Food Product Developer

As a Product Development Engineer, you will play a crucial role in developing, troubleshooting, and commercializing formulations of shelf-stable food products using thermal processing and retort technology. Your strong experience in R&D, Food Process Engineering principles, Design of Experiments Methodology, Food Chemistry, and Culinary Science will be key to your success in this position. - Develop formulations of shelf-stable products from concept to formulation, including sample prototypes, heat penetration studies, operations trials, and product launches. - Provide hands-on leadership, mentoring, and management to Retort Operators, Thermal Processing Technicians, and Retort Supervisors, including headcount analysis, scheduling, and training. - Complete record review and process deviation analysis for all retort operations in compliance with FSSAI regulations. - Conduct and evaluate temperature distribution studies and heat penetration studies. - Maintain accurate records and documentation of testing, validations, and other relevant information. - Review and develop thermal processing procedures, including time and temperature profiles to ensure the safety and quality of food products. - Collaborate with customers and regulatory personnel during visits, inspections, and audits. - Serve as subject matter expert and provide technical assistance to optimize thermal processes and resolve issues. - Monitor trending ingredients, products, packaging, and processes. Provide recommendations, formulations, and solutions that drive innovation to keep the product lines relevant in the market. - Generate technical information such as nutrition panels, ingredient statements, labels, and/or specifications. - Organize product evaluations for competitive analysis, customer presentations, and cross-training. - Lead and/or assist in shelf-life trial design, evaluations, recommendations, and reporting. - Maintain updated documents and records in accordance with Food Safety and Quality of Food Standards. - Work as a team and be committed to the overall objectives of the company. - Other duties as deemed necessary. Minimum Qualification Required: - Minimum two years of proven R&D experience in thermal processing/retort technology. - Full product development life cycle experience in a food/beverage science and/or culinary field. - Solid expertise in manufacturing tests and guiding teams through pilot plant trials to market test start-ups to full production launches. - Deep knowledge of food ingredients functionality, applications, low-risk alternatives, and cost-effective solutions. - Strong analytical skills, self-motivated, and results-oriented. - Proficient in MS Office. - Well-organized in work and have a systematic approach to problem-solving. - Having an open and objective mindset when addressing issues and/or offering solutions. - Ability to prioritize work well and have good decision-making skills in a fast-paced environment. Please note: Job Type is Full-time *Location:* Salem, Tamil Nadu: Relocation or reliable commute required *Education:* Bachelor's degree required *Experience:* - Two years in Thermal Processing - Two years in Retort Operations - Two years as a Food Scientist (R&D) *Language:* English proficiency required *Shift Availability:* Day Shift required *Work Location:* In-person.,