R&D TECHNICIAN

About the Role

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

The R&D Technician supports the Research & Development team in product development, sample preparation, testing, documentation, and laboratory operations. This position assists Food Scientists and Product Developers with product evaluations, ingredient management, prototype preparation, sensory testing, and technical documentation while maintaining a safe, organized, and efficient R&D environment.

Responsibilities

• Assists Food Scientists and Product Developers with product preparation, prototype development, ingredient evaluation, and product testing.
• Prepares samples for internal evaluations, customer presentations, shelf-life studies.
• Assists in executing laboratory experiments and collecting project data as directed by the R&D Supervisor.
• Supports product benchmarking, product assessments, and sensory evaluation activities.
• Prepares conference rooms and provides culinary support for presentations, customer meetings, and product reviews.
• Conducts basic product measurements and testing as directed by the R&D Supervisor.
• Compiles, records, and inputs testing results and observations into company databases and project files.
• Responsible for packing, shipping, receiving, and tracking product samples and ingredients. Maintains ingredient records, specifications, and supporting documentation.
• Maintains inventory of dry ingredients, frozen samples, raw materials, packaging materials. Monitors inventory levels and communicates replenishment needs to the R&D Supervisor.
• Maintains organization, cleanliness, and readiness of laboratories, kitchens, freezers, storage areas, and conference rooms.
• Operates laboratory, kitchen, and testing equipment safely and according to established procedures.
• Ensures monthly thermometer calibration and coordinates annual scale calibration.
• Maintains laboratory supplies and equipment in good working condition.
• Maintains an organized, clean, and professional workspace.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Self-directed with minimal supervision.
• Provides clear communication regarding assigned tasks, priorities, project status, and workload.
• Adheres to basic health department food handling and safety requirements ie. proper storage of raw foods, personal handwashing and hygiene, food preparation area sanitizing, opening and closing procedure.
• Follows established R&D safety procedures and safe equipment operating practices.
• Ensures regular quality assessment of food storage ingredients, freezer clean up and track shelf life of both dry and frozen products.
• Expected to act as R&D safety officer on occasion, preparing weekly safety audits and ensuring proper daily kitchen closure procedures.
• Regularly works onsite to build strong team connections, collaborate across functions, and solve problems in real time.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in food science, biology, chemistry or related field.
• 0–2 years of experience in a food manufacturing, laboratory, quality, culinary, or product development environment preferred.

Skills

• Experienced with mathematics, scientific weights and measurements.
• Basic understanding of food safety, sanitation, and laboratory practices.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to accurately collect, record, and maintain technical data.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and other business software.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-directed with minimal supervision.

Pay & Benefits

• Hourly pay rate range of $24 to $28 per hour.
• Full time employees may be eligible for discretionary/performance-based incentives, medical, dental and vision insurance plans, optional HRA/HSA, telemedicine, employee assistance and wellness programs, disability programs, basic life and AD&D, and a 401(k) plan with a company match.
• Paid time off (PTO) starts at 20 days per year, adjusted commensurate with relevant experience, front loaded on the first of the year, initially prorated quarterly based on hire date.
• 10 paid holidays each year.
• Paid parental leave.
• Commuter programs available.

Schedule & Work Environment

• This is an on-site position based at the Trident R&D Center at Seattle's Pier 91, with the option to work remotely on some Fridays.
• The work environment includes an industrial kitchen, production floors, and an office setting. Noise levels can be moderate to high and can include exposure to hot and cold temperatures.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.