Sr. Food Technologist

Trident-Seafood; Motley (MN); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Trident Seafoods in Motley, Minnesota is seeking a Senior Food Technologist to lead R&D projects in our Alaska seafood category, developing new formulations and processes with world‑class scientists and chefs.

This role drives end‑to‑end product development from concept to commercialization, collaborates with suppliers, validates shelf‑life and labeling, and guides junior team members to deliver innovative, high‑quality products.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 8 years of experience in food science, manufacturing, or a related field.
• A bachelor’s degree in food science or a related field; or the equivalent combination of education and years of experience.
• A master’s degree in food science or a related field; or the equivalent combination of education and years of experience.
• Strong working knowledge of the scientific methods, ingredients, product formulation and food processing to support best in class development of new, innovative food products.
• Strong knowledge of labeling requirements to review nutritional and ingredient statements and recommend changes when required.
• Strong working knowledge of product development and commercialization requirements, including cooking instructions validation, shelf-life testing and record keeping.

Responsibilities

• Leads end-to-end product development and product renovation projects in the assigned product category.
• Collaborates with ingredient suppliers on new designs, ingredient improvements, and cost optimizations.
• Constantly tracks new functional or other new ingredient options for unique finished product attributes, product improvement and cost reduction opportunities.
• Supports and guides other R&D members on innovation and process & product improvement projects.
• Contributes to New Product Development (NPD) creative exploration (10% of job scope), creates innovation work plan in the assigned category, execution and follow up.
• Leads, initiates, produces, and supplies product samples designed to meet project scope.
• Efficiently leads R&D projects in the assigned project category through all the project development stages and commercialization.
• Creates R&D specifications and documents all tests (lab and plant trials); compiles and records testing data and charts for ingredient performance, production test information/ summary and on-going projects.
• Initiates, performs, and provides guidance in bench top research and evaluation of new ingredients and product formulations, planning lab experiments, shelf-life testing and production trials.
• Leads sensory evaluations, product cuttings / presentations to various vendors and customer groups, introducing or re-acquainting them to specific products, ingredient features, benefits, requirements, and application techniques.

Skills

Food science

Product development

NPD

Shelf-life testing

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in food science

Master's degree in food science

Tools

MS Office

PowerPoint

Database Management

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.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 Senior Food Technologist is a customer-focused and result-driven food scientist, working with world-class food scientists and chefs, specializing in Alaskan Seafood. This role is responsible for R&D (Research & Development) projects in assigned product category, developing new and improved product formulations and processes. Provides expertise and guidance in product development in related areas, shares related work experience and problem-solving ideas. Operates as a project lead, supported by other R&D team members. Collaborates with customers and project stakeholders, promoting clear communication and process, creating clear product development scope to support ideations. Participates in the development and communication of Trident R&D leadership strategy.

Essential Functions: (Responsibilities, Tasks, Supervisory Needs)

• Leads end-to-end product development and product renovation projects in the assigned product category providing solutions that leverage our core capabilities. Manages and develops concept prototypes.

• Effectively collaborates with ingredient suppliers on new designs, ingredient improvements, and cost optimizations for R&D driven product categories.

• Constantly tracks new functional or other new ingredient options for unique finished product attributes, product improvement and cost reduction opportunities.

• Supports and guides other R&D members on innovation and process & product improvement projects.

• Contributes to New Product Development (NPD) creative exploration (10% of job scope), creates innovation work plan in the assigned category, execution and follow up.

• Leads, initiates, produces, and supplies product samples designed to meet project scope.

• Efficiently leads R&D projects in the assigned project category through all the project development stages and commercialization.

• Creates R&D specifications and documents all tests (lab and plant trials); compiles and records testing data and charts for ingredient performance, production test information/ summary and on-going projects.

• Initiates, performs, and provides guidance in bench top research and evaluation of new ingredients and product formulations, planning lab experiments, shelf-life testing and production trials.

• Leads sensory evaluations, product cuttings / presentations to various vendors and customer groups, introducing or re-acquainting them to specific products, ingredient features, benefits, requirements, and application techniques. Ensures adequate supply of 1st production samples retains and bench control for cook validation, product cuttings, shelf-life tests etc.

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.

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, long-term disability, basic life and AD&D, and 401(k) with a company match, paid time off, 10 paid holidays each year, and paid parental leave. For full-time employees, the initial paid time off benefit starts at 20 days per year, adjusted commensurate with relevant experience. Commuter and transit programs are also available.

Qualifications

Travel/On-Call Requirements:Located in Motley, Minnesota with occasional travel to customers, up to 10%

Required Qualifications: (Education, Years of Experience, Certifications)

• A minimum of 8 years of experience in food science, manufacturing, or a related field

• A bachelor’s degree in food science or a related field; or the equivalent combination of education and years of experience.

Preferred Education & Experiences:

• A master’s degree in food science or a related field; or the equivalent combination of education and years of experience.

• Strong working knowledge of the scientific methods, ingredients, product formulation and food processing to support best in class development of new, innovative food products.

• Strong knowledge of labeling requirements to review nutritional and ingredient statements and recommend changes when required.

• Strong working knowledge of product development and commercialization requirements, including cooking instructions validation, shelf-life testing and record keeping.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• General understanding of food laws and regulations

• Solid understanding of mathematics, scientific weights, and measurements.

• Basic working knowledge of MS Office, PowerPoint, Database Management and other computer applications to access information, analyze data and solve problems.

Work Environment:

This role is split between a professional office environment and an industrial test kitchen/pilot plant setting. The employee regularly performs product development, testing, and commercialization activities in food production environments and may be exposed to temperature variations, noise, food allergens, and processing equipment. PPE may be required.

Work Ability Requirements:

The position may require standing for extended periods, frequent walking between work areas, lifting and carrying ingredients or product samples up to 25-50 pounds, and occasional travel to manufacturing facilities, suppliers, customers, or industry events.

Work Authorizations:

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

Additional Information

Stay connected with Trident Seafoods online atwww.tridentseafoods.comand follow us onFacebook,X,Instagram,Pinterest,YouTubeorLinkedInTrident Seafoods provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.Trident Seafoods and its subsidiaries have adopted a drug-free workplace policy. Working under the influence of Drugs or Alcohol is not permitted.Employment with Trident Seafoods is contingent upon the candidate maintaining valid immigration status and work authorization throughout employment, with or without immigration sponsorship by the company.

Pay Range

USD $95,000.00 - USD $135,000.00 /Hr.