The Role

The Implementation Engineer will be directly responsible for scaling and deploying processes for cannabis infused edible products.  This position will work with our Product Developers to determine scaled procedures for newly validated innovations.   Once the scaled process is validated, the Implementation Engineer will be responsible for scaling the process up and training facility operations team members in our various Manufacturing facilities across the country.  This position does require at least 50% travel.   Responsibilities associated with the technical role include supporting the Product Development team, supporting sites for new product validation runs, troubleshooting processing issues, escalating issues to the Director and documenting process deviations. Green Thumb is growing fast, and as our new Implementation Engineer, you will be tasked with supporting the evolving demands of our fast-paced business.  You must have constant curiosity, a strong capability to train others, passion for our products and maintain a team first mentality. 

Requirements

Technical Expertise: 

• Extensive knowledge of confectionary/edibles (gummy, soft chew, chocolate, beverage, tablets) manufacturing processes, chemistry, and processing equipment 
• Stay up to date with the latest advancements in food processing technologies and best practices. 
• Provide expert guidance to our manufacturing sites on food processing methods, equipment, and techniques to optimize production processes. 
• Address and resolve technical issues, equipment malfunctions, and unexpected challenges in edibles processing. 

Process Improvement: 

• Continuously assess and improve processing methods and operations for efficiency improvements, cost-effectiveness, and product quality. 
• Recommend and implement process enhancements or automation where applicable. 
• Instill optimized processes at manufacturing sites and challenge the status quo. 
• Execute lab scale and small batch experimentation to support all levels of formulation, scalability, automation, and national processing deviations.  

Training and Education: 

• Provide training and guidance to production team on new product SOP’s, best practices, safety protocols, and equipment operation. 
• Create and deliver educational materials and refresher workshops as needed. 
• Develop and transfer all pertinent documentation for a vertical, reliable and sustainable technical transfer for any new process. 

Documentation and Reporting: 

• Maintain accurate records of production processes, quality control, and necessary safety measures/PPE required. 
• Develop batch production records templates, SOP’s, work aids and site readiness documents for a successful product launch. 
• Prepare reports for management and regulatory authorities as required. 
• Support product specification development and reviews as needed to maintain speed to market for new products. 

Food Safety, Quality and Compliance: 

• Work with corporate quality team to ensure food processing operations meet all relevant regulatory and safety standards, such as FDA, USDA, and local health department guidelines. 
• Develop and implement quality control protocols to maintain consistent product quality and safety. 
• Identify and address any quality-related issues promptly and escalate to leadership with action plan. 
• Aid compliance and accuracy involving product tracking, product security, and product creation. 

Safety & Compliance:  

• Be aware of hazards in the workspace. 
• Retain and understand department specific training. 
• Report safety incidents/ concerns and comply with follow-up actions. 
• Be compliant with area safety requirements, state regulations and PPE requirements. 
• Follow GMP, biosecurity, sanitation or other quality and compliance requirements. 
• Perform record keeping accurately and completely as directed by a lead or supervisor. 
• Maintain and calibrate tools, equipment and machinery as directed by a lead or supervisor. 
• Report and escalate safety & quality concerns. 

Working Conditions 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to perform reaching, grasping, bending, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. 
• Must be able to repetitively climb ladders and/or stairs and work from elevated platforms.  
• Must be able to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time while maintaining focus. 
• Must be able to lift, carry, and balance up to 50 pounds (and up to 100 pounds with assistance) AND must be able to do so with extreme care and caution when working with product. 
• Must be able to work in an environment that is 85+ degrees and 70% humidity for extended periods. 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, changing, and challenging environment. 
• Work involves daily exposure to allergens (such as cannabis, tree nuts, and coconut oil).  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in related STEM discipline such as chemistry, biology or physics. 
• Extensive hands-on experience in food processing, preferably in various product categories. 
• In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations and industry standards. 
• Minimum 1 year of supervisory leadership experience 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams. 
• Strong organizational and project management skills. 
• Ability to plan, design experiments, and problem solve. 
• Effective time-management skills and ability to multi-task 
• Capability of troubleshooting, fixing, and services a wide range of equipment and software without assistance. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with coworkers and management. 
• Understanding & adhering to applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations as they pertain to the industry, safety regulations, local municipal codes and organizational rules, regulations, directives and standard operating procedures. 
• Ability to make decisions which have significant impact on the department’s creditability, operations, and service 
• Ability to formulate complex and comprehensive materials such as authoritative reports of major scope and impact and/or develop presentations 

Additional Requirements

• Must be at a minimum of 21 years of age. 
• Must possess valid state ID. 
• Must be able to obtain, and maintain, state badging requirements to work in the cannabis industry (requires background check and state review) 
• Potential overnight travel required greater than 50% of the time