Research and Development Technician

Red-Diamond-6; Moody (AL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Red Diamond in Moody, AL is seeking a Research & Development Technician to support product development across beverages, from formulation to testing. You will prepare samples, maintain lab notebooks, and coordinate shipments while collaborating with internal teams and external partners.

Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 1–3 years in R&D requested; some travel may be required. This in-office role offers hands-on opportunities to influence new flavors and product improvements from

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Culinary Science, Chemistry, Biology or related field.
• 1–3 years of R&D/Product Development experience in beverages.
• Experience with flavors and ingredients knowledge.
• Knowledge of FDA and food safety basics.
• Strong documentation and data recording skills.
• Ability to travel occasionally.

Responsibilities

• Prepare laboratory customer samples by following approved formulations and procedures.
• Assist with product development projects from development through production and improvements.
• Manage multiple R&D projects, identify and test new products, flavors, processes and ingredients.
• Support manufacturing plant operations in process improvements and troubleshooting.
• Manage sample requests and develop/produce sample products for review.
• Maintain lab notebooks, provide reports, and support specification development.
• Oversee shelf-life testing for new or existing products.
• Roast coffee samples for customers or internal use and assist with sensory evaluation.
• Apply technical knowledge and communicate ideas clearly to technical audiences.

Skills

Lab testing

Flavor knowledge

Ingredient function

Food safety

Detail oriented

Project management

Communication

MS Office

Teamwork

Education

BSc in Food Science or related

Tools

Lab equipment

Microsoft Office

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:

• Prepare laboratory customer samples by accurately following approved formulations and written procedures. Maintain detailed records of sample preparation and laboratory activities.
• Assist with product development projects from development through production, as well as product improvements according to business needs.
• 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.
• Support manufacturing plant operations in process improvements and problem troubleshooting.
• Manage the sample request process. Develop and produce sample products for review.
• Maintain documentation, clear and concise lab notebooks, and provide reports. Support specification development.
• Manage shelf-life testing for new or existing products.
• Prepare samples by roasting coffee in our sample roaster for customers or internal use.
• Use sensory techniques to match competitive products.
• Apply technical knowledge and establish credibility with highly technical audiences.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• Knowledge of lab testing skills, methods, and equipment.
• Basic understanding of flavors and functionality of flavors.
• Basic understanding of ingredients and functionality of those ingredients in a finished product.
• Basic nutritional knowledge and understanding of labeling etc. of food products.
• Basic formulation skills.
• Basic project management skills.
• Detail oriented and quick learner.
• Ability to work cross functionally.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient skill with personal computer and job-related software including Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to successfully handle multiple tasks at one time and meet deadlines.
• Ability to distinguish colors, aromas, and flavors for product evaluations.
• Ability to work independently and with a team.
• 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.

Travel Required

Yes . Some travel to be expected

Equal Opportunity Employer
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