Food jobs in United States

Research & Development Technologist

Pontefract (Home of Butterkist Popcorn)

Hybrid

Join our snack-loving team! We're looking for a Research & Development Technologist to join our team at KP Snacks. Fancy being part of a group where your ideas matter and your growth is celebrated? Keep reading – this might just be your next adventure!

This R&D Technologist role sits at the heart of the KP Snacks Research & Development team and offers the opportunity to shape the future of snacking. Working across product category teams, you’ll support the creation and optimisation of innovative, high-quality products that delight consumers and align with our sustainability goals. With a passion for food design, you’ll develop technical and consumer insight to help bring new product concepts to life — from initial idea through to factory trials and final market launch.

You’ll collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Operations, Technical, Commercial, Procurement and Insights, as well as suppliers and manufacturing sites. Responsibilities include hands-on product development, trial execution, benchmarking, and sample preparation, all while maintaining compliance with safety, quality, cost and efficiency standards.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone eager to contribute to an ambitious, values-led business, with scope to develop their skills and technical expertise in a supportive and collaborative environment.

What’s in it for you?

• Comprehensive Healthcare Support – Access to a Medicash Health Cash Plan, including a Digital GP service, Best Doctors (Second Medical Opinion Service), and specialist Cancer Care for peace of mind when you need it most.
• KP Pension Plan - contribution matching up to 7% of your salary
• 25 days holiday + holiday buy scheme
• KP4ME - online benefits, discounts, prizes, competitions and information platform with access to mental, physical and financial wellbeing information and tools

What will you be doing?

• Drive hands-on product development, creating and refining snack concepts from bench work through to full-scale factory trials.
• Tackle the exciting challenge of bringing innovative, consumer-loved products to market while balancing creativity with manufacturing feasibility and cost-efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across R&D, Operations, Technical, Marketing and Procurement, playing a key role in a supportive, fast-paced environment.
• Make a real impact by contributing to KP Snacks’ People & Planet goals, ensuring products are not only delicious but also aligned with sustainability and compliance standards.
• Gain valuable experience across the full product lifecycle, with opportunities to grow technical expertise, develop commercial awareness and contribute to strategic projects.

Who are we?

Glad you asked! We're KP Snacks, proud to be part of the Intersnack family. Picture this: over 15,000 of us, spread across more than 30 countries, all working together to create the snacks you love. From Hula Hoops to McCoy's, we're the team behind your favourite munchies.

Here in the UK, we're about 2,400 strong, spread across seven factories and our Slough HQ. But don't let our size fool you – we're as close-knit as they come. We believe in speaking our minds, celebrating our differences, and pushing boundaries together.

Diversity isn't just a buzzword for us. We're on a mission to create a workplace where everyone belongs. So, even if you don't tick every box, we want to hear from you! Your unique perspective could be just what we need. Also, if there's anything we can do to make this process easier for you, just give us a shout.

We’d love to hear from you if you can demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and experience:

• Brings a strong foundation in food science, product development or food processing, with a curiosity for flavour, consumer behaviour and innovation.
• Applies solid technical, analytical and creative skills to deliver accurate and effective product development, while supporting the wider team through collaboration, clear communication and problem-solving.
• Demonstrates transferable experience across product lifecycles, ideally with experience in consumer goods and a proven ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate across functions like Marketing and Supply Chain.
• Project management, packaging or European market experience is a plus, but we welcome applications from individuals who meet most, not all, of the criteria – we value potential and mindset.
• Aligns with KP’s values through a proactive, can-do attitude, strong interpersonal skills and a passion for continuous improvement, teamwork and consumer-led thinking.

Please note: This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application.