R&D Specialist

This role provides critical support in managing and executing product development and production activities to successfully produce R&D package product samples for both internal and external customers.

Responsibilities

• Understand a variety of cuisines and explain, analyze, and formulate soup in both creative and traditional ways.
• Benchmark products against competitors.
• Perform product development activities including conceptualization, formulation, prototype evaluation, optimization, standardization, cost calculation, commercial translation, and product launch.
• Select new materials, negotiate prices, and update material lists or vendors to reduce costs.
• Design and test products to ensure shelf-life stability and evaluate flavor, color, texture, and nutritional content.
• Conduct tests and analyses on products to determine inherent properties and present results for further development.
• Research consumer trends and awareness, including legal issues related to product development.
• Execute research on consumer taste preferences through internal and external validation.
• Collaborate with process engineers, plant management, marketing specialists, and external customers to ensure projects remain on schedule and within budget.
• Conduct production trials to ensure successful launch of new and revised products.
• Monitor production to confirm plant capability, conformance to design criteria, and train plant operations.
• Understand legal and regulatory requirements related to food labeling and food additives.
• Report and present oral and written updates, including product demonstrations, to teams and customers.
• Prepare documentation such as test reports, standard formulations, standard processes, and other necessary standards for commercialization and food safety.
• Manage materials, including purchasing and shipping lab apparatus, and maintain supply inventory.
• Perform other job duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) or equivalent combination of education and experience; degree in nutrition, food science, or food technology preferred.
• 2+ years of related experience in Research and Development or a related field in the food industry.

Skills

• Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers, and the public. Bilingual preferred.
• Mathematical Skills: Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability, statistical inference, geometry, and trigonometry. Ability to apply fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Teams, Outlook) and ERP systems.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems with limited standardization. Ability to interpret instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Ability to define problems, identify causes, variables, and actions.

Pay

USD $67,000.00 - USD $72,000.00 per year.

About Us

Founded in 1958 by Momofuku Ando, the creator of instant noodles, we entered the U.S. market in 1970. Our flagship brands, Cup Noodles and Top Ramen, have become staples in U.S. pop culture. Join Team Nissin to support our legacy of innovation and deliver noodle happiness to consumers, employees, partners, and the community in a meaningful and sustainable way. As part of this $4 billion global company, you’ll help evolve how people think about instant ramen while discovering opportunities for professional growth.