R&D Executive - Vegetarian Protein Foods

SGProtein; Singapore; On-site; SGD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A vegetarian protein innovation company in Singapore seeks an R&D Executive to drive product development and testing. You will play a key role in formulating new plant-based products and collaborating with culinary experts to ensure consumer readiness. This is a dynamic start-up environment that values creativity and teamwork. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and experience in food processing, with a passion for innovative protein solutions. Join us to transform the food industry and impact the planet positively.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Performance-based incentives

Opportunity for professional growth

Supportive and creative work culture

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline required.
• Experience in food processing industry desired.
• Familiarity with vegetarian proteins or culinary experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D projects from concept to prototype.
• Collaborate with teams for regulatory compliance.
• Conduct product testing and evaluations.

Skills

Product development

Food science

Creativity

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Biotechnology or related discipline

Job description

Location: Buroh Lane (with morning and evening shuttle bus from/to Lakeside MRT station).

Job Type: Full-Time

About Us: SGProtein is a Singapore-based development and manufacturing company specialising in vegetarian protein foods. With our advanced infrastructure and expertise, we provide end-to-end solutions for companies looking to enter the plant protein market or extend their vegetarian offering.

We are a dynamic start‑up dedicated to revolutionising the food industry with our innovative vegetarian proteins. We are a motivated and dedicated team that values flexibility, creativity, and the contribution of every team member.

Job Description: We are looking for an R&D Executive to join our product development team. You will play a pivotal role in developing, testing and refining our product range. The role will touch on various parts of the R&D process and will communicate and coordinate with the team on regulatory compliance and quality assurance. You will work at the intersection of food science, process technology and culinary creativity, helping us bring delicious, sustainable, and innovative products to market. We seek a motivated, hands‑on individual who is eager to grow together with the company.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development

• Plan, lead, and execute R&D projects from concept to prototype.
• Develop methodologies and processes to run new R&D initiatives efficiently.
• Support product development of plant-based items, including formulation, texture/taste adjustments, and application testing (RTE/RTC).
• Conduct basic product testing and support sensory evaluations.
• Carry out shelf-life studies, including sample storage, quality tracking, microbiological submissions, and reporting.
• Maintain accurate R&D documentation, including formulations, trial records, sample logs, and test results.
• Prepare essential product documents such as ingredient lists, labels, and Nutrition Information Panels (NIP).
• Prepare samples for internal evaluations, customer applications, and shipments.
• Evaluate new raw materials and assist in sourcing alternative ingredients.
• Explore new ingredients, processing techniques, and flavour systems.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to integrate scientific insights into product design.
• Stay updated on industry trends in plant proteins, vegetarian meats, sustainable processes and novel food processing technologies.

Process Understanding

• Collaborate with contract manufacturing partners to prepare samples, adjust formulas, and ensure feasibility for scale‑up.
• Participate in pilot and scale‑up trials; document processing parameters, observations, and outcomes.
• Calculate preliminary product costings to support pricing and feasibility.
• Work closely with engineers and technologists to refine process parameters.
• Support scale‑up activities: translate bench formulations into pilot/production‑ready processes, troubleshoot processing challenges, prepare handover documents for production, and monitor initial production runs for consistency.
• Support regulatory, QA, and production teams with specifications and handovers.

Culinary Collaboration

• Partner with chefs and culinary experts to translate scientific prototypes into consumer‑ready products.
• Ensure products deliver on taste, texture, and cooking performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Biotechnology or any related discipline.
• Experience in the Food Processing industry.
• Familiar or strong interest in vegetarian plant proteins, extrusion, or fermentation is highly valued.
• Culinary knowledge or practical cooking experience is a plus.
• Open‑minded and adaptable to a dynamic start‑up environment.
• Driven, curious and proactive to experiment with new ideas.
• High degree of integrity, initiative, and independence.
• Organized and detail oriented.
• Self‑starter with strong initiative and problem‑solving mindset.
• Comfortable working in a startup environment where processes are evolving.

What We Offer

• A role in a dynamic, motivated, and dedicated team.
• Opportunity to work in a start‑up environment that values flexibility and creativity.
• A supportive work culture where all voices are heard, and ideas are encouraged.
• Competitive salary and performance‑based incentives.
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• Reports to the R&D Manager and company’s CEO.
• 5 Days work week

Start Date

Immediate or within short notice.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about vegetarian protein food and have the skills and experience, we would love to hear from you. Please send your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in this position to [e-mail]

Join us in our mission to transform the food industry and positively impact the planet!

SGProtein is an equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.