Defence Food Research Laboratory Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Food Technologist

Job Description

This Food Technologist role supports the development, testing, and evaluation of bakery and food products in a laboratory and plant environment. You will prepare and analyze samples, support scientists with daily lab activities, and clearly document findings to help bring new and improved products from concept to commercialization.

Responsibilities

• Support scientists by producing and testing food samples, maintaining an organized laboratory, and reporting findings in a clear and structured manner.
• Weigh and scale ingredients accurately, mix formulations, and bake, fry, or cook samples according to test requirements.
• Conduct analytical reviews of samples, including measurements such as pH testing and other quality-related analyses.
• Set up and coordinate sensory tests, including preparing samples, organizing panels, and capturing sensory feedback.
• Replenish and organize laboratory supplies to ensure all materials, ingredients, and equipment are available and properly stored.
• Enter the lab to weigh ingredients, mix formulations, and bake off samples in alignment with test protocols and safety procedures.
• Evaluate samples against control products and specifications, documenting differences in quality, appearance, texture, and flavor.
• Support food research and development (R&D) activities, including product formulation, new product development, and commercialization of lab formulas.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners such as quality, production, and development teams to ensure smooth project execution.
• Apply knowledge of food quality, raw materials, and bakery processing conditions to improve product consistency and performance.
• Assist with quality control checks and documentation to ensure compliance with internal standards and relevant regulations.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and compliant laboratory environment in accordance with food safety and regulatory expectations.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or a related science field.
• 6 months to 1 year of internship, school-related experience, or working experience within the food industry.
• Experience in food research and development (Food R&D) and product formulation.
• Exposure to commercialization of lab formulas into production-ready products.
• Knowledge of ingredients used in bakery ingredient applications.
• Understanding of sensory science and bakery processing conditions.
• Some familiarity with regulatory requirements, including GRAS, FDA CFR, and EU regulations.
• Strong food quality and quality control knowledge.
• Hands-on experience working in a laboratory environment.
• Practical baking and cooking skills relevant to product testing and development.
• Experience with sensory testing and evaluation of food products.
• Ability to perform pH testing and basic chemistry-related analyses.
• Excellent project management skills to organize and execute multiple development activities.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to document and present findings clearly.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Knowledge of raw materials and their impact on product performance in bakery and food applications.
• Experience supporting new product development projects from concept through testing.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Food safety certifications.
• Experience in food development and R&D environments focused on bakery products.
• Experience working with sensory panels and structured sensory methodologies.
• Familiarity with food manufacturing processes and bakery processing conditions.
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced, project-driven environment.
• Strong attention to detail and a systematic approach to documentation and sample tracking.

Work Environment

The majority of work takes place in a laboratory environment, where you will prepare, test, and evaluate food and bakery samples using standard lab equipment and procedures. You will frequently visit a manufacturing plant to support trials, observe processing conditions, and gather samples, and you will occasionally visit a warehouse as needed for materials or product-related activities. The schedule follows a Monday–Friday workweek, with typical hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., providing a predictable daytime shift. The dress code requires non-slip closed-toe shoes (steel-toe recommended), no jewelry, no makeup, hair net or beard net as applicable, and no fake nails to maintain food safety and personal safety standards. You will work in a stable, long-established food industry environment where laboratory work is closely connected to real-world production, offering exposure to both technical and practical aspects of food product development.

This is a Contract position based out of Pico Rivera, CA.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $35.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Pico Rivera,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 21, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.