Headquartered in Seattle, Aqua Star Corp. is a leading global manufacturer, producer, and distributor of quality seafood and culinary food products. We were founded in 1990 by industry experts who continue to lead the business today. We are looking to fill the position as a Senior Food Technologist on our Product Development team.
Position Summary:
Initiate, coordinate, and implement new product initiatives on new and existing products. Ensure research and development responsibilities are aligned with various areas of the business such as procurement, quality assurance, production, and marketing. Accountable for product development activities and documentation from ideation to first production approval and assist in establishing shelf life and food safety standards.
Key Responsibilities:
Formulate and commercialize new product formulas including translating bench top recipes to production formulas efficiently
Validate production processing procedures and critical production control points on new items to ensure product attributes are maintained
In liaison with QA, approve quality of raw materials and ingredients used in Value Added items
Document and maintain all Value-Added formulas in company format in the Product Development folders on SharePoint
Assist QA with completion of Value-Added product specifications and set specification limits using production data
Complete cost components on new formula's and have the ability to engineer new product formulas to desired price point
Ensure product formulas adhere to corporate brand standards or respective Private Label brand standards
Ability to run nutritional information for product development using Genesis nutritional program
Accountable for hands-on preparation of bench top and customer presentation samples
Validation of consumer preparation information for packaging
Attend Value Added plant trials and first productions as required
Develop ingredient declarations for new Value-Added products and document background information accordingly
Travel to and work with vendors in the development of ingredients and components
Support the Sales dept. on New Value-Added item presentations -- product samples, information coordination, preparation, and attendance as required
Experience & Skills:
Minimum 8 years' experience in a food processing or research & development capacity
Seafood or frozen food experience is a plus, but not required
Must have knowledge and understanding of the functionality of food ingredients
Must be detailed oriented and proficient in MS Excel, Word, and Outlook
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Must be willing to travel out of state, up to 25% per year
Education:
Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Nutrition, or related Science
A culinary background is a plus, but not required
Location: Seattle, WA. 5 days in-office
Salary Range: $130,000 – $140,000 depending on experience
