Food Technologist Jobs

Summary:

The Food Technologist will work with world-class food scientists and chefs, specializing in Alaskan Seafood in the Research & Development (R&D) department. This individual develops new product formulations and provides improvements to existing products as project lead. Participates in food research process in related areas and shares related work experience and problem-solving ideas. This position is responsible for collaborating with project teams on prototype and product development through full commercialization and finalizing product attributes and specifications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Initiates, produces and supplies existing or prototype product samples designed to meet target account needs.

• Participates in sensory evaluations, sets up and leads product cuttings/presentations to internal project teams, introducing or re-acquainting them to specific products, ingredient features, benefits, requirements and application techniques.
• Evaluates and recommends various ingredient/recipe components in terms of functionality, formula, acceptability to target customer/geographic region of account, cost verification and Trident manufacturing capability. Ensures new ingredient opportunities are properly vetted and approved prior to preparing customer samples.
• Leads multiple projects with assistance from manager or senior developer.
• Performs bench top research and evaluation of new ingredients and product formulations in their area of responsibility; plans, performs and documents lab experiments, shelf-life testing and production trials.
• Contributes to New Product Development (NPD) creative exploration (10% of job scope).
• Responsible for assigned multiple R&D projects partnering with the supply chain, FSQA, production team, category and project management where required.
• Tightly collaborates with fellow food scientists and chefs on product development, R&D processes, presentations, and everyday operations. Mentors less experienced team members.
• Prepares and ships out hand samples of new products for internal and external sampling/ evaluation. Ensures adequate supply of 1st production samples retains and bench control for cook validation, product cuttings, shelf-life tests etc.
• Designs methods to improve ingredient qualities and food production in areas of flavor, color, texture, nutritional value, convenience, and/or physical, chemical, and microbiological composition of foods, as well as cost improvement and process efficiency.
• Creates R&D specifications and documents all tests (lab and plant trials); compiles and records testing data and charts for ingredient performance, production test information/ summary and on-going projects.

• Maintains appropriate documentation
• Collaborates with representatives from all departments within existing and potential accounts to assess requirements and collect information necessary in designing and making product recommendations.

Additional Responsibilities

• Notifies designated personnel of any environmental or safety incidents or risks not previously documented, in accordance with Environmental Awareness and/or safety trainings.
• Acquires knowledge of Trident’s Environmental and Safety Policies by completing required training programs and performing designated work activities in accordance with training and procedures/work instructions.
• Must be able to travel freely between the workplace and other Trident processing facilities. Occasional travel (up to 10%) to customers, located throughout targeted regions is expected.

Minimum Requirements

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in food manufacturing
• Experience in seafood industry preferred

Education:

• Bachelor of Science degree in food science or related field or Master’s degree in food science or related field.

Qualifications:

• Self-directed with minimal supervision.
• Effectively organize, plan and execute assigned projects and tasks.
• Ability to read and interpret documents, such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Must have the ability to effectively communicate with cross functional business partners & train team members on new processes.
• Strong mathematic skills.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to Speak in public and interact at a technical level with internal and external customers and industry peers.
• Good understanding of food laws and regulations.
• Proficient in MS Office, PowerPoint, Database Management and other computer applications to access information, analyze data and solve problems.

• Has a strong understanding of corporate anti-trust practices, Trident’s proprietary practices, and non-disclosure agreements with supplier partners.
• Working knowledge of internal BRC procedures, including cooking instructions validation, thermometer calibration, shelf-life testing and record keeping.
• Strong knowledge of labeling requirements to review nutritional and ingredient statements and recommend changes when required.
• Working knowledge of the scientific methods, ingredients, product formulation and food processing to support best in class development of new, innovative food products.