R&D Technical Services Associate

Kayem Foods, Inc.•Chelsea, MA

About The Position

SUMMARY: The R&D Technical Services associate reports to the R&D Process Manager. This person supports product development, quality systems, and commercialization initiatives. This role is responsible for coordinating shelf-life programs, managing product specifications, supporting laboratory testing, and assisting with pilot and commercialization scale-up product trials. The position works cross-functionally with Quality Assurance, Operations, and Marketing & Sales teams to ensure product integrity, regulatory compliance, and successful product execution. The ideal candidate will be able to drive systematic improvements in the product development process and quality assurance systems. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Shelf-Life & Product Testing Coordinate microbiological and analytical testing with external laboratories, including documentation preparation, sample submission, logistics coordination, and report management. Manage internal sensory shelf-life programs, including maintaining evaluation schedules, organizing sensory sessions, preparing samples, and documenting results. Compile and maintain consolidated microbiological and sensory data within standardized tracking systems and reporting tools. Analyze and summarize shelf-life data to support product validation. Product Specifications & Documentation Develop and maintain finished product specifications in alignment with regulatory, customer, and internal quality requirements. Manage and update the specifications database to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and version control. Support documentation required for customer submissions, audits, and internal approvals. Quality & Laboratory Support Coordinate internal QA laboratory testing requests based on production and R&D timelines. Perform analytical testing (e.g., fat analysis) when laboratory resources are limited. Support compliance with internal quality standards and food safety requirements. Product Development & Commercialization Support Assist in planning and executing small-scale plant trials and pilot runs. Support large-scale trials in collaboration with the R&D Process Manager. Prepare and print product test labels in accordance with trial specifications. Collect, organize, and distribute samples from product trials for evaluation, validation, and further testing. Document trial results and support post-trial analysis. Culinary & Customer Support Coordinate internal and external product evaluations. Assist in product presentations to customers and cross-functional stakeholders. Support internal product showcases, including educational sessions such as Lunch & Learns. Additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

Demonstrated strength in documentation management, data accuracy, and maintaining organized technical records.
Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify discrepancies and ensure data integrity across multiple systems.
Solid mathematical and analytical skills, including the ability to compile, interpret, and summarize testing data.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel (data tracking, spreadsheets, basic analysis)
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.
Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with R&D, QA, Operations, and Marketing teams.
High level of professional accountability, work ethic, and ownership of assigned responsibilities.
Comfort working in both office and plant environments, including participation in production trials.

Responsibilities

Coordinate microbiological and analytical testing with external laboratories, including documentation preparation, sample submission, logistics coordination, and report management.
Manage internal sensory shelf-life programs, including maintaining evaluation schedules, organizing sensory sessions, preparing samples, and documenting results.
Compile and maintain consolidated microbiological and sensory data within standardized tracking systems and reporting tools.
Analyze and summarize shelf-life data to support product validation.
Develop and maintain finished product specifications in alignment with regulatory, customer, and internal quality requirements.
Manage and update the specifications database to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and version control.
Support documentation required for customer submissions, audits, and internal approvals.
Coordinate internal QA laboratory testing requests based on production and R&D timelines.
Perform analytical testing (e.g., fat analysis) when laboratory resources are limited.
Support compliance with internal quality standards and food safety requirements.
Assist in planning and executing small-scale plant trials and pilot runs.
Support large-scale trials in collaboration with the R&D Process Manager.
Prepare and print product test labels in accordance with trial specifications.
Collect, organize, and distribute samples from product trials for evaluation, validation, and further testing.
Document trial results and support post-trial analysis.
Coordinate internal and external product evaluations.
Assist in product presentations to customers and cross-functional stakeholders.
Support internal product showcases, including educational sessions such as Lunch & Learns.
Additional duties as assigned.