R&D Specialist

The R&D Product Development Specialist supports product development and process optimization initiatives within a poultry manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for executing product trials, developing formulations, validating production processes, and ensuring new and existing products meet operational, quality, and customer requirements. The position operates at the plant level with cross-functional collaboration across operations, quality, and supply chain to deliver commercially viable products.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development & Formulation

• Develop and refine product formulations based on customer requirements, cost targets, and operational feasibility
• Conduct bench-top testing and scale-up activities to support new product development
• Modify existing formulations to improve yield, texture, flavor, or cost efficiency
• Document formulas, processes, and trial results accurately

Plant Trials & Commercialization

• Plan and execute plant trials to validate new products and process changes
• Coordinate with operations to ensure trials are executed efficiently and with minimal disruption
• Monitor product performance during trials and identify required adjustments
• Support product launches and transition from development to full-scale production

Process Optimization & Technical Support

• Evaluate production processes to improve efficiency, consistency, and throughput
• Troubleshoot product or process issues in collaboration with plant teams
• Provide technical guidance to operations regarding product specifications and processing parameters
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to product performance

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Operations, Quality Assurance, Procurement, and Sales teams to align product development with business needs
• Communicate trial results, product specifications, and technical findings to stakeholders
• Support customer interactions related to product development when required

Documentation & Data Management

• Maintain accurate records of formulations, specifications, and trial data
• Prepare technical documentation for product specifications and internal use
• Ensure all product development documentation is organized and accessible

Supervisory Responsibilities

None. This position has no direct reports.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Poultry Science, Chemistry, or related field required
• 2–5 years of experience in food manufacturing or product development preferred
• Experience in poultry or protein processing environments preferred

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of food formulation and ingredient functionality
• Knowledge of food processing equipment and manufacturing environments
• Analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications

Work Environment

Work is performed in a combination of office and poultry processing environments. Employee splits time between a professional office setting and active production areas.

Work in production areas may include exposure to:

• Cold, refrigerated environments (Fresh Processing)
• Warm or hot areas near ovens, fryers, or cooking equipment (Further Processing/Ready-to-Eat)
• Wet and humid conditions with floors that may be wet or slippery
• Moderate to high noise levels requiring hearing protection
• Raw poultry and beef products, strong food-related odors, and common food allergens

Physical Requirements

The position requires the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and flexibility to work extended hours as needed during plant trials or product launches.

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to stand, walk, and move between office, lab, and production areas as needed.
• Bending, reaching, and lifting of materials or product samples (up to 25 lbs), with or without assistance.
• Ability to travel between company locations or external sites as needed.
• Ability to communicate effectively, including speaking, hearing, and exchanging information in person, by phone, and via video.
• Ability to work in varying environments, including office settings, pilot or test kitchens, and production areas with exposure to temperature variations, noise, and food processing equipment.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

Food Safety and Quality Expectations

Gold Creek Foods is committed to producing safe, legal, and high-quality food products. All employees are responsible for complying with all company food safety, quality, and sanitation programs, preventing contamination and protecting product integrity, immediately reporting food safety or quality concerns to leadership, and supporting audit readiness and continuous improvement initiatives.

General Safety Statement

All employees are expected to work safely at all times by following all company safety policies, procedures, and regulations. This includes complying with OSHA, USDA, and other applicable laws, as well as Gold Creek Foods’ internal safety standards. Each team member is responsible for maintaining a safe work environment—reporting hazards and near misses, using required personal protective equipment (PPE) when required, and participating in safety training and programs as directed.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Gold Creek Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you need assistance or an accommodation to apply for a position, please contact Human Resources at 678-928-6970.

Pay: $56,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Poultry or food manufacturing: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Gainesville, GA 30501 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $56,000 - $70,000