Research & Development Technologist

Herr Foods Inc. • Nottingham, PA

11d • Onsite

About The Position

The Research & Development Technologist develops new snack food products and refines existing products to meet customer and market needs. The role formulates, tests, refines, and commercializes products for regional, national, and international markets, including private-label retailers. It collaborates with R&D specialists, process engineers, and manufacturing personnel to launch products on new and existing product lines.

The position conducts product and process research, sensory evaluations, consumer-trend research, and regulatory reviews; develops product and process specifications; and supports quality, cost, and process improvements. It manages product testing and scale-up, coordinates with marketing and technical specialists, provides training and customer technical support, and prepares technical documentation, compliance reviews, reports, and presentations.

The role is based on-site at the Nottingham, Pennsylvania facility and works in laboratory and manufacturing environments, including extended periods in the factory during production trials. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 40 or more hours per week.

Requirements

• Three to five years of related experience or training.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, including cross-departmental collaboration.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills to develop creative solutions.
• Ability to present information effectively in one-on-one and small-group settings to internal and external customers.
• Attention to detail, time-management ability, and strong organizational skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work in a laboratory and manufacturing environment, including extended periods in the factory during trials.
• Ability to use a computer monitor, keyboard, and mouse for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor of Arts or Science degree in Food Science or a related field.
• Food-related research and development experience.
• Working knowledge of product commercialization and food and manufacturing processes.
• Previous experience in a Safe Quality Food (SQF) environment.
• Experience with software or web-based portal systems such as OU Direct, Genesis, or Food Chain ID.
• Advanced computing skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop new and improved methods and systems for food processing, production, quality control, packaging, and distribution.
• Develop methods to create and improve food product attributes, including flavor, color, texture, nutritional value, and convenience.
• Conduct sensory evaluations of prototype samples and competitive products.
• Research consumer trends and industry innovations.
• Review changes in industry regulations and make formal recommendations regarding product revisions or development.
• Develop finished-product and process specifications.
• Research quality improvements, cost optimization, process improvement, ingredient innovation, and process technologies.
• Assist internal and external customers with technical issues involving ingredients, formulation, and manufacturing.
• Initiate new-product testing and develop processing methods to scale projects to manufacturing lines.
• Collaborate with Marketing on project requirements and timelines.
• Work with process engineers, flavor experts, packaging specialists, and marketing specialists to address concerns.
• Provide technical expertise and training to operations, management, quality, sales, and marketing teams.
• Lead customer testing and sensory evaluations of product developments.
• Create and manage technical documents.
• Review packaging film for accuracy and review nutrition panels and ingredient statements for compliance.
• Initiate and manage third-party testing and laboratory data when needed.
• Document projects and develop reports and presentations communicating conclusions and recommendations.
• Maintain confidentiality, professional conduct, effective communication, accuracy, attendance, and punctuality; perform related duties and special projects as required.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, hearing, and vision insurance.
• Access to the on-site Marathon Health Clinic at the Nottingham facility, offering healthcare services, preventative care, and wellness programs.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Paid vacation, holiday, and sick time.
• Paid employee referral program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time