Technician, R&D

JOB TITLE: Research and Development Technician

DEPARTMENT: R&D

REPORTS TO: R&D Supervisor

LOCATION: Lincoln, RI

HOURS / SHIFT: 1st Shift

ABOUT US: 

Since 1750, Finlays Solutions has been the trusted leader in supplying tea, coffee, and botanical extracts to the world’s leading beverage brands. Focused on delivering exceptional beverage solutions, we empower our customers to create moments of joy with every sip. Our team is built on values of acting for the long-term, taking accountability, doing better each time, and succeeding together. When you join us, you're not just taking on a job; you're becoming part of a customer-centric culture driven by collaboration, expertise, and innovation. If you're looking for a place to grow, share your ideas, and make an impact, we’d love to have you on our team.

DESCRIPTION: 

The R&D Technician is hands-on, supporting the Applications team in preparing samples, setting up sensory testing, updating documentation, and other tasks to keep the lab running smoothly. This person works primarily in a lab environment and must be comfortable spending time on their feet.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Laboratory Duties: Maintain daily calibration for lab analytical equipment, maintain inventory and order lab supplies, raw materials, and stock products as needed. Maintain and manage sample requests using Salesforce software
• Research and Development: Prepare coffee samples that meet specifications and are accurately labeled for on-time delivery to customers. Assist Applications Team members with projects, including preparing forms and setting up Sensory analysis, and maintaining record of analytical data.
• Collaboration: Attend company meetings as needed. Collaborated required documents for samples, including CoA’s, Specifications etc.
• Food Safety: Work safely and follow basic lab/GMPs to ensure that all samples leaving the facilities are following food safety requirements
• Other duties as assigned

 QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS: 

• Bachelor’s Degree: In food science, chemistry or related is preferred. Associates degrees considered
• Experience: Previous experience in food service and lab environments preferred
• Interpersonal Skills: Effective communicator and team player
• Personal Skills: Strong organization skills and task oriented
• Analytical Skills: Ability to follow recipes and perform basic mathematical equations. Able to taste differences in products, and able to consume coffee, tea and milk products.
• Flexibility: Willingness to travel between locations as needed

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

•  Laboratory Setting: The role is primarily based in a laboratory setting with occasional interaction with warehouse and production environments
• Team Collaboration: Frequent interaction with team members and other departments, requiring effective communication and collaboration.
• Mobility: Required to stand for extended periods
• Lifting: Must be able to lift 50lbs frequently

 QUALITY STATEMENT: 

Our Quality and Food Safety Management strategy is anchored by our food safety and quality culture and a two-pronged approach to “be the best” as we produce “only the best”. Every employee has a role to play in this strategy as outlined by the following:

• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s), allergen control, food defense, HACCP, SQF, and regulatory requirements so that we make consistently safe, quality products.
• Ensure the presence of visitors, contractors, and customers are documented on each visit in and out of the facility to maintain good manufacturing practices, allergen controls, food defense/food security and HACCP controls.
• Report all food safety and quality issues to management immediately.
• Partner with colleagues across all functions to share knowledge, skills, and information regarding quality and food safety.
• Adhere to all health and safety work practices.
• Exhibit an understanding of quality and food safety standards and be able to speak about the Finlays Solutions quality and food safety system and your role in it.
• Handle customer complaints in a timely and professional manner so that the customer is put first, always. 
• Participate fully in Finlays Solutions programs that drive continuous improvement methodologies.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT: 

Finlays Solutions is an equal employment opportunity employer seeking diversity in qualified applicants for employment. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, gender, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, perceived disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status, as defined by applicable law. Finlays Solutions employs individuals that are 18 years of age or older.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.