Hybrid R&D Technician I at Blommer Chocolate Company

Blommer has been providing delicious, high-quality chocolate and cocoa products to customers since 1939. Built as a family business, we are continuing to grow and are looking for motivated and reliable associates to help in our mission of Bringing Chocolate to Life! 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Requires independent thinking, analysis and deductive reasoning a majority of the time to properly develop formulas and measure physical product parameters (viscosity, particle size, fat content, color, etc) of new products based on customer needs and manufacturing capability with guidance from manager
• Operate benchtop and pilot scale equipment to generate product samples from start to finish (gathering raw materials, making the sample, molding samples into a presentable format, mailing samples)
• Develop and maintain corresponding documentation and data in appropriate systems (product information form, specification, nutritional, etc)
• Formulate products with intention and with an understanding of how ingredients, processing and specification parameters translate and impact sensory and finished product applications with guidance from manager; understand the impact of ingredient substitutions and functional ingredients for Blommer and our customers
• Contribute to research projects and conduct basic applications testing as needed to deliver results regarding product performance, new raw materials and/or functionality of an ingredient for manager approval
• Maintain effective communication internally and externally on the status of new products, ongoing activities, upcoming projects, trial runs, sample generation, research results, thorough documentation and other pertinent information
• Assess all aspects of a new project and provide a product recommendation of stock items in the Blommer portfolio with guidance from manager
• Coordinate and conduct sensory evaluation of products for new products/ingredients and/or for supplier approvals
• Participate in daily taste panels

Note: The employer reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position

Physical Requirements:

• General office environment and hands-on work in a laboratory environment
• Must be able to climb ladder, bend, and stoop, stand for prolonged periods of time and occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds
• Requires extended periods of standing, walking, climbing and sitting
• Occasionally exposed to heat, cold, noise, dust

Safety, Quality and Hygiene Requirements:

• Maintain compliance with all company policies, procedures and code of conduct.

Performance Expectations:

• Build proficiency in chocolate manufacturing to support internal and external stakeholders including ingredients and equipment
• Become proficient in using CRM software, Genesis and additional tools and systems required for the job
• Be able to complete tasks, make samples/formulas and create documentation with direction from the manager
• Contribute to research projects with guidance from the manager and/or project lead
• Clearly communicate results regarding an ingredient, formula or product’s performance with a recommendation on next steps
• Consume chocolate and related products daily and clearly communicate sensory attributes
• Set up sensory panel with guidance from the manager

Skills and Work Experience Requirements:

• General experience with kitchen and confection equipment
• Must be able to taste and consume chocolate and related products
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams)

Education:

• College degree in the field of science, or
• A combination of 2–3 years’ relevant industry/laboratory experience and some college courses or an equivalent certification in the culinary arts or science

A reasonable estimate of the current base salary range at the time of posting is below. The base salary does not include other forms of compensation or benefits. The actual base salary within the specified range is based on several factors, including but not limited to applicant's skills, prior relevant experience, education, certifications, job responsibilities, market considerations and, if applicable, the location of the position. 

This role is eligible for either a discretionary annual bonus (based on company, business unit and individual performance) and/or commission-based incentives. 

Salary Range $70,000-$75,000 

Benefits: Blommer understands that our employees are our biggest assets. With this in mind we offer a generous benefits package.  

• Health, Dental & Vision- eligibility begins day 1 of hire!
• 401(K)
• Pet insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• 10 pounds of free chocolate for your birthday

Blommer Chocolate Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.