Research Chef - Ninja Test Kitchen

Shark Ninja Operating • Needham, MA

97d

About The Position

The Ninja Test Kitchen Team is looking for a food scientist who thrives in a creative, dynamic work environment. As a member of the Ninja Test Kitchen, you will play a key role in defining new product development, design, and story. The intern will provide a unique, food-first point of view for the development of new products and recipes across our ambitious product roadmap. In this position, the intern will work in partnership with the Ninja Test Kitchen Team to help bring new innovative products to market.

Requirements

• 1-2+ years of related culinology/food science experience or a related field, preferably at a consumer goods company
• Degree from an accredited Food Science, Food Engineering or Culinology program
• A mindset geared toward building relationships across multi-functional teams, coupled with excellent interpersonal skills
• Highly-effective communication skills - both written (presentation/email) and in-person
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and stay organized in a fast-paced environment
• A desire to learn and grow in a passionate environment
• Comfort with standard data acquisition tools (thermometers, texture analyzer, photo capture, etc.)

Nice To Haves

• An entrepreneurial mindset - able to think differently to be successful
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, highly iterative environment
• Collaborative team player with strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Eager to learn and ask questions
• Outgoing verbally and willing to voice opinions
• Ability to manage many projects and tasks at once while meeting assigned deadlines

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and development exploration and testing on competitive products to inform product strategy/roadmap
• Partner with the cross functional leadership team and provide a unique, food performance point of view for the development of new products
• Execute exploratory test strategy to push the limit of what's possible with new product ideas to inform the product story
• Assist in setting KPIs for ideal performance across new product functions, and validate prototypes to ensure KPIs are being met
• Define testing protocols and parameters to validate units against performance claims
• Define consumer preference in taste, texture, and flavor to help define key performance indicators and drive product decisions in technology
• Keep detailed test data and results in an organized and clear manner as well as develop test datasheets for new protocols
• Meticulously record testing results and share results as needed with key stakeholders in a timely fashion
• Cultivate a network of key experts to provide feedback on products
• Develop preset programs and function recipe requirements
• Monitor and research industry trends and innovations on an ongoing basis and bring new ideas to the team

Benefits

• Competitive health insurance
• Retirement plans
• Paid time off
• Employee stock purchase options
• Wellness programs
• SharkNinja product discounts
• High impact Learning Programs

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree