Research and Development Technician

Red Diamond Coffee & Tea; Alabama; On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Red Diamond Coffee & Tea is seeking an R&D Technician to support innovation in new products and flavors. You will prepare formulations, produce lab and customer samples, and maintain the R&D lab and documentation. This is an in-office role based in Moody, AL.

You will assist with product development from concept through production, test new ingredients, and support shelf-life testing while coordinating sample shipments and communicating results to internal teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Culinary Science, Chemistry, Biology or related field.
• 1–3 years’ experience in R&D/Product Development, with beverage and coffee/tea experience preferred.
• Knowledge of basic Food Safety and FDA regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Prepare laboratory samples following approved formulations and write detailed records.
• Assist with product development projects from development to production and improvements.
• Manage multiple R&D projects and test new products, flavors, processes, and ingredients.
• Support manufacturing plant operations in process improvements and troubleshooting.
• Manage sample requests and produce sample products for review.
• Maintain documentation, lab notebooks, and provide reports.
• Manage shelf-life testing for new or existing products.
• Roast coffee samples for customers or internal use.
• Apply sensory techniques to match competitive products and establish credibility.

Skills

Lab testing

Flavor knowledge

Ingredient functionality

Nutritional labeling

Formulation skills

Project management

Attention to detail

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Math skills

PC proficiency

Multitasking

Sensory evaluation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related field

1–3 years R&D/Product Development experience

Job description

At Red Diamond, we are driven by an obsession to provide a world-class coffee and tea experience. Since 1906, the cornerstone of our company has been our commitment to unparalleled quality, innovation and customer service. The company’s culture centers on quality, authenticity, and taking extra care from field to final sip, with no shortcuts or compromises. We offer competitive compensation and benefits. Join our legacy and become a part of the Red Diamond team!

Summary

The Research & Development Technician will assist in innovation efforts across the company to develop new products/flavors and enhance existing ones to meet company objectives. The R&D Technician supports the R&D team by preparing product formulations, producing laboratory and customer samples, maintaining the R&D laboratory, and assisting with new product development initiatives where needed. This role is responsible for maintaining accurate documentation and coordinating sample preparation, and shipments. May interact with customers and external R&D teams and must be able to clearly present and articulate product ideas. In-office position based in Moody, AL.

Essential job functions:

1. Prepare laboratory customer samples by accurately following approved formulations and written procedures. Maintain detailed records of sample preparation and laboratory activities.
2. Assist with product development projects from development through production, as well as product improvements according to business needs.
3. Assist with multiple R&D projects simultaneously, ensuring accurate and timely completion of requests and projects. Identify and test new products, flavors, processes, ingredients, and technologies.
4. Support manufacturing plant operations in process improvements and problem troubleshooting.
5. Manage the sample request process. Develop and produce sample products for review.
6. Maintain documentation, clear and concise lab notebooks, and provide reports. Support specification development.
7. Manage shelf-life testing for new or existing products.
8. Prepare samples by roasting coffee in our sample roaster for customers or internal use.
9. Use sensory techniques to match competitive products.
10. Apply technical knowledge and establish credibility with highly technical audiences.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

1. Knowledge of lab testing skills, methods, and equipment.
2. Basic understanding of flavors and functionality of flavors.
3. Basic understanding of ingredients and functionality of those ingredients in a finished product.
4. Basic nutritional knowledge and understanding of labeling etc. of food products.
5. Basic formulation skills.
6. Basic project management skills.
7. Detail oriented and quick learner.
8. Ability to work cross functionally.
9. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
10. Excellent math skills.
11. Proficient skill with personal computer and job-related software including Microsoft Office products.
12. Ability to successfully handle multiple tasks at one time and meet deadlines.
13. Ability to distinguish colors, aromas, and flavors for product evaluations.
14. Ability to work independently and with a team.
15. Knowledge and understanding of basic Food Safety and FDA and regulatory requirements.

Education and Experience Required:

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Culinary Science, Chemistry, Biology or related field and 1-3 years’ experience in R&D/Product Development, with beverage and coffee/tea experience preferred.