R&D Technician

Trident Seafoods•Seattle, WA

15h•Hybrid

About The Position

The R&D Technician supports the Research & Development team in product development, sample preparation, testing, documentation, and laboratory operations. This position assists Food Scientists and Product Developers with product evaluations, ingredient management, prototype preparation, sensory testing, and technical documentation while maintaining a safe, organized, and efficient R&D environment.

Requirements

Associate degree in food science, biology, chemistry or related field.
0–2 years of experience in a food manufacturing, laboratory, quality, culinary, or product development environment preferred.
Experienced with mathematics, scientific weights and measurements.
Basic understanding of food safety, sanitation, and laboratory practices.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to accurately collect, record, and maintain technical data.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and other business software.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Self-directed with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

Assists Food Scientists and Product Developers with product preparation, prototype development, ingredient evaluation, and product testing.
Prepares samples for internal evaluations, customer presentations, shelf-life studies.
Assists in executing laboratory experiments and collecting project data as directed by the R&D Supervisor.
Supports product benchmarking, product assessments, and sensory evaluation activities.
Prepares conference rooms and provides culinary support for presentations, customer meetings, and product reviews.
Conducts basic product measurements and testing as directed by the R&D Supervisor.
Compiles, records, and inputs testing results and observations into company databases and project files.
Responsible for packing, shipping, receiving, and tracking product samples and ingredients.
Maintains ingredient records, specifications, and supporting documentation.
Maintains inventory of dry ingredients, frozen samples, raw materials, packaging materials.
Monitors inventory levels and communicates replenishment needs to the R&D Supervisor.
Maintains organization, cleanliness, and readiness of laboratories, kitchens, freezers, storage areas, and conference rooms.
Operates laboratory, kitchen, and testing equipment safely and according to established procedures.
Ensures monthly thermometer calibration and coordinates annual scale calibration.
Maintains laboratory supplies and equipment in good working condition.
Maintains an organized, clean, and professional workspace.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Provides clear communication regarding assigned tasks, priorities, project status, and workload.
Adheres to basic health department food handling and safety requirements ie. proper storage of raw foods, personal handwashing and hygiene, food preparation area sanitizing, opening and closing procedure.
Follows established R&D safety procedures and safe equipment operating practices.
Ensures regular quality assessment of food storage ingredients, freezer clean up and track shelf life of both dry and frozen products.
Expected to act as R&D safety officer on occasion, preparing weekly safety audits and ensuring proper daily kitchen closure procedures.