R&D Technician

Patco Brands; Sausalito (CA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Patco Brands is seeking an entry-level R&D Technician to join the Research & Development team in Sausalito, CA. You will participate in formulation trials, stability testing, and prototype development of RTD cocktails, hard seltzers, wines, and spirits.

You will assist with cross‑functional product development tasks, track timelines under supervision, and communicate with flavor suppliers while learning regulatory and labeling requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• 0–2 years of experience in a lab, food/beverage production, or product development environment; internship experience welcome
• Basic understanding of formulation, sensory evaluation, or quality testing principles a plus
• Familiarity with alcohol beverage categories (RTDs, seltzers, wine, spirits) preferred but not required
• Comfortable working with lab equipment and following standard safety protocols
• Strong attention to detail and accurate record‑keeping habits
• Ability to follow established procedures while learning new techniques
• Good communication skills and ability to work collaboratively across teams
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word); familiarity with lab notebook software a plus
• Must be 21+ years of age (due to nature of alcohol product handling and testing)
• Ability to lift up to 25–35 lbs and stand for extended periods in a lab/production environment
• Must be able to commute to Sausalito

Responsibilities

• Support new product development activities, including formulation trials, stability testing, and prototype development of RTD cocktails, hard seltzers, wines, and spirits
• Assist other departments with new product development tasks as needed
• Help identify opportunities for product improvement
• Support project execution by helping track technical plans and timelines under guidance of senior team members
• Assist with communication and coordination with flavor and ingredient suppliers to help ensure ingredient availability
• Help monitor industry and alcohol trends and share relevant findings with the team
• Support Legal and senior scientists with formula filing documentation as needed
• Assist in tracking technical timelines for new product and research projects
• Prepare sensory samples, compound dilutions, and blends for production under supervision
• Help gather information to support formulation decisions related to regulatory and label requirements
• Assist with coordinating and executing product testing
• Support compliance activities related to FDA and TTB requirements
• Conduct product quality tests, including shelf‑life and product stability studies, under guidance
• Help maintain lab space, equipment, and general lab operations
• Accurately document all experimental procedures in a laboratory or digital notebook

Skills

Hands-on lab experience

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Ability to follow procedures

Lab safety

MS Excel

MS Word

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Lab notebook software

Job description

Patco Brands is one of the fastest-growing beverage companies in the United States. Independently owned, Patco has established itself by using a proprietary process with 100% Blue Weber Agave to innovate within the fast-growing ready-to-drink spirits category.

Patco makes margaritas, tequila, hard seltzers, and other beverages under our own brands and for private labels. Our own brands and private labels, with nationwide distribution, include:

• Rancho La Gloria Ready to Drink Margaritas
• Kirkland Signature Tequila

Patco products are sold in every major retailer, including Costco, H.E.B., Kroger’s, Target, Walmart, and Whole Foods, just to name a few.

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Summary:

The R&D Technician supports the Research & Development team in the formulation, testing, and development of new beverage alcohol products, including RTD cocktails, hard seltzers, wines, and spirits. This is an entry-level role ideal for a candidate early in their food/beverage science career who is eager to build hands‑on lab and product development experience.

Responsibilities:

• Support new product development activities, including formulation trials, stability testing, and prototype development of RTD cocktails, hard seltzers, wines, and spirits
• Assist other departments with new product development tasks as needed
• Help identify opportunities for product improvement
• Support project execution by helping track technical plans and timelines under guidance of senior team members
• Assist with communication and coordination with flavor and ingredient suppliers to help ensure ingredient availability
• Help monitor industry and alcohol trends and share relevant findings with the team
• Support Legal and senior scientists with formula filing documentation as needed
• Assist in tracking technical timelines for new product and research projects
• Prepare sensory samples, compound dilutions, and blends for production under supervision
• Help gather information to support formulation decisions related to regulatory and label requirements
• Assist with coordinating and executing product testing
• Support compliance activities related to FDA and TTB requirements
• Conduct product quality tests, including shelf‑life and product stability studies, under guidance
• Help maintain lab space, equipment, and general lab operations
• Accurately document all experimental procedures in a laboratory or digital notebook

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• 0–2 years of experience in a lab, food/beverage production, or product development environment; internship experience welcome
• Basic understanding of formulation, sensory evaluation, or quality testing principles a plus
• Familiarity with alcohol beverage categories (RTDs, seltzers, wine, spirits) preferred but not required
• Comfortable working with lab equipment and following standard safety protocols
• Strong attention to detail and accurate record‑keeping habits
• Ability to follow established procedures while learning new techniques
• Good communication skills and ability to work collaboratively across teams
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word); familiarity with lab notebook software a plus
• Must be 21+ years of age (due to nature of alcohol product handling and testing)
• Ability to lift up to 25–35 lbs and stand for extended periods in a lab/production environment
• Must be able to commute to Sausalito

Compensation: $72,000-$85,000