R&D Staff (Product Development)

Akri USA; Santa Fe (NM); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance (

Long-term disability insurance

Life insurance (employee only)

Paid time off

Job summary

Akri USA in Santa Fe, NM seeks an R&D Staff (Product Development) to develop and improve food products, conduct ingredient and market research, and collaborate with internal departments to enhance production efficiency and innovation.

The role involves creating prototypes, optimizing recipes, staying current with market trends, and preparing proposals for stakeholders. The position requires hands-on prototype development experience and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; college degree in Food Science, Biochemistry, or related field preferred.
• 1+ year of experience in food science or chemistry-related roles preferred.
• Familiarity with basic food manufacturing and product development processes.
• Hands-on experience in prototype development for at least 3 years.

Responsibilities

• Understand ingredients’ characteristics, functions, and costs; grasp product manufacturing processes and customer requirements.
• Create new or improved product prototypes and labels in compliance with food regulations.
• Design cost-effective industrial recipes based on knowledge of ingredient pricing and production processes.
• Develop or improve efficient production procedures through line testing and pilot runs.
• Stay informed on market trends in raw materials and packaging and share insights with relevant departments.
• Research and propose alternatives for ingredients or materials expected to be in short supply.
• Investigate and recommend new methods or equipment to improve production efficiency.
• Monitor trends in the food and consumer markets to develop forward-looking product concepts.
• Prepare market research reports, new product proposals, and presentation materials for internal and external stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor, including lifting and moving materials up to 50 lbs.

Skills

Japanese (N1 level)

Product development knowledge

Education

High school diploma

College degree in Food Science or Biochemistry or related field

Job description

-Position

R&D Staff (Product Development)

-Summary

This role involves developing and improving food products, conducting ingredient and market research, and collaborating with internal departments to enhance production efficiency and innovation.

They have a comfortable working environment!

Great access—just few minutes from the 5 Freeway!

-Job Duties

Understand ingredients’ characteristics, functions, and costs; grasp product manufacturing processes and customer requirements.

Create new or improved product prototypes and labels in compliance with food regulations.

Design cost-effective industrial recipes based on knowledge of ingredient pricing and production processes.

Develop or improve efficient production procedures through line testing and pilot runs.

Stay informed on market trends in raw materials and packaging and share insights with relevant departments.

Research and propose alternatives for ingredients or materials expected to be in short supply.

Investigate and recommend new methods or equipment to improve production efficiency.

Monitor trends in the food and consumer markets to develop forward-looking product concepts.

Prepare market research reports, new product proposals, and presentation materials for internal and external stakeholders.

Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor, including lifting and moving materials up to 50 lbs.

* Other Duties:

Perform additional tasks as assigned by supervisors when necessary.

-Working Hours

Mon - Friday 08:30am~5:30pm

-Salary and Benefit

$20.00 - $25.00 per hour (DOE)

100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance for employee and family

Long-term disability insurance and life insurance (employee only)

Paid time off (according to company policy)

-Qualifications

High school diploma required; college degree in Food Science, Biochemistry, or related field preferred.

1+ year of experience in food science or chemistry-related roles preferred.

Familiarity with basic food manufacturing and product development processes.

Hands-on experience in prototype development for at least 3 years.

-Required Skills

Japanese (N1 level)

Basic knowledge of product development in food manufacturing or strong desire to learn.