Food Technologist

Tropicale Foods, LLC; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Tropicale Foods, LLC in San Leandro, CA is seeking a detail-oriented Food Technologist to join our R&D team. You will help research, develop, and improve food products while ensuring safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

This onsite role collaborates with marketing, production, and supply chain to bring concepts to launch, optimize processes, and document results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food science, Food Technology, Nutrition, or a related field (master’s degree is a plus).
• 2–5 years of proven experience in food product development or food manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of food chemistry, microbiology, and food safety regulations.
• Proficiency in using lab and kitchen equipment.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Familiarity with software tools like Microsoft Office, Genesis, or ERP systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory Maintenance and inventory management for R&D lab.
• Assist in development of new and existing products from concept to launch.
• Process improvement to enhance efficiency, consistency, and quality.
• Maintain detailed records of formulations, test results, trials, and data.
• Collaborate with R&D, marketing, production, and supply chain teams.

Skills

Food science

R&D

Lab equipment

Food safety

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food science or related field

Tools

Genesis

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Salary : $75,000.00 USD Annually - $85,000.00 USD Annually

In accordance with California law, this is the salary range annually, depending on experience and qualifictions. We are committed to fair and equitable compensationpractices and encourage open conversations about pay expectations.

Job Description

We are seeking a detail-oriented and innovative Food Technologist to join our team. The ideal candidate will be assisting in researching, developing, and improving food products and processes in an R&D food laboratory. You will ensure food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance, while also working on new product development and optimization of existing products. This role is 100% onsite in the San Leandro, CA lab.

Key Responsibilities:

• Laboratory Maintenance
• Maintain and manage inventory for an R&D food laboratory.

Product Development:

• Assist in development of new and existing products from concept to launch, including formulation, sensory testing, and scale-up.
• Process Improvement:
• Enhance existing manufacturing processes for better efficiency, consistency, and quality.

Documentation:

• Maintain detailed records of product formulations, test results, trials, and technical data.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with R&D, marketing, production, and supply chain teams to meet product development goals.
• Stay updated on industry trends and incorporate new technologies or ingredients into product development.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure products comply with food safety laws, labeling regulations, and company policies.

Experience and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Food science, Food Technology, Nutrition, or a related field (master’s degree is a plus).
• Proven experience in food product development or food manufacturing (2–5 years preferred).
• Strong understanding of food chemistry, microbiology, and food safety regulations.
• Proficiency in using lab and kitchen equipment.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Familiarity with software tools like Microsoft Office, Genesis, or ERP systems is a plus.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of ingredient functionality and clean label trends
• Shelf-life testing and nutritional analysis
• Laboratory environment
• Occasional scale up work trips to processing facilities
• May involve wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and adhering to strict hygiene protocols.

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