Research and Development Food Technician

About the Role

The R&D Food Technician assists in the innovation, development, and qualification of new products along with revisions to existing products. Working with the R&D Manager, the technician supports development and product modification initiatives that deliver on quality, ensure continuity of supply, and optimize plant efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development of new and improved products and support research and development activities to accomplish business objectives.
• Participate in projects from concept stage through formulation, pilot batching, and successful first commercial production runs.
• Manage internal testing to develop and modify formulations that meet regulatory, manufacturing, and customer requirements.
• Collaborate with internal and external customers to design and optimize products, including SKU, ingredient, and packaging rationalization initiatives.
• Analyze existing product SOPs, make recommendations, and lead the execution of improvements to formulas and production processes to streamline manufacturing and deliver cost savings.
• Create product specifications, sales spec sheets, and formula cards.
• Collaborate with vendors, customers, and other departments to execute projects and resolve product-related challenges.
• Manage the sample request program to support marketing and sales objectives, including set-up and maintenance of sample inventory.
• Prepare and assist with product cuttings for new and existing customers as needed.
• Maintain the R&D lab to ensure adequate stock of ingredients, materials, and tools for day-to-day operations.
• Ensure the R&D lab maintains a high level of cleanliness and organization.
• Create product samples on an as-needed basis.
• Build sample cases and coordinate shipping needs of product samples.
• Prepare all products as required for daily evaluations.
• Ensure R&D coolers/freezers (including the sample area in the main freezer) are kept clean, organized, and that product/ingredients are properly rotated.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or a related field, formal culinary training, certification, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in R&D within a food manufacturing environment; bakery experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of HACCP and SQF systems is a plus.
• Detail-oriented with excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to run multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize, and resolve issues in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team across all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PPT); MRP/ERP system experience is a plus.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including some weekends and early hours, to support production testing as needed.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds and work in an environment requiring standing/walking for the entire shift.
• Must be able to work in hot, cold, and frozen environments when needed.