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.
Core Responsibilities (Level 1)
- 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
Advanced Responsibilities (Level 2)
- 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
Leadership Responsibilities (Level 3)
- 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
Qualifications
- 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
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your resume and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organizations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.
We also work in several ways, firstly we advertise our roles available on our site, however, often due to confidentiality we may not post all. We also work with clients who are more focused on skills and understanding what is required to future-proof their business.
That's why we recommend registering your CV so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created.
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