R&D Specialist - Food
Job Purpose and Impact
The R&D Specialist will support the development and commercialization of processed poultry and fried chicken products, working closely with internal teams and customers to deliver successful food solutions in the market.
This is a hands-on role with direct exposure to real commercial products widely consumed by customers. In this role, you will contribute to end-to-end food product development, including formulation, testing, and scale-up, with a focus on meat / poultry applications, seasoning, and coating systems (batter & breading).
Key Accountabilities
• Support development of fried chicken, poultry, and processed meat products from concept to commercialization
• Assist in formulation work, including seasoning, marinade, batter, and breading systems
• Participate in pilot trials and plant trials, ensuring successful scale-up in manufacturing environments
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including marketing, sales, operations, and quality
• Translate customer and market needs into practical product development solutions
• Support testing programs for new and existing products, including sensory and performance evaluation
• Maintain documentation for formulations, processes, and testing results
• Follow food safety, regulatory, and quality standards in all development activities
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience
- R&D experience in Food industry is necessary
- Native-level or fluent Japanese communication skills required for business use.
Preferred Qualifications
- Preferred Qualifications
・ Foundational understanding of product development, analytical testing, and marketing strategy
・ Experience working in a manufacturing environment
・ Basic knowledge of finance and general business principles
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・ Experience in operations-related roles
・ Product management experience
・ Experience in food formulation and product commercialization
・ Knowledge of food ingredients and their functional properties
・ Research and development experience
・ Strong familiarity with food products and the ability to adapt flexibly to changes in critical business systems
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
- Short-Term Disability
- HSA With Employer Contribution
- Health Insurance
- Health Reimbursement Account
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Long-Term Disability
- FSA
- HSA
- Mental Health Benefits
Parental Benefits
- Fertility Benefits
- Family Support Resources
- Birth Parent or Maternity Leave
- Non-Birth Parent or Paternity Leave
- Adoption Assistance Program
- Adoption Leave
Work Flexibility
- Flexible Work Hours
- Remote Work Opportunities
- Hybrid Work Opportunities
Office Life and Perks
- Casual Dress
- On-Site Cafeteria
- Holiday Events
Vacation and Time Off
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Personal/Sick Days
- Sabbatical
- Leave of Absence
- Volunteer Time Off
Financial and Retirement
- 401(K) With Company Matching
- Stock Purchase Program
- Performance Bonus
- Relocation Assistance
- Financial Counseling
Professional Development
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Promote From Within
- Mentor Program
- Shadowing Opportunities
- Access to Online Courses
- Lunch and Learns
- Internship Program
- Work Visa Sponsorship
- Leadership Training Program
- Associate or Rotational Training Program
Diversity and Inclusion