R&D Technologist

Position Overview

This role supports the research and development team in creating, testing, and commercializing new food products while continuously improving existing formulations. The R&D Technologist I plays a hands‑on role in bench development, plant trials, and cross‑functional collaboration, ensuring products meet customer expectations, cost targets, quality standards, and operational feasibility. This position requires a strong understanding of ingredients, formulation techniques, and manufacturing processes, along with the ability to translate customer needs into scalable product solutions.

• Support product development projects throughout the full lifecycle, from initial concept through commercialization
• Assist in the formulation and development of new products while adhering to cost, nutritional, and quality requirements
• Evaluate and improve existing products to enhance performance, consistency, and cost efficiency
• Stay informed on current food trends, ingredient innovations, and competitive products to guide development efforts
• Prepare bench samples in a lab setting, selecting appropriate ingredients and usage levels to achieve desired product characteristics
• Analyze the impact of ingredient functionality and processing parameters on finished product outcomes
• Accurately document formulations, specifications, and standard operating procedures to ensure consistency and reproducibility
• Organize and manage inventory of ingredients needed for development and sample preparation
• Modify and replicate formulas to meet specific customer expectations, including flavor, texture, and shelf‑life targets
• Evaluate how formulation adjustments impact scalability and manufacturability
• Support plant trials, pilot runs, and product launches across manufacturing sites, including assisting QA and operations teams with troubleshooting
• Collaborate with suppliers to source ingredients, obtain specifications, evaluate cost implications, and build strong working relationships
• Effectively prioritize and manage multiple development projects in a fast‑paced environment

• Develop subject matter expertise in a specific technical area such as processing equipment, product category, or formulation technology
• Provide technical guidance and troubleshooting support to other team members based on area of specialization
• Train production staff on specialized equipment, processes, and relevant technologies
• Create and maintain detailed documentation, including SOPs, operating instructions, and equipment diagrams
• Partner with Quality Assurance to develop and implement HACCP plans related to new processes, products, or equipment
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including project management and procurement, to provide input on capital equipment investments and process improvements
• Participate in external trainings, industry seminars, and trade shows to remain current on emerging technologies and best practices
• Engage with customers when needed to discuss technical capabilities, product development progress, and specific requirements
• Interface with external vendors and technical support teams to troubleshoot equipment, software, or process‑related challenges

• Supervise and mentor R&D technicians, providing guidance on daily tasks and development projects
• Coordinate team schedules to support lab activities, production trials, and product launches
• Lead and manage customer‑driven projects from concept through commercialization, ensuring timelines, quality standards, and deliverables are met

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or a related technical discipline preferred
• Hands‑on experience in food product development, pilot plant operations, or a manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of ingredient functionality, formulation design, and food processing techniques
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively across R&D, operations, and quality teams
• Excellent problem‑solving, organizational, and documentation skills
• Strong communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with internal teams, suppliers, and customers