**Position Title:** Food Technologist – Product Innovation & Range Development **Location:** [Ahmedabad] **Department:** R&D and Product Development **Reports To:** Founder / Head of Operations Role Overview We are seeking a passionate and innovative Food Technologist to lead product research, recipe formulation, and shelf-life optimization for product, our Ready-to-Cook (RTC) brand delivering authentic Indian flavors with convenience. The role requires blending deep technical expertise with an understanding of Indian culinary traditions to create scalable, clean-label products across mixes, meal kits, batters, and snacks. Key Responsibilities · Product Development: - Innovate and formulate new RTC products aligned with Indian household tastes (curries, mixes, batters, snacks, etc.). - Modify recipes for scalability, shelf stability, and clean-label compliance. · Shelf-Life & Quality Assurance: - Conduct in-house lab trials on microbiological stability, moisture activity, pH, and sensory evaluation. - Extend shelf life while retaining authentic taste, aroma, and nutrition. · Process Development: - Optimize processing techniques (roasting, drying, packaging) for consistency and efficiency. - Develop SOPs for pilot and commercial batches. · Ingredient & Raw Material Management: - Source and validate spices, oils, and additives suitable for long shelf life without preservatives. - Work closely with procurement to ensure traceability and cost efficiency. · Lab & Equipment Utilization: - Manage and utilize food R&D lab equipment for trials (moisture analyzer, texture analyzer, microbial testing kits). - Design and execute experiments for recipe validation and quality benchmarking. · Regulatory & Compliance: - Ensure all formulations comply with FSSAI and global food safety standards. - Prepare product documentation for certifications and exports. · Cross-Functional Collaboration: - Work with marketing for consumer sensory trials and product positioning. - Support operations in scaling lab recipes to commercial production. Desired Skills & Competencies · Strong foundation in food chemistry, food processing, and shelf-life management. · Practical knowledge of Indian cooking styles, especially regional food traditions. · Innovative mindset to blend tradition with modern processing. · Familiarity with clean-label, vegetarian, and with preservative product design. · Hands-on experience in RTC/instant foods, snacks, or spice-based products preferred. · Excellent documentation, analytical, and problem-solving skills. · People-oriented, but process-driven to establish best practices. Qualifications & Experience · Master’s/Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology, Food Science, or allied fields. · 3–7 years of experience in food product development, preferably in RTC, RTE, or spice-based FMCG. · Exposure to shelf-life studies, lab analysis, and sensory evaluation methods. · Track record of successfully launching food products in the Indian market is a plus. Why Join Us? · Be part of a fast-scaling Indian RTC brand with 30+ SKUs and ambitious growth plans. · Opportunity to innovate with a mix of traditional Indian recipes and modern R&D practices. · Ownership of product development pipeline and freedom to experiment in a well-equipped lab. Competitive salary + growth-linked incentives.