Research & Development Process Engineer

Riviana Foods Inc.; Memphis (TN); Presencial; USD 85.000 - 120.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Riviana Foods Inc. in Memphis, TN seeks a hands-on R&D Process Engineer to turn new product concepts into commercial realities. You will support formulation, prototype development, pilot testing, scale-up, and commercialization across RTS, Long Cook, and Instant technologies.

Collaborate with Product Development, Operations, Engineering and Marketing to transfer processes from pilot to production, develop specs, and drive continuous improvement while protecting confidential information.

Formación

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, or related engineering field.
• 3+ years of experience in R&D, process engineering, food manufacturing, or related area.
• Strong technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively across R&D, Operations, Engineering, Quality, and other functions.

Responsabilidades

• Support product development activities, formulation processes, and prototype development.
• Develop product, ingredient, and process specifications.
• Prepare project documentation and executive summaries.
• Manage laboratory and pilot plant activities and testing.
• Coordinate industrial trials with Operations to ensure quality, safety, and productivity.

Conocimientos

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Educación

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, or related engineering

Descripción del empleo

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Research & Development Process Engineer

Memphis, TN, US

30+ days ago Requisition ID: 1009

About the Position

Based in Memphis, TN, the R&D Process Engineer plays a key role in transforming new product concepts into successful commercial products. This hands-on position supports the full product development process—from formulation and prototype development through pilot testing, industrial validation, process scale-up, and commercialization. The R&D Process Engineer is responsible for supporting research and development activities, including the design, formulation, and development of new products, as well as prototype development in an experimental kitchen. This role conducts pilot testing and industrial validations, interprets results, and recommends product and process improvements. The position is also responsible for developing product and ingredient specifications across the rice platform, including Long Cook, Ready-to-Serve (RTS), IQF, and Instant technologies. The R&D Process Engineer supports process scale-up by transferring, testing, and optimizing processes from pilot lines to commercial production and collaborates closely with Product Development, Operations, Engineering, and Marketing to successfully bring new products to market. This position reports to and works under the direction of the R&D Director.

What You’ll Do:

• Support product development activities, formulation processes, and prototype development.
• Recommend technical approaches, methods, and solutions using sound technical judgment.
• Develop product, ingredient, and process specifications.
• Prepare project documentation and executive summaries.

Process Development & Scale-Up

• Manage and operate laboratory and pilot plant equipment.
• Develop operating protocols and testing requirements.
• Coordinate industrial trials with Operations to ensure quality, safety, and productivity.
• Support technical transfer from R&D to Production and Quality.

Thermal Processing & Validation

• Conduct heat penetration and distribution studies.
• Maintain records and documentation for thermal processing equipment, including probes, readers, and software.
• Support validation and troubleshooting of thermal processes.

Technical Support & Collaboration

• Prepare technical reports documenting trials and testing.
• Provide hands-on training and technical support to Production, Quality, and other technical staff.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and colleagues across multiple locations.
• Protect confidential information and company intellectual property.
• Promote and maintain safe working practices.

What We're Looking For:

• Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
  • 3+ years of experience in R&D, process engineering, food manufacturing, or a related field.
  • Strong technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work effectively across R&D, Operations, Engineering, Quality, and other functions.
• Technical Experience:
  • Thermal processing and retort systems.
  • Ready-to-Serve (RTS) products.
  • Instant rice processing.
  • Raw materials and ingredient functionality.
  • Food product development and regulatory requirements.
  • Pilot plant testing, industrial trials, and process scale-up.

Riviana Foods Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and to compliance with all Federal, State and local laws that prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, age, military/veteran status, disability, predisposing genetic characteristic, marital status, sexual orientation/gender identity, citizenship where legally permitted to work, or any other protected category under federal, state or local law, regulation or ordinance. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. An Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/D/V