Fermentation Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Who We Are

FedUp Foods, one of the nation's early producers of kombucha through the Buchi brand, and one of the largest functional beverage manufacturers in America, offers a diverse portfolio of organic private label functional beverages for top global retailers.

Our Culture

FedUp Foods fuels the growth and success of open-minded, collaborative, and passionate individuals who thrive on teamwork, creativity, and continuous learning.

As a proud benefit corporation we have chosen to make People one of our benefit pillars. We strive to make sure every employee of FedUp Foods feels welcomed, valued, and empowered by fostering a collaborative and adaptable community, providing growth opportunities, and creating a supportive environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally.

Our Values: Agility, Collaboration, Communication, Lifelong Learning, Community, Gratitude

Our Benefits:

• Health Insurance (80–90% of individual premium covered)
• Group Term Life Insurance (100% company-covered)
• Short-Term Disability (100% company-covered)
• Long-Term Disability (50% company-covered)
• Voluntary Dental, Vision, Life & Accident Insurance
• 401(k) with Employer Match
• 9 Paid Holidays, PTO & Sick Time

Position Summary

The R&D Technician supports the full product development lifecycle, from concept stage through formulation, pilot batching, and successful first commercial production runs. This role is hands-on and detail-oriented, responsible for executing daily research and development related lab operations, maintaining accurate documentation, and keeping development projects moving on schedule. The R&D Technician works closely with the R&D Food Scientist and Fermentation Specialist, while also interfacing with cross-functional teams including Sourcing, Quality, Sales, and Operations.

The ideal candidate brings a passion for food and beverage innovation, a high degree of reliability, and the initiative to support the R&D team's successful development of new and improved products.

Schedule: Mon - Fri, 8:00am-4:30pm

Duties and Responsibilities

Formula Development & Lab Operations

• Routinely perform mix-ups for recipes formulated by the R&D Food Scientist (RDFS)
• Assist the RDFS during the formula development of new products
• Perform laboratory analysis such as pH, TA, Brix, and/or sugar extract levels on new mix-ups, competitor products, and experimental projects
• Support flavoring of production batches as needed and as time allows
• Assist with market research to identify trends, competitor products, and consumer preferences
• Analyze data to provide insights for product development strategies

Sample Management, Packaging & Logistics

• Package and label all benchtop mix-ups in bottles, cans, or kegs
• Use printing software to create labels for outbound samples or in-house experiments
• Coordinate outbound shipment of critical R&D samples using shipping software
• Organize and manage the R&D's rotating inventory of physical sample retains and raw ingredients
• Dispose of old samples or ingredients and upkeep benchtop mix-up supplies
• Assist in coordinating sample requests and evaluating product samples

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Project Coordination

• Assist in coordinating the end-to-end product development process, collaborating with cross-functional teams including shipping, sourcing, sales, finance, marketing, and others as needed
• Assist in cross-department communication between R&D and Sourcing regarding new ingredients
• Assist the Fermentation Specialist and RDFS with cross-department tasks, especially pertaining to R&D fermentation trials, including tank parameters, reporting, shelf life analysis, and third-party testing
• Coordinate and assist the RDFS in setting up first production run meetings, maintain meeting notes, and assist commercialization project managers in change management activities
• Regularly attend weekly meetings with the RDFS regarding ongoing and upcoming new product developments

Documentation, Quality & Compliance

• Maintain accurate and detailed documentation throughout the product development lifecycle, including ingredient specifications, recipe formulations, and quality control procedures
• Assist the RDFS in document review for accuracy, including product briefs, sales projections, and production calendar entries
• Work closely with the quality assurance team to establish and maintain product quality standards
• Assist and set up sensory evaluations per direction from the RDFS and assist in resolving quality-related issues
• Help organize taste testing sessions with internal teams and external stakeholders
• Collect and analyze feedback to support data-driven decisions for product refinement
• Stay informed about industry regulations and ensure new products comply with local and international standards; assist in preparing documentation for regulatory submissions

Facility Upkeep & Professional Development

• Regularly clean and sanitize R&D equipment and areas, including benchtop mix-up areas, carbonation station, cooler, freezer spaces, and other R&D setup infrastructure
• Participate in ongoing education targeted toward formula development and food safety
• Assist in the development of new and improved products and support the organization's broader research and development activities to accomplish business objectives

General Duties/Responsibilities

Food Safety and Quality Responsibilities

• Follow GMP policy when in the production facility and encourage your team to do the same
• Understand our SQF policies relating to pest control, visitors, allergen management, and cleaning and sanitation
• Demonstrate awareness of Management's Commitment to SQF and work towards Food Safety and Quality and help the company meet this commitment
• If there is a problem that involves food quality and safety, report to the Quality Assurance Manager so that the CAPA (corrective action, preventative action) log may be filled out, the situation be investigated, and resolved with the goal of continuous improvement of food quality and safety

Required Skills/Abilities

• Strong organizational and project coordination abilities
• Effective communication and collaboration skills
• Basic knowledge of food safety regulations and quality standards
• Keen attention to detail and tenacity with follow through
• Proficiency in standard computer applications required; experience with lab documentation systems, shipping platforms, or label/printing software preferred
• Ability to work with a team to achieve department goals
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment
• Must be willing and able to work overtime, extended shifts, weekends, and schedule adjustments as required to support business operations

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required; associate's degree or coursework in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field preferred
• 2 years of experience in food or beverage production, laboratory support, or a related role preferred

Work Environment/Physical Requirements

• 30 minute unpaid lunch break; two paid 15 minute breaks
• Work is performed in a laboratory environment, as a part of a beverage manufacturing environment with moving machinery, conveyors, forklifts, pallet jacks, compressed air systems, production equipment, and other industrial hazards; must have heightened awareness of safety precautions and hazards for self and others
• Must be able to work on a computer for extended periods of time
• Must be able to safely wear and use required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, hair restraints, beard restraints, protective footwear, and other PPE as required
• May be exposed to elevated noise levels, wet or slippery surfaces, temperature fluctuations, manufacturing dust, strong product aromas, fermentation byproducts, carbon dioxide (CO), cleaning and sanitation chemicals, and other manufacturing-related hazards
• Work areas may include hot, cold, humid, refrigerated, and outdoor environments
• Requires standing, walking, bending, twisting, reaching, pushing, pulling, climbing stairs, and performing repetitive motions throughout the shift
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally with assistance

EEO Statement

AKM provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as directed to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.