Associate R&D Technologist

About the Role

As an Associate Research and Development Technologist, you will play a key role in driving innovation and efficiency. You will support research projects, document critical findings, and contribute to cost optimization efforts through formulation and processing improvements. Your work will help create cutting-edge product prototypes, shaping future development initiatives. Additionally, you will identify and approve potential ingredient and manufacturing suppliers, ensuring high-quality standards and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Product Development and Commercialization:
• Support the development of new products and line extensions, guiding them from bench-top concepts to full commercialization.
• Conduct pilot plant tests and production trials to generate viable prototypes and refine formulations for improved product quality.
• Collaborate with R&D team members, contributing to hands-on innovation and ensuring successful product development.
• Process and Data Management:
• Manage product formulations using an online database system, creating and adjusting recipes to meet development needs.
• Maintain accurate project files, specifications, and key product data to ensure seamless documentation and formulation integrity.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Business, Marketing, Sales, Manufacturing, and Engineering, to support product development efforts.
• Document and organize product reviews while ensuring stakeholders stay informed on project progress.
• Skill Development and Compliance:
• Improve product development skills through training, hands-on experience, and understanding USDA/FDA regulations.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Food Science or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• Company will consider a currently enrolled Bachelor's Degree college student with an anticipated graduation by end of the current semester/quarter as qualified.
• Strong scientific knowledge of meat, non-meat ingredients, and their functionality.
• Able to work with pilot plant equipment with minimal supervision.
• Proficient in on-line work systems and product development software tools.
• Continuously improves and updates food/meat science and product development skills.
• Understands all aspects of current plant process systems.
• Ability to complete required applicable forms in English, requiring the ability to read and write in English.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and time management skills.
• May require travel up to 10-25% of the time.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Office and plant setting.
• Plant environment may include:
• Wet or humid conditions (non-weather related).
• Extreme cold and heat (non-weather related).
• Working near moving mechanical parts.
• Exposure to fumes or airborne particles and chemicals.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud in the production area.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• Frequently required to stand; sit; walk; use hands handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, and talk or hear.