Research and Development Technician

About California Custom Fruits and Flavors

Founded in 1986, California Custom Fruits & Flavors (“CCFF”) is a leading developer and manufacturer of custom-formulated specialty ingredients & flavors. CCFF develops tailored solutions for its diverse customer base of brands, retailers, and co-manufacturers across numerous food products and channels. With world-class facilities in California and Indiana, CCFF has served as a leading partner and innovator of industry-leading flavors and formulations for nearly four decades.

CCFF is backed by Peak Rock Capital, a leading middle-market private investment firm that makes equity and debt investments in companies in North America and Europe. Peak Rock's equity investment platform focuses on opportunities where it can support senior management to drive rapid growth and performance improvement, with expertise in corporate carve-outs and partnering with families and founders seeking first-time institutional capital.

Role Overview:

The R&D technician will provide lab support to Technologists, Product Development Managers and Director of R&D by cooking formulas, conducting routine laboratory tests, filing lab documents, preparing R&D presentation samples, shipping samples and managing lab inventories of raw materials and packaging.

This position is not limited to above description as other responsibilities may include tasks, projects or plans given by management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Cook formulas written by Food Scientists.
• Flavor and color formulas as delegated by Food Scientists.
• Do miscellaneous lab tests such as viscosity, bake tests, water activity, etc.
• File lab documents.
• Ship samples to US and International customers. 
• Maintain and organize retained sample storage area.
• Manage and organize inventory of R&D lab ingredients and supplies and make sure the lab has adequate supply.
• Check, set up samples, and follow-up on issues from first production runs for approval by Director and Technologists.
• Prepare ice cream samples as delegated by Director and Technologists.
• Manage inventory of ice cream samples making sure that ingredients and ice cream samples are made on time to meet sales presentation schedules.
• Manage inventory of ice cream mixes and when needed.
• Do weekly check of temperature charts in lab cold box and freezer.
• Assist in keeping orderliness and cleanliness of the lab daily and in periodic cleaning of refrigerators, cold box, freezers, lab storage areas.
• Make sure that equipment and other lab/kitchen tools are in good working conditions and solicit maintenance help when necessary.
• Recommend the replacement and purchase of new lab/kitchen tools as needed by the lab personnel.
• Purchase ingredients and kitchen supplies from the store when necessary.
• Perform other responsibilities as delegated by Product Development Manager and Director.
• Follow GMPs and food safety policies and procedures.

Ideal Qualifications:

• Laboratory experience preferred but not required.
• Must be knowledgeable in basic math and able to do basic calculations.
• Must know how to use weigh scales, pipettes and other basic lab wares.
• Good computer skills.
• Must have some science background.
• Good communication skills and ability to work with various departments.
• Must be able to work under fast paced and team-oriented environment.

Why Join Us:

• Be part of a mission-driven food company focused on quality and innovation.
• Competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for career growth.
• Supportive and collaborative work culture.
• Commitment to sustainability, food safety, and ethical sourcing.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All candidates are subject to a criminal background check and standard drug screen. All offers are contingent upon favorable results. California Custom Fruits and Flavors is committed to recruiting, selecting, and developing employees based on individual ability and job performance.

California Custom Fruits and Flavors develops, manufactures and provides custom value-added fruit and flavor ingredients to the dairy, bakery, beverage and food service industry. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and dynamic work environment where employees can grow and make a meaningful impact.