Junior R&D/Product Developer

ForceBrands; Carrollton (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

ForceBrands in the Dallas–Fort Worth area seeks a Junior R&D / Product Developer to join an experienced, collaborative R&D team. This hands-on laboratory role provides mentorship and exposure to the full product-development cycle—from prototype to commercial production.

You will prepare bench-scale prototypes for liquid and powder nutritional products, weigh and blend ingredients, and support stability studies, with growth toward independent project ownership.

Qualifications

• 0–5 years of experience in food, beverage, dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, R&D, formulation, QC, or a related laboratory environment.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred in Food Science, Chemistry, Nutrition, Biology, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Basic understanding of formulation principles such as solubility, pH, buffering, emulsions, preservation, and shelf life.
• Comfortable weighing materials, preparing samples, and using basic laboratory instrumentation.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation skills.
• Hands-on, curious, organized, coachable, and eager to learn.
• Comfortable working primarily in the laboratory with occasional time on the production floor.

Responsibilities

• Prepare bench-scale prototypes for liquid and powder nutritional products, including functional beverages, botanical products, proteins, collagen systems, and supplements.
• Weigh, blend, hydrate, and process ingredients while supporting multiple formulation iterations.
• Evaluate and adjust characteristics such as flavor, sweetness, pH, viscosity, color, and appearance.
• Perform routine bench testing including pH, Brix, density, viscosity, water activity, and visual evaluation.
• Maintain accurate formulation sheets, trial records, sample logs, and supporting technical documentation.
• Prepare and ship customer samples and help keep R&D ingredient and sample inventories organized.
• Support accelerated and real-time stability studies and shelf-life programs.
• Assist with pilot batches and first commercial production runs on the manufacturing floor.
• Draft batch records and manufacturing instructions based on successful bench formulas.
• Help prepare ingredient statements, allergen information, specification drafts, and Supplement/Nutrition Facts information.
• Work cross-functionally with Quality, Procurement, and Manufacturing as products move from development into production.

Skills

0–5 years experience

Hands-on attitude

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Nutrition, Biology, Chemical Engineering

Tools

Laboratory instrumentation

Job description

We’re partnering with a fast-growing manufacturer in the Dallas-Fort Worth area that develops and produces premium dietary supplements, functional beverages, and nutritional products for established national brands and emerging consumer companies.

The company is looking for a Junior R&D / Product Developer to join an experienced, highly collaborative R&D team. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career scientist or product developer who wants significant hands‑on bench experience, strong mentorship, and exposure to the full product-development cycle—from initial prototype through commercial production.

This is primarily a hands‑on laboratory role. You’ll work closely with senior R&D leaders who will provide day-to-day direction and technical development, with the expectation that you’ll gradually take on more independent project ownership.

What You’ll Do

• Prepare bench-scale prototypes for liquid and powder nutritional products, including functional beverages, botanical products, proteins, collagen systems, and supplements.
• Weigh, blend, hydrate, and process ingredients while supporting multiple formulation iterations.
• Evaluate and adjust characteristics such as flavor, sweetness, pH, viscosity, color, and appearance.
• Perform routine bench testing including pH, Brix, density, viscosity, water activity, and visual evaluation.
• Maintain accurate formulation sheets, trial records, sample logs, and supporting technical documentation.
• Prepare and ship customer samples and help keep R&D ingredient and sample inventories organized.
• Support accelerated and real-time stability studies and shelf‑life programs.
• Assist with pilot batches and first commercial production runs on the manufacturing floor.
• Draft batch records and manufacturing instructions based on successful bench formulas.
• Help prepare ingredient statements, allergen information, specification drafts, and Supplement/Nutrition Facts information.
• Work cross‑functionally with Quality, Procurement, and Manufacturing as products move from development into production.

What We’re Looking For

• 0–5 years of experience in food, beverage, dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, R&D, formulation, QC, or a related laboratory environment. Internships and co‑ops count.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred in Food Science, Chemistry, Nutrition, Biology, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline. Equivalent hands‑on laboratory experience will also be considered.
• Basic understanding of formulation principles such as solubility, pH, buffering, emulsions, preservation, and shelf life.
• Comfortable weighing materials, preparing samples, and using basic laboratory instrumentation.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation skills.
• Someone who is hands‑on, curious, organized, coachable, and eager to learn.
• Comfortable working primarily in the laboratory with occasional time on the production floor.

Nice to Have

Experience or exposure to any of the following is helpful but not required:

• Liquid dietary supplements or functional beverages
• Botanical extracts
• Dietary supplement or food cGMPs
• 21 CFR Part 111 or Part 117
• SQF or similar food‑safety programs
• FDA supplement or food labeling
• ERP or formulation-management systems

Why Consider It?

You’ll be joining an established R&D team with experienced technical leadership and significant opportunity for mentorship. Rather than being expected to know everything on day one, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your formulation skills while working on real commercial products and seeing them move from the bench to full-scale manufacturing.

The company is growing quickly, which creates meaningful opportunities for someone who wants to learn, take on more responsibility, and eventually manage development projects independently.