R&D Pilot Lab Technician
Description
Location - Vista, CA - On Site
Salary - $27/Hour to $31/Hour
POSITION SUMMARY
The R&D Pilot Lab Technician supports the development, optimization, and scale‑up of softgel processes within the Product Development pilot facility. This role is responsible for preparing and executing pilot‑scale softgel batches, operating and maintaining pilot equipment, performing analytical and in‑process testing, and documenting trial results with high accuracy. As the softgel pilot lab is newly established, the Technician will help develop lab workflows, SOPs, batch records, and equipment readiness under the guidance of the Senior R&D Process Engineer. The position also supports material qualification activities by conducting pilot‑scale evaluations, collecting data, and preparing samples to inform technical assessments within PD.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Reasonable Accommodations Statement
To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Essential Function Statement(s):
Softgel Pilot Execution & Equipment Operation
- Prepare and execute pilot‑scale softgel batches (including gelatin prep, fill formulation, encapsulation, drying) with increasing independence and strong attention to process parameters.
- Operate, clean, tear down, and maintain softgel pilot equipment; perform basic troubleshooting and identify mechanical or process issues for escalation within PD.
- Conduct in‑process and analytical testing (viscosity, density, fill weight, moisture, gel strength, pH) and prepare samples for QA, stability, or external laboratory evaluation.
Pilot Lab Setup, Documentation & Continuous Improvement
- Support development and maintenance of pilot lab workflows, SOPs, batch records, equipment logs, and cleaning procedures for softgel operations.
- Maintain pilot lab inventory of raw materials, consumables, and testing instruments; ensure readiness and 5S organization across the lab.
- Contribute to small process improvement initiatives and support RCA/CAPA investigations through accurate data collection, documentation, and process observations, within the pilot lab environment.
Engineering Trial Support & PD Collaboration
- Execute small‑scale engineering trials under guidance, including parameter tracking, sampling, data logging, and trial documentation to support DOE, center-lining, and process capability assessments.
- Work closely with PD Formulators and the Senior R&D Process Engineer to support softgel development, scale‑up readiness, and business‑sustaining technical activities.
- Communicate equipment issues, process risks, and trial outcomes to PD engineering leadership to support ongoing pilot lab development and optimization.
Competency Statements
- Positive - Ability to view all situations with a positive attitude.
- Accountable – takes ownership for responsibilities, acknowledges and learns from mistakes
- Innovative - Ability to look beyond the standard solutions and "think outside the box".
- Independent – Must be self-motivated and able to manage obligations without direct supervision
- Assertiveness - Ability to act in a self-confident manner to facilitate completion of a work assignment or to defend a position or idea.
- Communication - Ability to communicate effectively with others using spoken and written word clearly and concisely.
- Customer Oriented - Ability to take care of the customers’ needs while following company procedures.
- Enthusiastic - Ability to bring energy to the performance of a task.
- Self-Motivated - Ability to be internally inspired to perform a task to the best of one’s ability using his or her own drive or initiative.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum 3 years’ experience working in manufacturing, preferably in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical or food production
- Must be able to read and interpret documents such as standard operating procedures, and regulations
- Must be able to work cross functionally with many different departments and various skill levels
- Basic knowledge of food & supplement regulations such as cGMPs is highly desirable
- Ability to deal with complex problems with many variables
- Basic skills in math, including algebra are required
SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Meticulous attention to detail.
- Ability to produce high-quality work with limited supervision.
- Must possess knowledge pertaining to the nutraceutical industry and must be well versed in a variety of ingredients, their usage, forms, activities and all other relevant characteristics.
Computer Skills:
- Must be proficient with MS Office and have advanced Excel skills.
Certifications &Licenses:
N/A
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
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Physical Demands |
Lift/Carry |
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Push/Pull |
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N (Not Applicable) |
Activity is not applicable to this occupation. |
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O (Occasionally) |
Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5+ hrs/day) |
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F (Frequently) |
Occupation requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5+ hrs/day) |
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C (Constantly) |
Occupation requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs/day) |
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Other Physical Requirements
Vision (Near, Distance)
Sense of Sound (ability to hear on the phone)
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Works in a climate-controlled environment
Skills
As published by greenhouse · 10 questions
Basics
First Name, Last Name, Email, Phone, Resume/CV, Cover Letter, Location
Short answers (3)
- Preferred First Name optional
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- Will you be able to provide proof of your identity and employment eligibility if you are hired?
- Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status)?
- I hereby authorize Nordic Naturals, to thoroughly investigate my references, work record, education and other matters related to my suitability for employment and, further, authorize the references I have listed to disclose to the company any and all letters, reports and other information related to my work records, without giving me prior notice of such disclosure. In addition, I hereby release the Company, my former employers and all other persons, corporations, partnerships and associations from any and all claims, demands or liabilities arising out of or in any way related to such investigation or disclosure.
- I hereby certify that I have not knowingly withheld any information that might adversely affect my chances for employment and that the answers given by me are true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I further certify that I, the undersigned applicant, have personally completed this application. I understand that any omission or misstatement of material fact on this application or on any document used to secure employment shall be grounds for rejection of this application or for immediate discharge if I am employed, regardless of the time elapsed before discovery.
- I understand that nothing contained in the application or conveyed during any interview which may be granted or during my employment, if hired, is intended to create an employment contract between me and the Company. In addition, I understand and agree that if I am employed, my employment is for no definite or determinable period and may be terminated at any time, with or without prior notice, at the option of either myself or the Company and that no promises or representations contrary to the foregoing are binding on the Company unless made in writing and signed by me and the Company’s designated representative.
- Should a search of public records (including records documenting an arrest, indictment, conviction, civil judicial action, tax lien or outstanding judgment) be conducted by internal personnel employed by the Company. I am entitled to copies of any such public records obtained by the Company unless I indicate waiver below. If I am not hired as a result of such information, I am entitled to a copy of any such records even though I have waived below.
- I waive receipt of a copy of any public record described in the paragraph above.