Research & Development Lab Technician

Company

UJZ Foods is a combination of two long established protein companies. Uncle John's is a fresh and smoked sausage processor located in Tampa, Florida. Uncle John's features brand name products under the banners of Uncle John's, Garcia, Atlanta Sausage Company, and Realtree. The Garcia brand dates back to the 1960's and the Uncle John's brand to the 1970's. Uncle John's was acquired by the current investors in 2022.

The Zummo Meat Company was created in 1908 in Beaumont, TX and manufactures high quality, fresh and smoked sausage and boudin. The organization also offers jambalaya and dirty rice products. Zummo was acquired by the current investors in September of 2023. The two organization were integrated and now managed as a single entity known as UJZ Foods. The combined organization has top line revenue of roughly $75M. The combined brands also rank as a top ten manufacturer nationally in the dinner sausage space.

The vision of the organization is to grow from a regional manufacturer to a super-regional and ultimately a national player in the sausage and adjacent spaces. To accomplish this growth plan, the organization must continue to innovate. To keep up with new business opportunities, we are building the research and development team.

Role and Responsibilities

The R&D technician will report to the Director of R&D. This roIe will play an integral role in delivering the new product pipeline. They will lead the production of samples for internal and external tastings and play a role in optimizing product recipes prior to launching in the market.

Key Responsibilities Include:

● Make new product prototype samples, including weighing ingredients, blending and cooking based on formulation sheets

● Adhere to food safety protocols and provide any necessary documentation for USDA requirements

● Record observations during sample production and product tastings

● Maintain a clean and orderly ingredient room, kitchen and sample storage area

● Manage new ingredient spec sheets and provide to QA upon request

● Coordinate sample requests with R&D team and sales.

● Package product samples for shipping to customers and conduct cooking instructions in accordance with food safety requirements.

● Maintain good manufacturing practices, housekeeping and safe work area.

● Working comprehension of SAFETY DATA SHEETS and protocol for handling chemicals.

● Assemble and disassemble kitchen equipment to clean and sanitize.

● Document and summarize details and circumstances involving all assigned job tasks.

● File and organize all documentation for projects both digitally and in printed form.

Professional Qualifications

● High school diploma or bachelor's degree

● Minimum 1 year of food industrial/product development lab experience required. Internships will be considered as experience.

● Accurately perform basic math skills including averages, percentages, fractions and decimals

● Computer skills - working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite Programs (Teams, Word, Excel, Outlook).

● Able to read, write, and speak English.

● Must be able to stand for periods of time with frequent moving throughout the R&D and production area.

● Bending/Push/pull/lift boxes up to 50 pounds.

● Have reliable transportation.

Personal Characteristics

● Detail oriented and self-motivated, desire to learn new skills for professional growth.

● Passionate about food

● Collaborative with team members

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demand and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk and talk or hear. Must be able to stand for periods of time with frequent moving throughout the R&D and production area. Bending/Push/pull/lift boxes up to 50 pounds.

Mus have taste and smell. The employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demand and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Pay: $50, $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person