R&D Officer / Product Development Officer

We are looking for R&D Officer / Product Development Officer who will support the pre-operational technical development program for a new food ingredient manufacturing project. The role is responsible for preparing samples, executing bench and pilot trial tasks, recording measurements, organizing retained samples, preparing prototypes, and maintaining clear documentation for the R&D and Feasibility Manager. This position is ideal for a detail-oriented food technology or food science professional who wants hands-on exposure to product development, ingredient processing, pilot validation, and plant start-up work.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the pre-operational technical development activities for a new food ingredient manufacturing project.
• Prepare product samples, prototypes, and ingredients for bench-scale and pilot trials.
• Execute laboratory and pilot trial activities, accurately record observations, measurements, and test results.
• Maintain organized technical documentation, including trial records, retained samples, laboratory notebooks, prototype labels, and sample dispatch files.
• Assist in evaluating product performance, ingredient functionality, and trial outcomes to support feasibility and product development.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, laboratory safety, sanitation, and food handling standards throughout all R&D activities.
• Coordinate with the R&D and Feasibility Manager to support pilot validation, process optimization, and plant start-up activities.
• Maintain an organized and efficient R&D workspace while supporting daily laboratory and product development operations.



Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Agriculture, Culinary Science or closely related field
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in food F&D; product development, quality assurance, laboratory work, ingredient handling, food manufacturing, commissary production, or pilot trial support
• Exposure to puree processing, IQF handling, frozen fruit or vegetable ingredients, frozen root crop ingredients, chilled or frozen supply chain, drying trails, sauces, fillings, bakery applications or beverage bases
• Extensive knowledge of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, pH, Brix, moisture, water activity texture, color, heat effects, freezing behavior, and shelf-life indicator.
• Familiarity with GMP, basic sanitation, laboratory safety, food handling control, and organize R&D workspace practices
• Experience maintaining retained samples, laboratory notebooks, trial worksheets, sensory notes, sample photos, prototype labels, and dispatch files with cleaning discipline required
• Must be comfortable performing repetitive bench work, handling food samples, following technical instruction, and working under a lean R&D team structure