R&D Specialist

Job purpose

The R&D Specialist supports the Research & Development function by performing technical tests, documenting product performance, and assisting the R&D Technologist with experimental work, sample evaluations, and production-related quality confirmation.
This role ensures that product quality, safety, and consistency are upheld during new development, reformulations, and first production runs.

Duties and Responsibilities

The associate’s primary functions and responsibilities are as follows:

• Prepare ingredients, samples, and experimental setups for benchtop trials, including mixing, sheeting, baking, and other laboratory procedures, as well as pilot‑scale testing and first‑production activities.
• Conduct sampling and inspection of first‑production products across all facilities to verify compliance with required item specifications.
• Perform standardized testing of food products for flavor, color, texture, moisture, stack height, and other attributes using appropriate laboratory equipment.
• Conduct checking and breakage tests, ensuring accurate recording of results with supporting photographs and quantitative data.
• Evaluate physical and chemical product attributes against established standards and generate clear, data‑driven reports using Word, Excel, charts, templates, and related tools.
• Assist in compiling, analyzing, and interpreting trial data to support product development and process‑improvement initiatives.
• Maintain and organize R&D ingredient documentation, including product specifications, allergen statements, Non‑GMO declarations, and SDS files.
• Oversee daily operations of the R&D test kitchen, including ingredient inventory management, adherence to sanitation protocols, and routine maintenance to ensure a clean, efficient workspace.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records of product assessments and experimental outcomes, monitoring product consistency, collecting samples, and performing on‑line checks.
• Prepare, label, and coordinate the shipment of product samples for sensory panels, customer evaluations, or external laboratory testing.
• Support sensory panel activities by preparing samples, coding products, setting up evaluation stations, and ensuring smooth panel execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field.
• 2–3 years of experience in product development in food manufacturing, with hands-on involvement in formulation, testing, and process optimization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to document findings, collaborate cross-functionally, and drive continuous improvement in product development.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, with the ability to create and manage documents, spreadsheets, email communications, and presentations effectively.
• Strong oral and written communication.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Working conditions

• Always work indoors.
• Compliant with ventilation, cleanliness, space, lighting and temperature.

Physical requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Standing involved.
• May repeat the same movement.
• Often wear safety equipment such as gloves, hair nets, steel toed safety shoes/boots and beard nets.
• Ability to bend or twist their body.