Job Opportunities API

Company Description Simple Mills is on a mission to transform the way food is made, creating nourishing products with astounding ingredients and amazing taste. Founded in 2012 by Katlin Smith, our brand has redefined center-aisle grocery by delivering better-for-you products made with unique, nutrient-dense ingredients. Today, we’re a category leader and the #1 natural brand in multiple segments, with distribution in over 30,000 stores nationwide. Now, as part of Flowers Foods , we’re entering an exciting new phase of growth—expanding our reach, accelerating innovation, and amplifying brand awareness, all while preserving the integrity of what makes Simple Mills special. Our commitment to using simple, high-quality ingredients ensures that every bite is both delicious and nutritious. Whether it’s watermelon seed flour in our cookies or butternut squash in our crackers, we craft our products with innovative, wholesome ingredients that deliver extraordinary taste. Our work has been recognized by Fast Company as a Brand That Matters and a Most Innovative Company , and has been featured in Vogue, Forbes, Women’s Health , and NPR’s How I Built This . In 2024, Inc. named us one of its Best Workplaces , reflecting our dedication to fostering an inspiring and inclusive environment where passionate individuals can make a difference. Join us as we shape the future of food. Learn more at www.simplemills.com . Requirements Role Description The  R&D/QA Lab Technician  will be a critical role in Chicago. In this hands-on role, you will support the development, testing, and continuous improvement of our food products and ingredients. You’ll play a critical part in benchtop evaluation, lab organization and maintenance, and ingredient management while working closely with Food Scientists, QA Managers and cross-functional partners to help maintain high-quality products in market.   The position will report to the R&D Manager, Portfolio Transformation and responsibilities will include:  Technical Testing & Lab Support   Assist in the planning and execution of benchtop testing as assigned by the Food Scientists and Managers  Prepare, test, and evaluate food and ingredient samples using established methods and equipment.   Maintain accurate lab records, data sheets, and documentation for ongoing projects.   Coordinate and execute experiments with attention to detail and adherence to food safety standards.   Support basic troubleshooting of equipment and escalate issues as needed.     Lab & Inventory Management   Own and maintain ingredient inventory, sample tracking, and lab cleanliness.   Order lab supplies and manage organization of raw materials and tools.   Lead daily upkeep of lab workflows, including equipment maintenance and process documentation.     Continuous Improvement   Contribute to improvements in lab operations and workflow efficiencies.   Participate in team meetings to share results, learnings, and recommendations.   Use software systems (e.g., Microsoft Excel, TraceGains) for data tracking and inventory control.   Perform other projects as assigned   Quality Assurance Testing  Evaluate QA retains from production against specifications  Maintain consistent records of testing  Identify trends to communicate to QA Managers  Become Subject Matter Expert on products in production; proficiency in the unique sensory attributes of Simple Mills products  Maintain retain inventory  Performs other projects as assigned   Position Requirements 0-1 Year experience in