R&D Technician

Location: Buffalo, NY

Job Type: Contract-to-Hire

Pay: $20-$24/hour

About the Role: We are seeking an R&D Technician (Culinary) to support product development, laboratory testing, and pilot plant activities within a fast-paced food R&D environment. This is a hands-on role ideal for someone with experience in food science, food preparation, laboratory testing, product development, or food manufacturing. You'll assist with prototype preparation, testing, sample analysis, data collection, and documentation while working closely with R&D and cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organized, safety-conscious, and comfortable working in a hands-on laboratory or food production environment.

What You'll Do: Support laboratory and pilot plant experiments for new product development, product testing, and process improvement Prepare food samples, prototypes, ingredients, and testing materials according to established procedures Conduct routine testing and accurately document measurements, observations, results, and experimental data Assist with product cuttings, sensory evaluations, competitive product analysis, and other R&D activities Operate, clean, organize, and maintain laboratory and food-processing equipment Support raw material, equipment, and process validation activities Help develop and maintain cooking instructions, testing procedures, reports, and project documentation Troubleshoot routine testing or experimental issues and escalate concerns when needed Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary work environment while following food safety, quality, and laboratory standards Collaborate with R&D, Quality, Engineering, Operations, Marketing, and other cross-functional teams