Research and Development Engineer jobs in Salem, OR

At Pacific Seafood, we do more than just provide the world with the healthiest proteins on the planet. We are an excellence-driven organization committed to being the brand of choice in the marketplace and the employer of choice in the community.  We believe in servant leadership, investing in our team members, and rewarding performance.  We live by the core values of our Diamond Philosophy: Quality, Teamwork, Productivity, and Excellence—which means consistently doing your best and always striving to do better.

Summary: 

As the R & D Specialist, you will research, identify, and analyze the production process. Responsible for compilation and analysis of data and accurate record keeping of results and information. Plan, coordinate, and direct the quality control program designed to ensure continuous production of products consistent with established standards. Develop and modify company quality systems and procedures.

Key Responsibilities:

• Offer and implement training.
• Perform inspections (Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly) and environmental testing of contact surfaces, water, product.
• Product tracking.
• Follow-up on customer complaints.
• Perform and monitor internal/external audits and inspections to ensure that all standards and requirements are met.
• Responsible for achievement of quality department goals and objectives.
• Identify, investigate and report on critical quality defects on production processes and products.
• Determine source of quality variance and specific steps to be taken in correcting the process and product.
• Prepare and submit reports as required.
• Conduct line level problem analysis.
• Project zero product defects objective/philosophy.
• Collect and analyze data from all available resources to monitor and ensure adequacy/accuracy of systems; evaluate and recommend changes to improve reliability and performance.
• Responsible for identifying high dollar cost and time savings to the company.
• Develop and manage inventory strategies while working within a budget.
• Develop and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
• Update existing seafood reports.
• Compile and synthesize information on emerging and popular trends in the seafood industry.
• Evaluate new technologies, troubleshoot existing technologies and identify opportunities for product and process improvement.
• Assist specification development for processes, raw materials and finished products.
• Provide scientific guidance to associated consultants regarding food safety and other regulatory matters.
• Be active in idea generation for new applications and development of existing ones.
• Lead product development prototypes through the commercialization process.
• Develop metrics for testing.
• Coordinate various research activities, as needed.
• Remain current on all regulatory requirements and law changes; interpret and implement FDA, ODA, H.A.C.C.P., S.S.O.P., COOL Act regulations and ensure standards are met.
• Interact with regulatory agencies and/or third party auditors.
• Manage ongoing program of mechanical texture analysis and flesh quality, using scientific equipment and techniques.
• Train and supervise junior staff in texture analysis techniques.
• Curate flesh quality database and monitor data quality and integrity.
• Liaise directly with international consultants regarding flesh quality and its causal factors.
• Liaise with veterinarians and other technical experts and develop an understanding of the influences of genetics, environment and husbandry of product quality.
• Gather quality data from both farm sites and production facilities, pertinent to continuous monitoring product quality.
• Perform other duties, as assigned

What You Bring to Pacific Seafood:

Required

• Three or more years related experience
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field.
• HACCP Certified.
• SQF Practitioner Certified, or the ability to become certified within 12 months of hire.
• Valid driver’s license.

Salary Range: $55.918 - $68,779 Annually

Total Compensation:

At Pacific Seafood, your base wage is only a portion of your overall compensation package. We invest in our Team Members through a comprehensive and attractive total rewards package, including but not limited to:

• Health insurance benefits options, including medical, prescription, vision, dental, basic group life and short-term disability
• Flexible spending accounts for health flex and dependent care expenses
• 401(k) retirement plan options with generous annual company profit sharing match
• Paid time-off for all regular FT team members to include sick days, paid holidays, vacation, and personal time
• Employee assistance program providing confidential professional counseling, financial and legal assistance at no charge to team members and immediate family members
• Product purchase program

Pacific Seafood is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.