Food Technologist

Job Title:

R D Food Technologist Job Description The R D Food Technologist develops and prototypes new food products from concept through commercialization while ensuring compliance with HACCP and food safety standards. This role conducts product testing, creates detailed product documentation, and supports scale-up from lab to production. The position collaborates closely with cross-functional teams and customers to optimize product quality, cost, and shelf life, and to support ongoing innovation within the product portfolio. Responsibilities Develop and prototype new food products in alignment with HACCP principles and all applicable food safety standards. Conduct product testing to establish and validate product specifications, shelf life, and analytical ranges. Create and maintain product specifications, standard operating procedures (SOPs), nutrition labels, and ingredient statements that comply with NLEA and USDA regulations. Identify, evaluate, and validate alternative raw materials to improve cost, quality, and shelf life while maintaining product integrity. Scale formulations from laboratory bench-top to full production and provide hands-on support during initial production runs. Perform HACCP analyses on new raw materials and finished products to identify and control potential hazards. Coordinate with customers regarding product samples, revisions, timelines, and technical specifications to ensure alignment with expectations. Support commercialization activities, including preparing product cost estimates, assisting with label development, and generating required technical documentation. Assist with troubleshooting production and quality issues, conducting root cause analysis, and implementing corrective actions. Participate in competitive benchmarking and innovation sessions to identify market opportunities and contribute to new product ideas. Analyze product and process data to support decision-making, optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives. Communicate technical information clearly in written reports and verbal updates to internal teams and external stakeholders. Essential Skills Bachelor's degree in a scientific field such as Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition, Chemistry, Microbiology, or equivalent work experience. Minimum of 2 years of experience in product development or R D bench-top work within the food industry. Demonstrated experience in R D or product development involving formulation, testing, and scale-up. Proficiency with Genesis or similar nutrition labeling software for creating compliant labels and ingredient statements. Strong skills in data analysis to interpret test results and support product and process decisions. Working knowledge of chemistry and food science principles as they apply to product formulation and stability. Ability to develop and follow SOPs and technical documentation for product and process control. Effective written and verbal communication skills for documenting work and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Additional Skills & Qualifications Knowledge of SOPs and SSOPs is a significant plus. HACCP certification is highly desirable. Experience working in R D and Quality departments within a dressing and sauce manufacturing environment is a strong advantage. Familiarity with NLEA and USDA regulatory requirements related to nutrition labeling and ingredient statements. Experience supporting commercialization activities, including costing, label development, and technical documentation. Experience in troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and competitive benchmarking in a food manufacturing setting. Ability to collaborate with customers on sample revisions, timelines, and product specifications. Work Environment This role operates in a food manufacturing and laboratory environment that involves both bench-top development and production floor support. The schedule typically runs from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You must be able to carry up to 40 pounds and work in areas with marked changes in temperature and humidity. The position requires wearing appropriate personal protective equipment and working safely around moving machinery. The company offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) options, as well as access to various partner discounts on consumer goods and services, along with eligibility for paid sick time in accordance with local regulations. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of City Of Industry, CA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $30.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in City Of Industry,CA.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Apr 30, 2026. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through: Hiring diverse talent Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes Ensuring growth opportunities for our people Actalent is an equal opportunity employer. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day. Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.