Food Technologist

Location: City Of Industry

Job Title:

Food Technologist

Job Description

This role focuses on developing and prototyping new food products while ensuring strict compliance with HACCP and food safety standards. The Food Technologist conducts product testing, creates detailed product documentation, and supports the successful scale-up of formulations from the laboratory to full production. This position also collaborates closely with internal teams and customers to refine products, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive continuous improvement in quality, cost, and shelf life.

Responsibilities

+ Develop and prototype new food products in compliance with HACCP and food safety standards.

+ Conduct product testing to establish product specifications, shelf life, and analytical ranges.

+ Create and maintain product specifications, standard operating procedures (SOPs), nutrition labels, and ingredient statements in compliance with NLEA and USDA regulations.

+ Identify, evaluate, and validate alternative raw materials to improve cost, quality, and shelf life.

+ Scale formulations from laboratory benchtop to full production and support initial production runs to ensure successful commercialization.

+ Perform HACCP analyses on new raw materials and finished products to ensure food safety compliance.

+ Coordinate with customers on sample revisions, timelines, specifications, and feedback to align product development with customer expectations.

+ Support commercialization activities, including preparing costing requests, assisting with label development, and compiling required documentation.

+ Assist with troubleshooting production or quality issues, conducting root cause analysis, and implementing corrective actions.

+ Conduct competitive benchmarking to compare products against market offerings and identify opportunities for innovation and improvement.

+ Participate in and support innovation sessions to generate new product ideas and enhancements.

+ Collaborate with R&D and Quality teams to ensure consistent application of food science principles and regulatory requirements throughout the development process.

+ Document and analyze data from trials, tests, and production runs to support decision-making and continuous improvement.

Essential Skills

+ Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline such as Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition, Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.

+ At least 2 years of experience in product development or R&D benchtop work in the food industry.

+ Proficiency with Genesis software for nutrition analysis and labeling.

+ Strong data analysis skills to interpret test results and production data.

+ Good written and verbal communication skills to prepare documentation and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

+ Solid understanding of chemistry and food science principles as they apply to product development and food safety.

+ Experience developing or working with product specifications, SOPs, and related documentation.

+ Ability to apply HACCP principles to new materials and finished products.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Knowledge of SOPs and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs) is a strong plus.

+ HACCP certification is a strong plus.

+ Experience working in R&D and Quality departments within dressing and sauce manufacturing environments is highly desirable.

+ Familiarity with NLEA and USDA labeling requirements for nutrition labels and ingredient statements.

+ Ability to collaborate effectively with customers on sample revisions and specifications.

+ Experience supporting commercialization activities such as costing, label development, and documentation.

+ Strong problem-solving skills for troubleshooting and root cause analysis in a production setting.

+ Ability to participate in innovation sessions and competitive benchmarking to drive new product ideas.

+ Comfort working in a structured, process-driven environment with a focus on food safety and quality.

Work Environment

This role is based in a production and laboratory environment with a standard schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The position requires the ability to carry up to 40 pounds as part of handling…