What are the responsibilities and job description for the Product Development Technician position at Rubix Foods?
About the Role
The Product Development Technician plays a critical role in supporting the Research & Development organization by enabling the efficient execution of food product innovation from concept through commercialization. This position partners closely with Product Development Scientists, Sales, and Pilot Plant teams to ensure timely sample delivery, accurate data capture, and disciplined progression through the stage-gate development process.
The role is both operational and technical, providing hands-on support in formulation, sample preparation, sensory testing, shelf-life validation, and cross-functional communication. Success in this position directly impacts speed-to-market, data integrity, and customer satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities
Product Development & Technical Support
- Support Product Development Scientists in the execution of bench-top, pilot-scale, and sample preparations
- Assist with ingredient sourcing, ordering, pre-batching, and tracking of Certificates of Analysis (COAs)
- Participate in organoleptic shelf-life and stability studies
Sample Management & Commercial Readiness
- Monitor incoming sample requests from Sales and communicate requirements to Product Development and Pilot Plant teams
- Review finished sample specifications to ensure accuracy and readiness for shipment
- Generate customer-facing sample documentation and coordinate packaging and shipment of samples
- Assist in sample production activities to meet customer timelines and internal priorities
Sensory & Consumer Testing Support
- Support the planning and execution of sensory and consumer testing, including sample preparation and logistics
- Capture and organize sensory data to support product optimization and decision making Data, Reporting & Process Enablement
- Maintain R&D dashboards to track project status, sample activity, and development metrics
- Ensure timely and accurate data entry to support project visibility and cross-functional alignment
- Identify opportunities to improve workflows, documentation practices, and development efficiency
Qualifications
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience)
- 0–2 years of experience in food product development, pilot plant, or laboratory environments preferred
- Familiarity with food ingredients, formulations, and basic analytical or sensory testing practices
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
Skills & Abilities
This role provides a strong foundation for advancement within R&D organization towards Product Development Scientist or Research Scientist role. Ongoing development may include:
- Building dashboards that integrate analytical, sensory, and process data for improved decision-making
- Expanding technical proficiency in formulation, processing, and scale-up principles
- Gaining deeper exposure to commercialization, regulatory considerations, and customer-driven innovation
About Rubix Foods
Rubix Foods is a full-service product development house with end- to-end manufacturing capabilities. We blend culinary creativity, food science, and consumer intelligence to fuel innovation for the industry’s most exciting, high-momentum brands. From concept to commercialization, we streamline and accelerate the entire product development journey – delivering white-glove service, disciplined execution, and consistent results that raise the bar every time.
Our Vision: To be the food industry’s first call – known for our speed, trusted for our quality, and chosen for our reliability.
Our Mission: To solve the food industry’s toughest problems – creatively, collaboratively, and with unrivaled speed and execution.