Food Technologist

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

Job summary

Tropicale Foods, LLC in California is seeking a Food Technologist to support research, development, and optimization of products in our R&D laboratory. You will help ensure safety, quality, and regulatory compliance while contributing to new product initiatives.

The role involves collaboration with marketing, production, and supply chain, plus documentation and sensory evaluation, with opportunities for process improvements and occasional field-scale activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition, or a related field.
• 2–5 years of 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.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory maintenance and organization of R&D equipment.
• Maintain and manage inventory for an R&D laboratory.
• Product development from concept to launch including formulation and scale‑up.
• Improve processes for efficiency, consistency, and quality.
• Document formulations, test results, trials, and data.
• Collaborate with R&D, marketing, production, and supply chain.
• Research industry trends and incorporate new technologies.
• Ensure compliance with food safety laws and labeling regulations.

Skills

Food product development

Laboratory skills

Problem solving

Communication

Regulatory knowledge

ERP awareness

Microsoft Office

Education

BSc in Food Science or related field

Master’s degree (a plus)

Tools

Genesis

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

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.

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.
• Research & Innovation: 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.

Qualifications:

• 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:

• Sensory evaluation techniques
• 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.

Compensation range of $75k-85k.