Lab Technician

Simple Mills is a rapidly-growing company on the forefront of the clean food movement, transforming center store grocery aisles with products made from nutritious, purposeful ingredients. Simple Mills is a female-founded business, started by Katlin Smith in 2012 out of her own Kitchen. In the company’s short history, Simple Mills has disrupted the market to become the #1 bestselling natural baking mix, the #1 bestselling natural cracker, and the #1 bestselling natural cookie.

The company’s mission is to advance the holistic health of the planet and its people by positively impacting the way food is made. Simple Mills is distributed in 25,000+ stores nationally including Whole Foods, Target, Walmart, Kroger, Costco and more, and available online at retailers like Amazon and Thrive Market. The brand’s newest products include: Organic Seed Flour Crackers, Seed & Nut Flour Sweet Thins, and Soft-Baked Almond Flour Bars. Simple Mills has earned broad recognition from top tier media and industry associations- including a segment on our Founder & CEO Katlin Smith on NPR’s How I Built This. Our products have been featured in a wide array of top publications including Vogue, Women's Health, Forbes, Business Insider, mindbodygreen, NOSH and many more. Simple Mills was also a 2020 Health Magazine Snack Award Winner!

Role Description

We are seeking a highly motivated Lab Technician to join our R&D team in Mill Valley. 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 bench formulation, lab organization, and ingredient management while working closely with food scientists and cross-functional partners to help bring high-quality products to market.

The position will report to the Senior R&D Manager and responsibilities will include:

Technical Testing & Lab Support

• Assist in the planning and execution of benchtop and pilot plant tests for new product development.
• 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.
• Performs other projects as assigned

Requirements

• 0-1 Year experience in a laboratory, test kitchen, or similar setting preferred; must have completed at least one internship. A working knowledge of food safety protocols and proper handling procedures is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in food science or a related technical field (preferred)
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
• Collaborative mindset and strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Outlook.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize competing tasks and timelines.
• Self-starter with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• Prior experience in the CPG (consumer packaged goods) food industry or culinary/kitchen environments is preferred.
• Familiarity with R&D data tools (e.g., TraceGains, Electronic Lab Notebooks).
• A personal connection to the Simple Mills mission and a fervent desire to improve the food system to help people and the planet thrive.

Benefits

We recognize that our people are our greatest asset. That’s why we offer a highly competitive total rewards package designed to support your financial well-being, health, and overall quality of life.  

• Competitive Compensation: This role offers a salary range of $55,000 - $60,000.
• Performance-Based Bonuses: Eligible for an annual bonus based on individual and company performance, calculated at the end of the fiscal year. 
• Comprehensive Health & Financial Benefits: Robust medical, dental, and vision plans, along with a 401(k) retirement plan to support your long-term financial security.  
• Work-Life Flexibility: Enjoy the freedom to thrive both professionally and personally with unlimited PTO, Live Full Fridays (where afternoons are yours to recharge), and a three-week sabbatical after five years of service—because we believe your best work happens when you have the time to rest and refocus. 
• Health & Wellness Perks: Lifestyle stipends and exclusive product perks to enhance your well-being—because your health and happiness matter.

We’re committed to taking care of our people—so you can focus on making an impact.  

Work Model at Simple Mills  

Our work model is role-dependent, and team focused. With remote, hybrid, or in-office positions, each role is classified by what best supports the needs of the team. 

• This position will be in-office at our Mill Valley, CA location. Simple Mills follows CDC recommendations to help insure a safe working environment for all individuals in-office. Remote working may be considered as necessary from a designated location in the United States (the new hire’s permanent residence, as documented in our HR System, Rippling). Sufficient internet access to support video conferencing is required.

At Simple Mills, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and inclusion. Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, past or present military service, physical or mental disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of business need, job requirements, and individual qualifications. #LI-DNI 

Simple Mills is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Simple Mills will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact careers@simplemills.com.