Research & Development Associate

Job Summary: We are seeking a Research & Development Associate to join our Product Development team in Madison, WI. This is a permanent full-time position, reporting to the R&D Manager. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in food science. Experience with pasta, nut butters or bars is a bonus. Your primary role will be to develop products from concept to commercialization, ensuring the highest standards for taste, quality and safety. You will collaborate closely with multiple departments throughout the product life cycle, from conception to discontinuation. This individual will also have strong interpersonal and leadership skills. They will possess and demonstrate the ability to manage multiple priorities; and articulate and convey thoughts and ideas to various audiences while exuding a strong sense of ownership for operations and results.

Work Schedule:

  • Working Days: Monday - Friday, occasional weekend work and overtime may be required.
  • Working Hours: 1st Shift; 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate among cross-functional teams, such as R&D, Sales, Operations, Quality Control, Regulatory, and Purchasing, to enhance the commercialization of new food products and drive groundbreaking innovation in the marketplace.
  • Develop customer specific prototypes and conduct thorough marketplace research on existing products.
  • Participate in weekly team meetings to provide project updates, coordinate samples, and discuss weekly priorities.
  • Follow the stage gate processes for new project initiatives, starting from initial product feasibility assessments to updates on bench-top formulation timelines, full-scale commercialization, and post-commercialization marketplace assessment.
  • Closely follow systems and timelines for certifications, regulatory claims, nutrition, and packaging development.
  • Take ownership of plant trials and production launches of new products.
  • Willingness to create and update nutrition fact panels using Flavor Studio nutritional software.
  • Develop costing models for both new and existing products.
  • Other job duties as assigned.

Qualification:

  • Bachelor's or associate's degree in food science or a similar degree.
  • Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a food manufacturing environment.
  • Entry level position available for the right candidate.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage shifting priorities.
  • Strong project management skills.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite with an emphasis on Excel.
  • Current knowledge of FDA and USDA guidelines and regulations.
  • Ability to work in a manufacturing facility that produces products with allergen ingredients.
  • Experience with food preparation, materials, and methods used in large-scale cooking.
  • Bilingual is a plus.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment: As an R&D Associate working in a manufacturing plant setting, there are specific physical requirements and work environment considerations to keep in mind. Physical requirements may include the ability to stand for extended periods, walk through the plant floor, and lift or move up to 50 pounds. Additionally, good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination may be necessary for tasks such as data entry or filing. The employee must have corrected vision and hearing within normal range. In terms of the work environment, the R&D Associate may be exposed to noise from machinery, varying temperatures depending on the plant's operations, and potentially hazardous materials. Therefore, a familiarity with safety protocols and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Our Guiding Principles: Tribe 9 was founded in February 2017 by combining three fast-growing companies' unique and diverse skills. The idea was that together these companies could do more: Create more nutritious products; Provide more great jobs for employees; Contribute more to our communities; and demonstrate more about how to be a responsible and sustainable manufacturer. To enable this, we seek employees who are diverse, action-oriented, and always looking to do more.

  • Tackle Anything: Embrace the unknown, bring ideas to reality, conquer lofty goals.
  • Relationship Driven: Build partnerships and amaze our customers.
  • Inspire Each Other: As each individual grows, so does the organization; unlock each other’s potential.
  • B Corp Values: Balance profit and purpose; use business as a force for good.
  • Entrepreneurial Spirit: Challenge the status quo through creative destruction and innovation.