Product Development Tech

The role: Product Development Technician

• Job Classification: Full-time, Non-exempt role• Job Location & Schedule: Corona, CA, On-site, 1st shift• Compensation & Benefits: $30.00 - $33.00 p/hr., Medical, Dental, Vision & 401k options • Reports to: PD Supervisor

Position summary

The Product Development Technician supports the development and commercialization of consumer-packaged food products. Responsibilities include assisting with customer samples, coordinating with cross-functional teams on product commercialization, requesting supplier documents, managing part setups, and maintaining ERP data. The role also involves organizing, labeling, and storing product samples, participating in special projects, and ensuring accurate, up-to-date information to support successful product development.

Qualifications & Experience

• BS degree in food science/food technology, Culinary Science or similar preferred. • Minimum 2 years related work experience at food manufacturing company preferred.• Knowledge of food labeling, specifications, and sample handling procedures.• Familiarity with ERP systems and data management.• Proficient with computers, MS office, and strong verbal and written communication skills.• Bilingual in Spanish a plus.

Soft Skills & Competencies

• ● Communication – Verbal and written clarity, active listening, and the ability to tailor messaging to all levels of Management.• ● Collaboration / Teamwork – Works well in group settings, contributes positively, and respects diverse perspectives.• ● Adaptability – Comfortable with change, open to feedback, and flexible in dynamic environments.• ● Problem-Solving – Able to analyze issues, think critically, and propose effective solutions.• ● Time Management – Prioritizes tasks, meets deadlines, and manages workload efficiently.• ● Conflict Resolution – Navigates disagreements constructively and maintains professionalism.• ● Resilience – Maintains performance under pressure and recovers from setbacks.• ● Accountability – Takes ownership of actions and follows through on commitments.

What your responsibilities will be

As a PD Technician, your core responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• ● Experience in food product development, preferably with consumer-packaged goods or portion-controlled products.• ● Excellent communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and customers. Self-motivated and able to work independently or as part of a team.• ● Strong organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail.• ● Maintain accurate ERP data for ingredients and finished products to support production, supply chain, and commercialization.• ● Ensure accurate setup of parts and materials, ERP data integrity, and on-time production and customer delivery in collaboration with cross-functional teams• ● Serve as a liaison between departments, communicating changes in product specifications and ERP data.• ● Assist in product innovation and commercialization, including sending samples to customers, product testing, specification setup, supplier coordination, and participating in trial and production runs.• ● Manage customer sample requests and coordinate sample shipments from suppliers and company plants.• ● Assist with sensory evaluations and source products or packaging as needed.• ● Support packaging, labeling, and product design reviews with QA and customers.• ● Track and report the progress of product development projects to supervisors and managers.• ● Apply food science knowledge to troubleshoot product issues and recommend improvements.• ● Participate in special projects and contribute to team initiatives.• ● Other duties as assigned by management

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Physical Requirements/Environment

• While performing the duties of this Job, the team member is regularly required to talk and hear. • The team member is frequently required to stand, walk, walk up and down stairs, sit, and use their hands and fingers to handle or feel and reach with hands and arms.• The team member must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. • Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision, Distance vision, Peripheral vision, Depth perception and ability to adjust focus.• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Latitude 36 Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we take great pride in our diverse and talented workforce. We are looking for diversity in candidates for employment. We recognize that our continued success depends largely on the collective strengths of our associates.