POLARIS INNOVATIONS - Formulation Chemist | Post Processing Manager

POLARIS INNOVATIONS
 Job Title: Formulation Chemist | Post Processing Manager
Department: Manufacturing Operations
Location: Estacada, OR
Reports To: General Manager
 Company Summary
Polaris Innovations, LLC operates as a large-scale hemp manufacturing facility. The company was founded and organized to provide retail and business-to-business CBD solutions to a broad consumer base. Our Mission is to enrich the lives of those around us through our commitment to the distribution and development of CBD solutions. PJV will utilize the operating and manufacturing experience and expertise of its senior leadership team to coach and develop a team with a focus on cGMP manufacturing specification and future FDA regulations. PJV delivers trusted B2C and B2B products in both national and international markets with first-in-class product offerings that emphasize the company's core values: Honest Business Practices, Product Integrity and a Family-focus. As we grow our business we are seeking out team members that possess high-character, a passion for helping others and a desire to be great!
 Position Summary
The formulation chemist is a part of the post processing team. The chemist’s responsibilities include formulating for the current portfolio of products and working with our extraction expert toward innovation. The individual will collaborate in the development of new products from concept to commercialization including base innovation, product re-formulations, cost optimization and quality initiatives. The individual in this role must possess a strong knowledge of technical principles and product scaling methods. The formulation chemist will work concurrently in formulations and the post processing lab taking extracted oil through phases of refinement to varying finished products. 
 The position will require interfacing cross-departmentally within Operations in supply chain, packaging and quality and in Marketing. 
 Essential Duties and Responsibilities
 

• Create innovative formulations that meet both client and company guidelines for quality, cost and stability.
• Produce to schedule company formulations and scale accordingly
• Execute a leadership role through post processing/purification phases
• Assist in creating detailed procedures for scale up of new and existing formulations
• Interact closely with cross-departmental teams to maintain brand standards
• Own the process for trial and production batches
• Provide coaching to lab and formulation technicians as departments expand. This person will be a technical leader and collaborative voice in R+D.
• Create and/or review technical manufacturing documents to support product development and continuous improvement (i.e.  standard operating processes, ingredient statements, manufacturing formulas, cost of goods)
• Exhibit professionalism and team player qualities of cooperation and coordination
• Proactively apply scientific knowledge and/ or technical skills to business issues or opportunities.
• Ensures all written and digital manufacturing documentation is performed accurately and timely.
• Work with the Director of Extraction and Formulation on creating trial and scaling standards
• Develop prototypes which deliver against business and client objectives, including cost targets.
• Answer client questions regarding formulations, ingredients and food manufacturing regulations.
• Work closely with marketing and sales insights to deliver products in line with market demand 
• Identify and bring forward issues & constraints, while leveraging internal & external expertise during the development process to resolve technical issues. 
• Manage timelines and activities for product development projects. 
• Work with stakeholders and team members to identify new equipment and ingredient requirements.
• Fosters an innovation culture introducing new manufacturing ideas and product concepts for new products, quality improvements, and productivity. 

Qualifications
Education:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry or Food Science

 Required Skills & Experience

• Must have 2-5 years of experience in commercial product formulations
• Must have experience with laboratory equipment in a manufacturing environment
• Be able to quickly adapt to job priorities with minimal supervision

• Requires the ability to identify critical path items and risks, and effectively communicate these to both the processing teams and management.
• Experience with multiple projects across new product development and daily formulation production within a food/consumer products manufacturing facility. 
• Excellent functional/technical skills, including knowledge of food technology, food safety and quality systems and requirements.
• Ability to lead functional executional excellence

 Preferred Skills & Expertise

• Knowledge of Oregon marijuana laws, Oregon Liquor Control Commission Recreational Marijuana Program regulations, and Oregon Health Authority requirements and Oregon Department of Agriculture rules; previous cannabis industry experience preferred with priority given to candidates with experience in licensed manufacturing facilities
• Experience within a GMP facility
• Experience working with hazardous chemicals

• Superior time management skills 
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, start-up environment
• Ability to conceptualize the moving parts in various departments required to produce finished goods.
• Ability to work collaboratively at a high level and autonomously drive projects to completion 
• Ability to work within manufacturing software programs to track and complete quality manufacturing processes

Other Requirements
Physical Requirements

• Must be able to individually lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to sit, stand, stoop, crouch, reach, and lift for long periods of time
• Must be able to be on your feet and walk a majority of the day

Work Requirements

• Must be able to work in a warehouse, kitchen, manufacturing, and packaging environment with moderate to loud noise level
• Must be able to work in manufacturing, or production facilities with moderate to loud noise level and changing working conditions. Will require use of safety equipment or personal protective equipment, as needed
• Must be able to work in an office environment with moderate to loud noise level

 Interested?  Send resume to Bob Carroll / [email protected]