Product Development Technologist

Utz Brands, Inc. • Hanover, PA

7d

About The Position

Responsible for supporting research and development activities focused on technical services, product optimization, and commercialization of existing products. This role works closely with Product Developers, Operations, Quality, and Procurement to improve product performance, troubleshoot manufacturing challenges, evaluate ingredient and process changes, and support product transfers and scale-up activities. Key responsibilities include bench-top prototyping, analytical and sensory testing, shelf-life evaluations, Product Quality Standards (PQS), and technical documentation. The Product Development Technologist plays a critical role in maintaining product quality, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring successful implementation of product and process changes.

Requirements

• Requires a minimum of 2 years’ experience in food manufacturing in operations, quality assurance or R&D labs
• Understanding of common laboratory testing methods for snack foods including analytical and sensory evaluation
• Experience working in cross functional teams.
• Experience with common data management software and communication tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to compile data and draw valid conclusions
• Able to comprehend and retain technical written instruction and product specific knowledge
• Ability to maintain a clean, organized workspace; demonstrated history of attention to detail and ability to execute work independently
• Able to balance priorities and manage multiple projects on an on-going basis
• Able to effectively listen, communicate, and interface across several organizational levels
• Self-motived individual that enjoys working with teams

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Product Developers and R&D leadership to prioritize technical service and product development activities.
• Conduct analytical, sensory, and shelf-life testing to validate formulation and process changes.
• Coordinate internal and external sensory evaluations to support product optimization, competitive benchmarking, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Prepare product samples, documentation, and test materials for sensory studies and external laboratory submissions.
• Organize and facilitate employee sensory panels and product cuttings to assess product performance and consumer preference.
• Summarize test results to provide technical recommendations alongside product developers to support decision-making.
• Support plant trials, First Production Runs (FPRs), and commercialization activities related to product transfers, formula updates, and process changes.
• Troubleshoot formulation and processing issues during manufacturing trials and commercial production.
• Support and maintain Product Quality Standards (PQS) and related technical documentation for assigned product categories.
• Train plant personnel on product standards, evaluation methods, and critical quality attributes.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Operations, Quality, Packaging, and Marketing to identify and implement product and process improvements.
• Maintain organized laboratory records, ingredient inventories, and project documentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of departmental and company objectives

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
• Employer-match 401(k) and profit-sharing
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Career development programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed