priorities.
• Excellent written, verbal, listening and presentation skills
• Ability to effectively communicate and engage with fellow scientists, cross-functionally with Sales, Procurement, Operations, Finance and other associates, and externally with customers and suppliers.
• Self-starter, collaborative, with strong problem-solving and project management skills, with an ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Domestic and international travel as required for project management and support.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, or a related discipline required.

Experience:

3 years of experience in a food manufacturing environment, in Quality or Research and Development roles, preferably in the fruit, juice or beverage industries.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Teams, Outlook, PowerPoint) and lab and enterprise software platforms.

Juice HACCP certified, or ability to complete certification within 90 days of employment

Knowledge of FDA, USDA and related food regulatory and labeling requirements.

Knowledge of the development and production of flavors, juices, concentrates, purees, and beverage bases preferred.

Experience with product testing, including physicochemical, sensory and microbiological methods.

Proficient in conducting informational research, specifically reading and utilizing scientific articles.

Requirements

None