Food Technologist

Alkar-RapidPak, Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Alkar-RapidPak, Inc. seeks a hands-on R&D professional to work on thermodynamics applications in food systems, including batch and continuous processing. You will oversee the thermal processing lab, develop testing protocols, and train staff.

Join a dynamic team and collaborate with sales and engineering to advance process development and equipment innovations, with opportunities to travel to customer facilities globally.

Qualifications

• Background in thermodynamics and heat transfer for food processing.
• Experience with lab and field-testing equipment.
• Familiarity with food processing equipment is a plus.
• Strong communicator with presentation skills.
• Proactive problem solving and analytical abilities.

Responsibilities

• Directs and supports R&D projects on processing equipment development.
• Designs experiments for batch, continuous, and microwave processing.
• Conducts lab and field trials for performance evaluation and optimization.
• Supports prototyping and testing with Engineering.
• Provides technical support to customers in-house and on-site.
• Maintains operation of the Thermal Processing lab and trains staff.
• Participates in customer seminars and training sessions.
• Travels up to 50% for customer trials and support.

Skills

Thermodynamics

Heat transfer

Lab testing

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Problem solving

Microsoft Office

Education

B.S./M.S. in Meat Science

Food Science/Technology or Engineering

Job description

Description

General Summary: This role offers a unique opportunity to work alongside a dynamic sales and engineering team, gaining hands-on experience in thermodynamics applications within food systems including both batch and continuous processing. You’ll collaborate with leading food processors around the world, contributing to process and equipment development at Alkar and supporting innovation through technologies like our industrial-scale TurboChef oven. The position also involves overseeing the operations of our thermal processing lab and delivering technical training and support both on-site and at customer facilities. Up to 50% travel may be required.

Principal Accountabilities

• Directs and supports R&D projects focused on processing equipment development (cooking, smoking, cooling, pasteurizing), including the evaluation and practical application of research findings.
• Designs and executes experiments related to batch, continuous, and microwave-assisted processing, including the study of thermodynamics in food systems.
• Conducts lab and field trials for equipment proposals, performance evaluations, and process optimization.
• Assists in prototype development and testing in collaboration with the Engineering team.
• Provides technical support to customers both in-house and on-site, including developing support materials for Sales and Service teams.
• Operates and maintains equipment in the Thermal Processing Technical Services lab.
• Participate in customer seminars and technical training sessions.
• Collaborates cross-functionally to apply R&D outcomes in real-world production environments, supporting improvements in food safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Stays current with industry trends through conferences and trade shows; contributes technical papers to journals and industry meetings.
• Must be able to travel up to 50% for customer support activities, including trials, testing, troubleshooting, and training in the United States, as required.
• Performs additional duties as assigned by R&D Manager.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• B.S. or M.S. in Meat Science, Food Science, Food Technology, Food or Chemical Engineering, or a related field, with interest in precooked and processed meats.
• Solid foundation in thermodynamics and heat transfer principles.
• Experience with lab and field-testing equipment.
• Familiarity with food processing equipment and industrial food systems is a plus.
• Confident communicator in team settings, capable of leading presentations and engaging group dialogue.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills (verbal, written, and interpersonal).
• Knowledge of French, Italian, or other local languages is a plus.
• Strong interest in food production processes, with practical problem-solving skills and hands-on intuition.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in food science, meat science, food technology, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, material science, or a related field with interest in precooked and processed meats.
• HACCP certification.
• Expertise in computational simulation and coding, with advanced knowledge in numerical analysis

Description of physical working environment:

• Role is split between lab testing, desk work, and field travel.
• Requires use of a laptop and periods of sitting.
• Involves extended standing and walking in the thermal processing lab and at customer sites.
• May require lifting up to 50 lbs.