Research & Development Analyst

JOB TITLE: R&D ANALYST

REPORTS TO: SR. R&D PROJECT ENGINEER

DEPARTMENT: QUALITY/RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

LOCATION: OXNARD, CA

Mission Produce is a global leader in the worldwide avocado business, with additional offerings in mangos. Since 1983, we have invested in people, state-of-the-art technology, and avocado-specific and ripening infrastructure to expertly serve our customers, growers, and partners in over 25 countries. We own and operate four packing facilities in multiple global locations including California, Mexico, and Peru. Our global distribution network includes strategically placed forward distribution centers in North America, China, and Europe, which promote company expansion into new territories and categories. Throughout our history, we have remained rooted in honesty, respect, and loyalty to provide a year-round supply of high-quality fruit from field to fork.

JOB SUMMARY

The research and development analyst will assist with various R&D projects such as shelf-life extension, instrumentation, and packaging optimization for our avocado and mango programs. Our analyst will enter data and maintain comprehensive project documentation, also provide regular updates on project status.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in the development of experimental designs and execute appropriate evaluation protocols to address research objectives received from the business development team.
• Assist in formulating standard operating procedures for lab equipment and processes.
• Identify new opportunities for avocados and mangos and their respective packaging, storage, and transportation within practical constraints.
• Maintain record of material/equipment use, sample location and timelines.
• Facilitate communication with other departments (Production, Shipping, QA.)
• Enter data and maintain comprehensive project documentation.
• Provide regular updates of project/evaluation status to the R&D team.
• Move boxes of fruit in cold storage environments.
• Clean and maintain lab equipment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• Associate degree in areas such as Packaging, Agronomy, Chemistry or Horticulture preferred or 3 years of related experience.
• Organizational and time management skills.
• The ability to successfully work well independently as well as within a team.
• Previous Quality control/lab experience preferred.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Knowledgeable in MS Office.
• Able to work on weekends if necessary for data collection.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Ability to lift or move 25 to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in temperature-controlled environment from 34°F – 42°F.
• Safely work near moving mechanical parts and equipment.

Pay Range: $65,000 – $92,200

MISSION PRODUCE CALIFORNIA EMPLOYEE PRIVACY POLICY

This privacy policy ("Policy") sets out how Mission Produce uses and protects any information that you may give Mission Produce in the context of your employment, job application, or other similar working relationship with Mission Produce. This policy also applies to the information we collect about your emergency contacts and individuals for whom we administer benefits relating to your employment with us.

CATEGORIES OF PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT:

• Identifiers such as your name, postal address, internet protocol address, email address, social security number, driver’s license number, passport number, or other similar identifiers.
• Sensitive information, such as your bank account number, health insurance information, or employment history.
• Characteristics of protected classifications under California or federal law.
• Internet or other electronic network activity information.
• Audio, electronic, visual, or similar information.
• Professional or employment-related information.
• Inferences drawn from any of the above-listed categories of information.

HOW WE USE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION:

We use your personal information to facilitate your relationship with us, including to:

• Identify and recruit employees, including by conducting due diligence into employee backgrounds.
• Administer our benefit plans, including our health plans for dependents.
• Meet our payroll needs.
• Analyze your performance, conduct performance reviews, and adjust your role.
• Maintain records, such as licensure and credentialing records relating to your role.
• Support our HR functions, including handling employee claims, complaints, travel, and administering changes to employment status.
• Contact you regarding your work with and relationship to us and in emergency situations.
• Meet our legal requirements, such as confirming that you are eligible to work in the U.S.
• Maintain the security and confidentiality of our systems and information, including but not limited to trade secrets.

If you have any questions, please contact Becky Alaniz at balaniz@missionproduce.com.