Kiva Confections (www.kivaconfections.com) is a world-class cannabis-infused edibles company in California, the largest cannabis market in the world. Kiva's line includes Kiva Chocolate Bars, Terra Bites, Petra Mints, Lost Farms Gummies & Chews, and Camino Gummies. Our products are crafted from premium ingredients and thoughtfully combined with California cannabis. Since our beginning in 2010, our goal has been to create confections that redefine what a cannabis confection ought to be. By applying art and science, we ensure a deliciously consistent experience.
We have high-reaching growth plans as the legal market and consumer adoption expand. Key growth initiatives include ambitious platform innovation, outstanding marketing, geographic expansion, strategic partnerships, and more. We are resourced for this spectacular growth and looking for great people to help take us to the next level.
Job Summary
The R&D Tech II position will support the R&D Manager in driving new product initiatives from idea creation to launch.
As Kiva's R&D Technician, you'll...
- Support new product development (NPD) by working on new confectionery recipes, product optimizations, ingredient validations, shelf life and stability studies, with support from the R&D Manager.
- Support the R&D Manager on formulations at benchtop and scale-up/ tech transfer for various formats such as confectionery (chocolate and candy -chews, gummies), solid dosage formats ( tablets, capsules, coating) and beverage (RTD) formulations
- Communicate cross functionally with Brand and Marketing teams on product sensory evaluations, and with the Engineering and Technical Operations teams on product commercialization
- Assist with building external suppliers and vendor relationships including sourcing of ingredients and documentation
- Support product testing requirements by assisting with development of ingredient and product quality specifications
- Help maintain a clean work environment by cleaning and organizing shared lab and desk space
What we're looking for...
- 1-3 years of combined R&D experience in nutraceuticals or food/dietary supplement/ pharma/ consumer packaged goods
- Minimum high school level education or equivalent; Associates Degree level preferred; Food Science or Culinary background strongly preferred.
- Must meet Kiva's MVR requirements
- Previous experience with tablets and beverage formulation is desirable
- Prefer product development background in confectionery (chocolate, candy chews, gummies), solid dosage formats ( tablets, capsules, coating) and beverage (RTD) formulations
- Knowledge of benchtop and scale-up equipment and processing in a GMP facility is desirable
- Pilot plant experience is preferred
- Must have proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
- Adept at vendor communication for sourcing of ingredients and documentation
- Analytical skills for collecting, assessing and presenting experimental data and results
- Experience in Cannabis industry preferred
- Strong communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and project execution skills
- Organization and time management skills with ability to multitask and juggle multiple requests and projects in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to cross-train other technicians and cross-functional stakeholders
- Preferred proficiency in Project management software
Kiva Confections 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.
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