Associate R&D Technologist

Are you an early-career food scientist excited to learn how new products go from concept to shelf? Kettle & Fire is hiring an Associate R&D Technologist to support new product development, cost optimization, and commercialization projects directly from our manufacturing facilities, with a focus on thermally processed low acid foods. This is a full-time, exempt role reporting to the Sr. Director, R&D Processing, partnering closely with Quality Control, Warehouse, and Production. You'll get hands-on exposure to plant trials, lab work, and cross-functional R&D from day one.

At Kettle & Fire, we are driven by a mission to create products that heal rather than harm, supporting both our consumers' health and a healthy food system. Our culture is built on a foundation of core values that guide our work and define our team's identity. We push the boundaries of what's possible, embracing challenges with a growth mindset. We value radical candor and transparency, prioritize our customers relentlessly, and own our responsibilities unequivocally. We focus intently on mission-critical tasks and execute with high-tempo precision. Our team's success is predicated on each member's commitment to collective goals, demanding not only individual excellence but a harmonious effort to excel as one cohesive unit. If you thrive in an environment that values high performance and flexible, results-oriented outcomes, you might just be the A-player we're looking for.

What We Offer:

Vacation & Holidays: Three weeks of paid vacation each calendar year + 13 paid holidays Health insurance: Medical, dental, and vision options Sparks Benefits: Nutrition, Fitness, and Education allowance/resources Free product: Team members get free product for personal use

What You'll Own:

• Assist with projects related to new product development, cost optimization, and quality improvement

• Support plant trials with Operations, including trial setup, data and sample collection, and timely trial reports

• Participate in pre- and post-trial meetings, finished product evaluations, and shelf-life testing

• Help identify process improvement opportunities to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality

• Partner with senior R&D team members to troubleshoot product and processing issues

• Collect and organize project data, maintain detailed records, and contribute to reports for cross-functional teams

• Use statistical methods and software tools to analyze experimental results under the guidance of senior team members

• Help maintain the R&D pilot plant and lab, including equipment upkeep and inventory, while following safety and regulatory standards

• Build strong working relationships and communicate progress with cross-functional teams

• Follow company policies and food safety standards including GMP, HACCP, and other applicable requirements

What Will Make You Successful in This Role

• B.S. degree in Food Science, Science, or Engineering (recent graduates encouraged to apply)

• 0-2 years of experience in food manufacturing, including internships, co-ops, or relevant research projects

• Curiosity about R&D processes and a willingness to learn how products are developed and commercialized -Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and adapt quickly to shifting priorities

• Eagerness to ask questions, take ownership of your work, and grow into bigger responsibilities

• Solid documentation habits and comfort working with data

• Strong organization, problem-solving instincts, and a continuous improvement mindset

• Clear written and verbal communication for cross-functional collaboration

If you're early in your food science career and excited to learn how products come to life from the plant floor, while improving processes and partnering cross-functionally, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today.

Kettle & Fire is an equal opportunity employer, embracing diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on any protected status.