FOOD TECHNOLOGIST MOTLEY PLANT

Trident Seafoods is North America's largest vertically integrated seafood harvesting and processing company. Privately held and 100% USA-owned, Trident operates globally in 6 countries and serves customers in almost 60 countries. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Trident employs approximately 7,700 people worldwide and partners with over 2,700 independent fishermen and crewmembers in Alaska. The company catches and processes virtually every commercial species of salmon, whitefish, and crab harvested in the North Pacific and Alaska, with a global supply chain that includes cultured and wild species from an international network of trusted suppliers.

About the role

The Food Technologist will collaborate with world-class food scientists and chefs, specializing in Alaskan Seafood. This role focuses on developing new product formulations, improving existing products, and leading projects from prototype to full commercialization. The position involves bench-top research, ingredient evaluation, and cross-functional collaboration with supply chain, FSQA, production, and project management teams.

Responsibilities

• Initiate, produce, and supply prototype or existing product samples to meet target account needs.
• Draft provisional specifications for prototype products prepared for customer sampling.
• Ensure adequate supply of first production samples for cook validation, product cuttings, and shelf-life tests.
• Perform bench-top research and evaluate new ingredients and product formulations; plan, execute, and document lab experiments, shelf-life testing, and production trials.
• Evaluate and recommend ingredient/recipe components based on functionality, formula, acceptability, cost, and manufacturing capability.
• Vet and approve new ingredient opportunities before preparing customer samples.
• Lead multiple R&D projects, partnering with supply chain, FSQA, production, category, and project management teams.
• Collaborate with food scientists and chefs on product development, R&D processes, presentations, and daily operations; mentor less experienced team members.
• Contribute to New Product Development (NPD) creative exploration (10% of job scope).
• Design methods to improve ingredient qualities, food production, flavor, color, texture, nutritional value, convenience, and cost efficiency.
• Create R&D specifications, document all tests (lab and plant trials), and compile testing data for ingredient performance and production summaries.
• Participate in sensory evaluations and lead product cuttings/presentations for internal teams, introducing products, ingredient features, benefits, and application techniques.

The essential functions listed are not exhaustive; other duties may be assigned to meet business needs. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in food science, manufacturing, or a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in food science or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Located in Motley, Minnesota, with occasional travel to customers (up to 10%).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in food science or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of labeling requirements, including reviewing nutritional and ingredient statements.
• Working knowledge of product development and commercialization, including cooking instructions validation, thermometer calibration, shelf-life testing, and record-keeping.

Skills

• General understanding of food laws and regulations.
• Solid understanding of mathematics, scientific weights, and measurements.
• Basic working knowledge of MS Office, PowerPoint, database management, and other computer applications for data analysis and problem-solving.

Work Environment

This role is split between a professional office environment and an industrial test kitchen/pilot plant setting. The employee regularly performs product development, testing, and commercialization activities in food production environments and may be exposed to temperature variations, noise, food allergens, and processing equipment. Personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required.

Work Ability Requirements

• May require standing for extended periods and frequent walking between work areas.
• Lifting and carrying ingredients or product samples up to 25-50 pounds.
• Occasional travel to manufacturing facilities, suppliers, customers, or industry events.

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

Pay

This is a salaried-exempt position with a pay range of $75,000 to $110,000 per year.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Optional HRA/HSA accounts.
• Telemedicine, employee assistance, and wellness programs.
• Long-term disability, basic life, and AD&D insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off, including 10 paid holidays per year and paid parental leave.
• Vacation accrual starting on the first day of employment, up to 112 hours per year.
• Sick leave eligibility up to 48 hours per year, in accordance with company policy.
• Discretionary/performance-based incentives for full-time employees.