The Food Technologist will work with world-class food scientists and chefs, specializing in Alaskan Seafood in the Research & Development (R&D) department. This individual develops new product formulations and provides improvements to existing products as project lead. Participates in food research process in related areas and shares related work experience and problem-solving ideas. This position is responsible for collaborating with project teams on prototype and product development through full commercialization and finalizing product attributes and specifications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Initiates, produces and supplies existing or prototype product samples designed to meet target account needs.

• Performs bench top research and evaluation of new ingredients and product formulations in their area of responsibility; plans, performs and documents lab experiments, shelf-life testing and production trials.
• Evaluates and recommends various ingredient/recipe components in terms of functionality, formula, acceptability to target customer/geographic region of account, cost verification and Trident manufacturing capability. Ensures new ingredient opportunities are properly vetted and approved prior to preparing customer samples.
• Prepares and ships out hand samples of new products for internal and external sampling/ evaluation. Ensures adequate supply of 1st production samples retains and bench control for cook validation, product cuttings, shelf-life tests etc.
• Responsible for assigned multiple R&D projects partnering with the supply chain, FSQA, production team, category and project management where required.
• Leads multiple projects with assistance from manager or senior developer.
• Tightly collaborates with fellow food scientists and chefs on product development, R&D processes, presentations, and everyday operations. Mentors less experienced team members.
• Contributes to New Product Development (NPD) creative exploration (10% of job scope).
• Designs methods to improve ingredient qualities and food production in areas of flavor, color, texture, nutritional value, convenience, and/or physical, chemical, and microbiological composition of foods, as well as cost improvement and process efficiency.
• 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.
• Participates in sensory evaluations, sets up and leads product cuttings/presentations to internal project teams, introducing or re-acquainting them to specific products, ingredient features, benefits, requirements, and application techniques.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Must be able to travel freely between the workplace and other Trident processing facilities. Occasional travel (up to 10%) to customers, located throughout targeted regions is expected.
• Acquires knowledge of Trident’s Environmental and Safety Policies by completing required training programs and performing designated work activities in accordance with training and procedures/work instructions.
• Notifies designated personnel of any environmental or safety incidents or risks not previously documented, in accordance with Environmental Awareness and/or safety trainings.

Minimum Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in food manufacturing
• Bachelor of Science degree in food science or related field
• Working knowledge of the scientific methods, ingredients, product formulation and food processing to support best in class development of new, innovative food products.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in food science or related field
• Strong knowledge of labeling requirements to review nutritional and ingredient statements and recommend changes when required.
• Working knowledge of internal BRC procedures, including cooking instructions validation, thermometer calibration, shelf-life testing and record keeping.

This is a Salaried – Exempt position with an annualized salary range of: $66,000 - $72,000

Trident Seafoods is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age and genetic information.

Trident Seafoods has adopted a zero-tolerance and drug-free workplace policy. Pre-employment drug examinations are required for all employees.