R&D Culinary Technician

Title: R&D Technician (Culinary)
Location: Salem, MA
Hire Type: Contract to hire
Compensation: $20-24/hr
Benefits: As a contract employee of Sterling, you are eligible to receive a Full Employee Benefits Package that includes paid time off, paid holidays, 3 medical plans to choose from, dental & vision plans, 401(k), and an Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) plan.
Must have Skill Set: 

Food science, food preparation, or laboratory experience
Laboratory testing, sample preparation, and data documentation
Strong attention to detail and accuracy
Hands-on, fast-paced work environment experience

Overview:
We are seeking a hands-on Research Technician to support product and process development within a fast-paced food R&D environment. This role will assist with laboratory and pilot plant testing, sample preparation, prototype development, data collection, and documentation while collaborating with R&D and cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organized, and comfortable working independently in a hands-on laboratory setting. 

Job Duties: 

• Support routine and non-routine laboratory and pilot plant experiments related to product development, testing, and process improvements.
• Prepare samples, prototypes, ingredients, and materials while following established methods and procedures.
• Accurately collect, record, and communicate experimental data, observations, measurements, and results.
• Operate, clean, organize, and maintain laboratory equipment and supplies according to established procedures.
• Assist with product testing, cuttings, competitive product analysis, and other R&D activities.
• Support raw material, equipment, and process validation activities and maintain related technical documentation.
• Help develop basic procedures, cooking instructions, reports, and project documentation.
• Troubleshoot routine testing or experimental issues and escalate concerns when appropriate.
• Maintain a safe, sanitary, and organized work environment while following food safety, quality, and laboratory standards.
• Collaborate with R&D, QA, Engineering, Operations, Marketing, and other internal teams as needed.

Qualifications: 

• Associate degree in Food Science, Food Preparation, Laboratory Technology, or a related field OR 1+ year of relevant experience in food laboratory testing, research, food preparation, or a production-based food environment.
• Experience working in a hands-on laboratory, food production, R&D kitchen, bakery, manufacturing kitchen, or similar environment preferred.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to accurately document and communicate data and results.
• Ability to follow established procedures while applying basic critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable working independently while also collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work onsite in a hands-on environment with regular standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.