R&D TECHNICIAN

Trident Seafoods; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) plan with company match

PTO with 20 days per year

Job summary

Trident Seafoods operates a centralized R&D Center in Seattle, where the R&D Technician supports product development, sampling, testing, and documentation. The role emphasizes maintaining a safe, organized lab and contributing to accuracy in data and process records.

The position requires an Associate degree in food science, with 6+ months of relevant experience, and offers a hybrid work arrangement with onsite duties and occasional remote Fridays.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in food science or a related field is required.
• Six months or more experience in a food manufacturing, laboratory, quality, culinary, or product development environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support R&D with product development, sample preparation, testing, documentation, and lab operations.
• Prepare samples for internal evaluations and customer presentations.
• Keep laboratories, kitchens, and equipment organized and compliant with safety procedures.
• Record testing data accurately and maintain project documentation.
• Assist in ingredient management and project communications.

Skills

Mathematics

Data recording

Food safety

Self-directed work

Education

Associate degree in food science

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Outlook

Job description

Overview

Trident Seafoods is North America’s largest vertically integrated seafood company—partnering with fishermen, employees, and communities to responsibly harvest, process, and share wild Alaska seafood with the world. With deep roots in Alaska and operating across the globe, Trident is a privately held company headquartered in Seattle, committed to nourishing the world while upholding the highest standards for safety, sustainability, and excellence.

Overview

Trident Seafoods is North America’s largest vertically integrated seafood company—partnering with fishermen, employees, and communities to responsibly harvest, process, and share wild Alaska seafood with the world. With deep roots in Alaska and operating across the globe, Trident is a privately held company headquartered in Seattle, committed to nourishing the world while upholding the highest standards for safety, sustainability, and excellence.

At Trident Seafoods, we work together for something bigger than ourselves. From nourishing the world with the best protein on earth to protecting our oceans, serving our fishermen, and supporting communities in Alaska and beyond, here, you’ll find a values-driven culture where your growth matters, your work has purpose and your contributions are recognized and appreciated—because at Trident, we believe meaningful work connects us all.

Responsibilities

Summary: The R&D Technician supports the Research & Development team in product development, sample preparation, testing, documentation, and laboratory operations. This position assists Food Scientists and Product Developers with product evaluations, ingredient management, prototype preparation, sensory testing, and technical documentation while maintaining a safe, organized, and efficient R&D environment.

Essential Functions

• Product Development Support
• Assists Food Scientists and Product Developers with product preparation, prototype development, ingredient evaluation, and product testing.
• Prepares samples for internal evaluations, customer presentations, shelf-life studies.
• Assists in executing laboratory experiments and collecting project data as directed by the R&D Supervisor.
• Supports product benchmarking, product assessments, and sensory evaluation activities.
• Prepares conference rooms and provides culinary support for presentations, customer meetings, and product reviews.
• Conducts basic product measurements and testing as directed by the R&D Supervisor.
• Compiles, records, and inputs testing results and observations into company databases and project files.
• Sample and Ingredient Management
• Responsible for packing, shipping, receiving, and tracking product samples and ingredients. Maintains ingredient records, specifications, and supporting documentation.
• Maintains inventory of dry ingredients, frozen samples, raw materials, packaging materials. Monitors inventory levels and communicates replenishment needs to the R&D Supervisor.
• Laboratory Operations
• Maintains organization, cleanliness, and readiness of laboratories, kitchens, freezers, storage areas, and conference rooms.
• Operates laboratory, kitchen, and testing equipment safely and according to established procedures.
• Ensures monthly thermometer calibration and coordinates annual scale calibration.
• Maintains laboratory supplies and equipment in good working condition.
• Maintains an organized, clean, and professional workspace.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Communication and organization
• Self-directed with minimal supervision.
• Provides clear communication regarding assigned tasks, priorities, project status, and workload.
• Food Safety and Safety Compliance
• Adheres to basic health department food handling and safety requirements ie. proper storage of raw foods, personal handwashing and hygiene, food preparation area sanitizing, opening and closing procedure.
• Follows established R&D safety procedures and safe equipment operating practices.
• Ensures regular quality assessment of food storage ingredients, freezer clean up and track shelf life of both dry and frozen products.
• Expected to act as R&D safety officer on occasion, preparing weekly safety audits and ensuring proper daily kitchen closure procedures

The essential functions listed above are not exhaustive. The organization may assign other duties as needed to meet business requirements. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Regularly works onsite to build strong team connections, collaborate across functions, and solve problems in real time.

Benefits

Trident Seafoods offers a comprehensive and quality benefits package. Full time employees may be eligible for discretionary/performance-based incentives, medical, dental and vision insurance plans, optional HRA/HSA, telemedicine, employee assistance and wellness programs, disability programs, basic life and AD&D, and a 401(k) plan with a company match, paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays each year, and paid parental leave. For full-time employees, the initial PTO benefit starts at 20 days per year, adjusted commensurate with relevant experience, front loaded on the first of the year, initially prorated quarterly based on hire date. Commuter programs are also available.

More information can be found at https://www.tridentseafoods.com/benefits.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Associate degree in food science or a related field.
• Six months or more experience in a food manufacturing, laboratory, quality, culinary, or product development environment preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSA)

• Experienced with mathematics, scientific weights and measurements.
• Basic understanding of food safety, sanitation, and laboratory practices.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to accurately collect, record, and maintain technical data.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and other business software.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-directed with minimal supervision.

Work Environment

This is an on-site position based at the Trident R&D Center at Seattle’s Pier 91, with the option to work remotely on some Fridays. The work environment includes an industrial kitchen, production floors, and an office setting. Noise levels can be moderate to high and can include exposure to hot and cold temperatures.

Work Ability Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk,