Location - Vista, CA - On Site
Salary - $27/Hour to $31/Hour
About Nordic Naturals
At Nordic Naturals, we take pride in crafting foundational nutrients to help people all over the world live healthy lives. Our mission is to give people, pets, and families the highest-quality nutrients possible to be well and support optimal health. This seemingly simple mission of global health relies on a dedicated team of motivated employees who share our passion for nutrition and wellness. Join us and discover how rewarding it can be to make a living while contributing to a truly great cause.
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 & Core Responsibilities
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.
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
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…