Food Scientist

Req ID: 6747 

Department: Winemaking 

Status: Reg F-T Exempt, Exempt  

Location: Saint Helena, California (US-CA)  

Workplace Location:  On-Site

Job Summary:

This position will lead and support the development and commercialization of new products including Fruit Juice Mixers, RTD’s and various Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic beverages.  The position will work closely with cross functional groups including Winemaking, Quality Control, Supply Chain, and Operations to explore new product capabilities and growth possibilities across existing product lines and within new strategic production capabilities.

Essential Functions:

The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned.  Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

• Individual must Excel in Respect, Trust, and Responsibility, striving for continuous improvement and commitment to excellence.
• Demonstrate competency in working on a diverse team and showing respect, responsibility and communication skills to team members and customers.
• Provide technical knowledge, direction, education, and assistance in the development of paper concepts, pilot plant development and commercialization of high-quality Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic beverages.
• Maintain accurate and effective research and development records, documentation and control of new formulations including raw material evaluations.
• Responsible for formulating products that are sustainable, organic, gluten free, vegan, and non-GMO.
• Ensure commercialization of new products and product changes to support continuous improvement efforts that deliver cost savings without impact to taste and or product quality.
• Identify the preferred or most efficient methods for processing products with industry standards and leverage technical best practices to meet product formulation and/or proof of concept. 
• Using data including consumer feedback, product shelf-life studies, material evaluations, to identify new trends in the manufacturing of Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic beverage products.
• Support procurement team in selection and attainment of ingredients.  Partner with external suppliers to source raw materials as needed, resolve issues, and support ongoing product innovation.
• Maintains current knowledge of new regulations and developments in food science, which may include reading scientific journals and attending conferences.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers and suppliers.
• Resolves product development issues in collaboration with operations, winemaking, marketing specialists, process engineers, and flavor experts.
• Generates ideas in research and development, experimental design, quality control activities and product development. 
• Build a working knowledge of production environment and the processes involved in product manufacturing.  Understand the impact of these processes on the finished product.
• Responsible for understanding Food Safety and Quality Management System related activities, including the Food Safety and Quality policy and SQF awareness.
• Establish product controls and procedures to ensure that newly developed products meet customer needs as well as meeting the established FDA, TTB and USDA regulatory standards.
• Food Safety Responsibility: Report problems, initiate and record corrective actions within the food safety management system
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Human Nutrition, or related science field required. MS degree preferred
• Years of Experience: 7 or more years’ experience.
• Be familiar with HARPC and Food System systems
• Needs to be a self-starter, goal-oriented, focused and flexible.
• Thorough, applied understanding of food processing operations, food laws and regulations, food analysis, and food engineering.
• Ability to analyze various components of food, processing, and packaging and properly interpret and report results.
• In-depth knowledge of wine processing and analytical requirements
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Excellent observation, attention to details and analytical skills
• Prioritize activities on an ongoing basis depending on changing conditions
• Excellent computer skills (Excel, Access, Word, SAP, WIPS and LIMS)
• Strong attention to details and to accurately follow instructions and take direction
• Good interpersonal skills, proven ability to communicate effectively and work well with other employees
• Valid California Driver’s license and clean DMV report

Working Conditions:

• Moderate physical work with some outdoor exposure
• Extensive walking and lifting of up to 55 pounds
• Work site may be any one of Trinchero Family Estates’ facilities
• Must be able to travel to meet production needs
• Working on various shifts including early morning, swing, and graveyard
• Long and irregular hours during peak periods
• Standing for long periods of time (8 hours per day)
• Comply with all personal protective equipment requirements including lab coat, footwear, ear plugs and safety glasses
• Exposure to various chemicals, forklifts, machinery and moving parts in lab and production areas

Salary Range: $87,100.00 -  $130,600.00  

The starting pay will be based on several factors, including but not limited to experience, training, education, and geographic location. TFE offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, PTO, wellness programs and fertility and family building benefits.   We also provide a 401(k) plan where TFE may make a discretionary profit-sharing contribution.

Trinchero Family Estates provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Trinchero Family Estates complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. 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.