Research & Development Production Assistant

Location: Meriden, CT

Reports to: Cream Cheese Production Supervisor

Role type: Full-Time

About PopUp Bagels

PopUp Bagels is not just a bagel company—we’re a cultural movement. Our stores are small, our vibes are loud, and our energy is contagious. From signature neon and iconic bullhorns to our “Not Famous but Known” mirror, we’ve reimagined not just how a bagel is created, but how it’s enjoyed: Grip, Rip and Dip! With a cult-like following, massive social presence, and unparalleled collaborations with top companies, partners and Brand Ambassadors PopUp Bagels is defining a new food lifestyle brand.

We keep things simple, but we do them really, really well. And our customers agree.

The Role

The Research & Development Production Assistant role is responsible for supporting the development, testing, and commercialization of food products within a manufacturing environment. This role acts as support for cream cheese supervisor and bridge between large-scale production by assisting with product trials, ingredient preparation, documentation, quality checks, and plant coordination. The ideal candidate is organized, hands-on, detail-oriented, and passionate about food manufacturing and continuous improvement.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Assist the cream cheese production supervisor with product development, formulation testing, and production trials.
• Prepare ingredients, batches, and samples according to formulas and specifications.
• Support scaling recipes from bench-top testing to full manufacturing production.
• Accurately document formulas, batch records, test results, and production feedback.
• Monitor product consistency, appearance, texture, flavor, and overall quality during testing.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of R&D workspaces, equipment, and storage areas.
• Assist with inventory management of R&D ingredients, packaging, and supplies.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, and sanitation standards.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to product quality and manufacturing efficiency.
• Support sample preparation for internal reviews and self-life studies.
• Help troubleshoot production or formulation issues during test batches.

Required Education, Experience, and KSAs:

• High school diploma or GED required; culinary, food science, or manufacturing experience preferred.
• 1–3 years of experience in food production, bakery, commissary, or manufacturing environments preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow formulas, procedures, and production instructions accurately.
• Comfortable working in both kitchen-style and industrial manufacturing environments.
• Basic computer skills, including Excel and production documentation systems.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods.
• Flexible schedule, including early mornings, late nights, weekends, or extended production trial hours as needed.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with food manufacturing or commercial bakery operations.
• Knowledge of food safety standards and practices.
• Passion for food innovation and product development.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to multitask and adapt in a fast-paced environment.

Work Environment

• Combination of kitchen, and manufacturing floor environments.
• Exposure to varying temperatures, production equipment, and food allergens.
• Fast-paced setting with frequent collaboration across departments.

Additional Role Note:

The duties of this position may change from time to time. PopUp Bagels reserves the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of PopUp Bagels or its managers. This job description is intended to describe the general work level. It is not intended to be all-inclusive.

PopUp Bagels is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, age, ancestry, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related condition, unemployment status, gender identity or expression, transgender status or gender dysphoria, marital status, domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking victim status, national origin, citizenship, disability, covered veteran and/or military status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristic, familial status as that term is described under other protected statuses or any other characteristic as protected under applicable federal, state and local law.

PopUp Bagels conducts pre-employment screenings in compliance with local, state, and Federal laws, and utilizes eVerify to confirm U.S. Employment eligibility.