R&D Technician

Family owned and operated, Joseph's Bakery is the country's premier CPG manufacturer of Pita Bread, Flat Breads & Lavash. Established in 1972 by Joseph Boghos, Joseph's Bakery is proudly owned and managed by the third generation of our founding family. A majority female owned business, we bake a diverse variety of Joseph's Branded and private label flat bread items that are widely distributed to grocery retailers throughout the United States, Central & South America, and the Caribbean Islands. Joseph's Bakery is a high growth environment with ten processing lines and approximately 150k square feet of manufacturing space. We operate twenty-four hours per day, five days per week, with dedicated production lines for Pita Breads, Tortillas, Flat Breads, Lavash, and Frozen Pancakes. Joseph's is the number one national brand of Pita Bread, Flatbread & Lavash, and is seeking candidates to join our family legacy Position SummaryThe R&D Technician supports the Research & Development team in the creation, testing, and improvement of new and existing products, processes, and equipment. This role involves hands-on experimentation, data collection, sample preparation, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to help bring innovative products from concept to commercialization.Key ResponsibilitiesAssist in developing, testing, and evaluating new product formulations and process improvements.Prepare samples for internal testing, customer evaluation, and sensory panels.Operate lab and pilot plant equipment, ensuring proper setup, use, and cleaning.Collect, record, and analyze data accurately, preparing reports and documentation for review.Maintain R&D lab organization, inventory, and supplies.Follow established protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and safety guidelines.Collaborate with Quality, Production, and Operations teams to support trials and scale-up activities.Troubleshoot issues during product testing and provide feedback to the R&D team.Stay informed about industry trends, ingredients, and technologies relevant to product innovation.QualificationsAssociate or Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).Prior experience in a laboratory, pilot plant, or food manufacturing environment preferred.Strong attention to detail with the ability to follow precise instructions and protocols.Basic knowledge of food safety, GMP, and laboratory practices.Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); ability to learn data collection software.Strong organizational and time management skills.Effective communication and teamwork abilities.Physical RequirementsAbility to stand for extended periods and lift up to 30 lbs.Ability to work in a lab, pilot plant, or production environment with varying temperatures.Work EnvironmentLaboratory and pilot plant setting with exposure to food ingredients, allergens, and processing equipment.May occasionally require flexible hours to support testing and production trials.Equal Employment Opportunity Policy:Joseph's Bakery 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. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.