Research And Development Associate

Division/Department: R&D

Reports to: FSQA Manager

Type of Position: Full-time exempt employee

Salary Range: $65k-$75k

We are seeking a highly organized and proactive Research and Development Associate to support and maintain our product development and manufacturing operations in compliance with SQF Standards. This role is responsible for ensuring that our products meet established quality, safety, regulatory, and customer requirements through product testing, effective quality management systems, and accurate label management.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong technical background in food science, microbiology, or a related field, along with practical experience in food and beverage manufacturing environments. Knowledge of SQF, FSMA, FDA regulations, and PCQI requirements is highly desirable.

• Perform daily product testing of finished products, including pH, Brix, Water Activity, sensory evaluation, and microbiological compliance where applicable.
• Manage Certificate of Analysis (COA) documentation and product release procedures
• Support the quality and product safety components of R&D-driven projects throughout the product’s shelf life.
• Conducts continuous quality checks out on the production floor. This includes package/seal checks, label accuracy, raw material inspections, in-line production checks, and ensuring sanitation procedures are being followed.
• Conducts Quality Assurance-related verification activities such as temperature checks, detergent concentration checks, lab equipment calibration, etc.
• Support product development initiatives by collaborating closely with R&D on bench-top formulation and prototype preparation.
• Assist in the execution of pilot plant and production trials, ensuring adherence to quality and food safety requirements during scale-up.
• Participate in process validations and first production runs, verifying that products meet established specifications and performance expectations.
• Coordinate and support shelf-life studies, including sample preparation, stability tracking, and data collection under various storage conditions.
• Evaluate product stability, including sensory, and physical attributes, and communicate findings to cross-functional teams.
• Ensure that all development and trial activities align with food safety plans, GMPs, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate documentation of formulations, test results, and trial observations to support product commercialization and continuous improvement.

• Enforce Good Manufacturing Practices and overall good quality practices out on the production floor.
• Supports internal audit inspections. This includes pre/post operational inspections, processing equipment inspections, and GMP inspections.

• Support the implementation and continuous improvement of the company’s Quality Management System (QMS) and Food Safety Plan.
• Maintain compliance with SQF certification requirements, including documentation, recordkeeping, and internal audit support.
• Ensure programs area aligned with FSMA preventive controls and FDA regulations applicable to food ingredients and flavors.

• Aid FSQA Manager in collecting all relevant information regarding supplier approval in a timely fashion. Supports reviewing and approving new suppliers and assess compliance with quality standards, specifications, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with procurement and R&D teams to qualify new suppliers and monitor ongoing supplier performance
• Investigate non-conformances, customer complaints, quality deviations implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, microbiology, food engineering, biochemistry, or related scientific field required.
• Minimum 1-3 years of experience in the field of Food/Beverage in Food Safety/QA
• Working knowledge of: SQF or GFSI recognized Food Safety systems, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), sanitation programs, FSMA preventive controls, FDA food regulations, label requirements
• Experience with quality documentation systems, audits, and regulatory compliance
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Attention to detail and regulatory accuracy
• Strong oral and written communication- ability to speak and communicate in Spanish is a plus!
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrates ability to work independently as well as function effectively and comfortably within multi-disciplinary teams
• Proficiency with Microsoft Applications – mainly Excel, Word, Outlook
• Ability to independently identify improvement opportunities and implement solutions related to quality assurance and control.