R&D Technician
Nippon Shokken U.S.A. Inc.
Job Overview
Location
West Sacramento, California, United States
Employment Type
Full-time
Work Arrangement
On-site
Sector
Science & Research
Experience Level
Junior (1-3 years)
About the Company
Nippon Shokken U.S.A. Inc. is a dynamic subsidiary of the globally recognized Nihon Shokken Group, dedicated to advancing food culture through the creation of delicious and convenient sauces and seasonings.
Established in the U.S. in 1988, the company has grown significantly, culminating in the establishment of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in West Sacramento, California, in 2013. This facility serves as the hub for domestic production, emphasizing high-quality products and continuous innovation.
The company prides itself on fostering a collaborative environment where employee contributions are valued. Their success is attributed to the dedication of their team and the strong relationships built with loyal customers. Nippon Shokken U.S.A. Inc. is committed to delivering new innovations and maintaining its position as a leader in the food industry.
Job Description
We are seeking a dedicated R&D Technician to join our innovative team. In this role, you will be instrumental in developing delicious and convenient food products that meet the evolving needs of the US market.
You will have the opportunity to enhance your skills by learning cutting-edge development technologies and methodologies from our Japanese counterparts. This position requires a commitment to maintaining confidentiality regarding proprietary company information.
Key responsibilities include developing both liquid and powder products, creating recipes, calculating costs, preparing samples, conducting various tests, and communicating with sales representatives to understand customer requirements.
You will also be involved in researching and reporting market information, creating product labels and specifications, and evaluating new ingredients and packaging. The role may require occasional travel for promotional activities, ingredient investigations, and market research.
To apply for this role, click the Apply button on this page and follow the instructions.
Required Skills
Key Responsibilities
- Develop liquid and powder products.
- Create recipes, calculate costs, make samples, and conduct various tests.
- Communicate with sales representatives regarding customer product development requests.
- Cook and taste items, and research market information.
- Create and check product labels, ingredient lists, spec sheets, and related documents.
- Research, review, and test current and new ingredients and packaging.
- Perform hazard analysis of recipes, ingredients, and products.
- Attend production at onsite if needed.
- Undertake business trips for promotional activities, ingredient investigation, market research, and training.
- Attend and conduct presentations, training, and seminars for customers and sales representatives.
- Collaborate with sales representatives and customers on product development.
- Create company catalogues, promotional documents, and notifications.
- Research and correspond with agencies relating to food regulations.
- Improve R&D related work circumstances and create/revise manuals.
- Organize, clean, and manage R&D related workplace, items, and machines.
- Order and collect R&D related items from suppliers and the production team.
- Assist with company events.
- Provide instruction, guidance, and training to new employees.
Qualifications
- Legally authorized to work in the US without visa support.
- Bachelor’s degree in food science or a related science such as biology or chemistry.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to drive a car.
- Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently at a business level.
- Ability to lift over 40 pounds.
- Ability to work standing and/or sitting for 8 hours a day or longer.
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook) and Windows operating system.
- Basic calculation skills (cost accounting, yield rate, ratio).
- An insatiable research drive.
- Ability to eat, taste, and analyze all ingredients, products, and cooked items, including meats, seafood, vegetables, fruits, wheat, soy, peanuts, and sesame.
- Ability to identify colors and flavors (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, umami) while blending.
- Ability to identify seasoning in products.
- Ability to cook using kitchen items.
- Compliance with company rules, punctuality, and flexibility.
- Ability to work with honesty, perseverance, and continuance.
- Collaboration and cooperation with own department and other departments.
- Effective time management and prioritization skills.
- Ability to keep sensitive information confidential.
- Good communication skills with other employees.
- Adaptability to other cultures.
- Ability to report problems to the manager immediately and seek advice.
- Willingness to take manager’s advice to improve performance.
- Ability to suggest constructive opinions for the company’s future development.
- Understanding of management philosophy and continuous effort to achieve goals.
Benefits & Perks
- Health, Vision, and Dental insurance
- Life and Long Term Disability Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Sick Leave
- 401K with matching
How to Apply
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The food industry in the United States is experiencing rapid innovation, driven by consumer demand for novel flavors and convenient meal solutions. This R&D Technician role is pivotal in translating these market trends into tangible product concepts. You will engage with critical processes such as recipe formulation, cost analysis, sensory evaluation, and ingredient research. Proficiency in food science principles, product development methodologies, and regulatory compliance is essential for success. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to product innovation and market competitiveness, impacting the company's growth trajectory and ROI.
Posted Date
April 7, 2026