Research and Development Engineer - Beverage/Liquid Industry

About the Role

We are searching for a seasoned Research and Development Engineer specializing in the beverage and liquid food sector. The primary goal is to craft innovative drink formulas, refine existing recipes, execute pilot trials, and assist with scaling production to factory level. The ideal candidate will possess strong expertise in formulation, sugar reduction methods, and functional ingredients integration.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and develop new beverage and liquid product recipes aligned with market demands and client needs.
• Enhance current beverage formulations to improve flavor profile, quality, nutritional content, and efficiency of production.
• Drive initiatives aimed at reducing sugar content by incorporating alternative sweeteners while preserving product sensory and stability attributes.
• Formulate beverages enriched with functional components such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fibers.
• Perform laboratory trials, bench-scale formulations, and pilot testing.
• Lead activities during scale-up from laboratory to commercial factory production.
• Assess thermal processing technologies, including pasteurization methods, to maintain product quality and ingredient integrity.
• Choose and assess raw materials, proposing substitutions when necessary.
• Offer technical assistance throughout new product launches and production trials.
• Train manufacturing staff on processing parameters for new beverage formulations.
• Resolve manufacturing challenges including sedimentation, phase separation, flavor loss, and color modifications.
• Collaborate closely with Quality Assurance teams to uphold food safety and regulatory compliance.
• Organize and implement shelf-life assessments, stability evaluations, and maintain comprehensive technical documentation.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or related scientific field.
• Over 5 years of direct experience in research and development within the beverage or liquid food manufacturing industry.
• Solid track record in beverage formulation and new product development.
• In-depth understanding of functional ingredient behavior and stability in liquid formulations.
• Proven experience with sugar reduction initiatives utilizing alternative sweeteners.
• Hands-on involvement in pilot plant trials and commercial-scale production processes.
• Comprehensive knowledge of pasteurization, beverage processing techniques, and food safety standards.
• Strong analytical capabilities, with skills in troubleshooting and resolving technical issues.
• Excellent documentation, reporting, and interpersonal communication skills.

Preferred Experience

• Background in juice, flavored beverages, dairy beverages, functional drinks, or similar beverage categories.
• Experience with cost reduction and product reformulation projects.
• Familiarity with international food safety and quality management frameworks.