Associate Product Developer

The Associate Product Developer supports beverage innovation and product development activities within the R&D team. This role bridges concept development and technical formulation, contributing to benchtop prototypes, testing, and scale-up.

The ideal candidate combines a strong scientific foundation with practical, hands-on experience in fast-paced environments such as laboratories, kitchens, or production facilities. They are detail-oriented, organized, and motivated by the challenge of translating creative ideas into technically sound, scalable products. This role will report to the Product Development Manager, R&D.

How you’ll help:

New Product Development and Scale Up

• Support new product development through benchtop formulation, prototype preparation, sensory evaluation, data analysis, and documentation for regulatory, nutritional, and certification compliance. Assist with flavor development and approaches to formulation.
• In partnership with Product Developers &/or Manager, lead 2-3 R&D projects per product cycle from concept through commercialization.
• Collaborate with Brand partners to assess feasibility and define technical strategy.
• Contribute to early-stage concepting, technical research, feasibility assessments, and pilot trials to ensure successful scale-up and product launch.
• Participate in pilot, line trials, and first production runs to evaluate product quality, process consistency, and adherence to specifications.
• Manage R&D ingredient inventory and ensure all benchtop evaluations follow Good Laboratory Practices in partnership with the R&D Technician.
• Collaborate cross-functionally and contribute to technical trend tracking and documentation.
• Represent R&D in cross-functional meetings and supplier discussions to advance project objectives and share technical insights.

Product Sensory, Testing, and Laboratory Operations

• Design and perform sensory, analytical, and performance testing to guide formulation optimization and ensure product quality.
• Recommend and help implement process improvements to enhance the efficiency and rigor of the NPD workflow.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance to maintain lab equipment, calibration schedules, and adherence to food safety and laboratory procedures.
• Document and report testing results with clarity and accuracy; elevate technical or quality concerns as appropriate.
• Support product training initiatives for Sales and Customer Service by communicating product attributes, technical features, and benefits.
• Maintain laboratory organization and support administrative functions including data entry, documentation flow, and coordination of sample shipments and storage.
• Contribute to the upkeep of Yerba Madre’s Food Safety and Quality Systems by assisting with document control and compliance reviews.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support R&D and cross-functional business needs.

what you’ll provide:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Food Science, or a related field/equivalent experience
• 2-5 years of experience in beverage product development, food science, restaurant, or laboratory environments; laboratory experience required.
• Working knowledge of formulation principles, ingredient functionality, and processing impacts.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills suited to cross-functional corporate collaboration.

How you’ll be successful in this role:

• Applies scientific curiosity and critical thinking to understand and improve beverage systems.
• Demonstrates sound problem-solving and adaptability in situations with limited standardization.
• Learns quickly, executes with precision, and maintains a high level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Translates direction into action with a practical, proactive, and resourceful approach.
• Brings initiative, ownership, and a collaborative mindset to daily R&D work.
• Comfortable conducting trials, analyzing data, and communicating results clearly and confidently.
• Proficient in Excel; basic sensory evaluation knowledge required.
• Administrative and project coordination experience preferred.

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