Research & Development Technician

Research & Development TechnicianDepartment: Research & Development Reports To: VP of R&D Location: Sevierville, TN Employment Type: Temp to Direct Full-Time (must complete required hours with agency)Pay: $25.00 pending experienceSchedule: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm- occasionally early mornings/evenings/weekends based on project needs. About the RoleWe are looking for a detail-oriented and curious R&D Technician to join our bakery's product development team, focused on cookies and baked snacks. In this role, you will support the creation, testing, and refinement of new cookie and snack formulations, helping bring innovative products from concept to shelf. You'll work closely with food scientists, bakers, and quality assurance staff in a fast-paced, hands-on kitchen and lab environment.Key Responsibilities• Assist in developing and testing new cookies and baked snack formulations (e.g., soft-baked, crunchy, doughs, and seasoned snack components)• Prepare small-batch and pilot-scale bakes following experimental recipes and protocols• Accurately measure, mix, and document ingredients, process parameters, and results• Conduct sensory evaluations (taste, texture, appearance, aroma) and record findings• Perform basic quality and analytical tests (e.g., moisture content, pH, water activity, weight/yield checks)• Maintain detailed and organized records of trials, formulations, and test data• Support scale-up trials from bench-top to pilot plant or production-line testing• Help troubleshoot formulation or process issues during product development• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the R&D kitchen/lab, including stock of typical materials • Source and track ingredients, including working purchasing on samples and specifications• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (marketing, quality assurance, operations) to align product goals with technical feasibility• Support preparation and packaging of R&D samples for customer evaluation and conferencesQualificationsRequired:• High school diploma or equivalent; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Baking & Pastry Arts, Culinary Science, or related field preferred• 1–2 years of experience in a bakery, food R&D, or food manufacturing environment preferred• Strong attention to detail and precise measurement/documentation skills• Comfortable working with kitchen and lab equipment (mixers, ovens, scales)• Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment • Ability to follow protocols exactly while also troubleshooting when things go off-script• Good communication skills, both written and verbal• Basic computer skills including Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams Preferred:• Familiarity with food safety standards (HACCP, GMP)• Expose to a food manufacturing environment • Willingness to work occasional nights and weekends as required to meet business needs• Willingness to travel approx. 5% to support trials and off-site testing Physical Requirements• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 45 lbs• Comfortable working environments with variable temperatures (ovens, coolers)• Manual dexterity for precise measuring and mixing tasksWhat We Offer• Opportunities for professional growth in food science and product development• A collaborative, creative work environment where your ideas help shape new products