Product Development Engineer

Role Overview:

The Product Development Engineer will develop, troubleshoot, and commercialize formulations of shelf stable food products using thermal processing / retort technology. Lead product improvement projects, provide technical data, and maintain document systems. The ideal candidate should have a strong experience in R&D, Food Process Engineering principles, Design of Experiments Methodology, Food Chemistry and Culinary Science to be successful in this role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop formulations of shelf stable products from concept to formulation, 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 to 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

Key Requirements:

• Minimum (2) two years of proven R&D experience in thermal processing / retort technology is must
• Full product development life cycle in a food/beverage science and/or culinary field, from concept to prototype to optimization to commercialization, and within time and budget constraints.
• 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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: ₹240,000.00 - ₹360,000.00 per year

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Salem, Tamil Nadu: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Thermal Processing: 2 years (Required)
• Retort Operations: 2 years (Required)
• Food Scientist (R&D): 2 years (Required)

Language:

• English (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Work Location: In person