Research and Development Assistant

Job Title: Research and Development Assistant

Reports to: Research and Development Assistant

Location: Lewisville, TX  

Job Type: Full-time/Non-Exempt 

Business Hours: M-F 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM  

Pay Range: $20-$25/hr DOE

About the Company: 

Warabeya North America is a leading food manufacturer specializing in high-quality fresh and ready-to-eat food products. As part of the global WarabeyaNichiyo Group headquartered in Japan, we are dedicated with years of food innovation with a strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement. Our North American operations are growing, offering a collaborative, fast-paced environment where employees have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact and growth together with the company.

Position Summary:  

The Research and Development (R&D) Assistant supports the R&D team by managing documentation, assisting with product development activities, and providing administrative and operational support. The role is heavily focused on data management and documentation accuracy.

Key Responsibilities:  

Documentation & Data Management (70%)

• Create, update, and maintain R&D documentation including product recipes, specifications, and quality materials

• Develop presentation materials using Microsoft PowerPoint

• Prepare, update, and manage reports and internal documentation

• Maintain and organize documentation in internal and online databases

• Collaborate with customers to ensure documentation accuracy and completeness

• Communicate with suppliers to ensure documentation is current and accurate

• Track orders and process special order requests related to R&D activities

• Assist in market research activities related to product development

Kitchen & Product Development Support (20%)

• Assist in kitchen operations including measuring ingredients, preparing recipes, and cleaning

• Support product development trials and new recipe creation

Administrative Support & Other Duties (10%)

• Schedule meetings, appointments, and maintain calendars for the R&D team

• Prepare and distribute communications (emails, reports, memos)

• Organize and maintain departmental files and records

• Greet visitors and direct inquiries appropriately

• Support R&D meetings, customer presentations, and events

• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders across departments

• Perform other duties as assigned

The Company reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and responsibilities of this role as needed to meet business requirements.

Qualifications: 

Required

• High school diploma

• 2+ years of office experience, including data management, data entry, and document preparation using MS Word and Excel

• English proficiency in both oral and written

• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including use of formulas and functions (e.g., COUNTIF, SUMIF, VLOOKUP, basic data analysis)

• Actively listens and communicates clearly and effectively in both verbal and written forms, adapting to the audience as needed

• Time management and task prioritization skills

• Takes initiative, seeks improvement, and adapts to challenges

• Consistently produces accurate, thorough, and well-organized work

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work independently with minimal supervision

• Flexible mindset with the ability to adapt to change and learn quickly

• Passion for food and interest in product development

• Ability to work onsite (remote work is not an option)

• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis at the time the employment begins and must not require sponsorship for employment visa status. This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored work authorization.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing or Business Administration

• Spanish or Japanese language skills

• Prior food industry or culinary background

Work Environment and Workplace:

• Work is primarily performed in an indoorenvironment, includingoffice, laboratory, kitchensettings

• The role may involve exposure to moving mechanical parts, regular exposure to conditions such as hot and cold temperatures, humidity, and confined spaces depending on job duties

• The noise level in the work environment is typically moderate

• The work environments may include exposure to food ingredients and cleaning agents 

Physical Requirement:

To successfully perform the essential functions of this role, the employee must be able to:

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position throughout the workday, as needed

• Use hands and fingers to input data, mouse, and standard office equipment

• Attain, twist/bend, and constantly positions self to maintain files and office supplies in cabinets

• Communicate effectively using speech, written language, hearing, and visual observation in person, by phone, and via virtual platforms

• Maintain visual acuity for reading documents, computer screens, and written materials, including close and distance vision

• Lift, transport, maneuver office materials, or equipment weighing up to approximately 25 pounds

• Ability to move between workstations, meeting rooms, or office areas as needed

Travel Requirements:

This position may require domestic travel (including by air and car)

Benefits: 

• 401(k), 401(k) matching 

• Dental/Medical, Vision insurance – 100% paid employee's premium 

• Life Insurance

• Paid Time Off