Product Development Technologist

At Utz, we do more than make snacks-we create moments of joy. With over 100 years of family heritage, we've built a portfolio of iconic brands like Utz, Zapp's, Boulder Canyon, and On The Border-and we're just getting started.

We're fueled by passionate people who care deeply about quality, innovation, and each other. That's why we're committed to creating a supportive, inclusive, and high-energy culture where you can grow, thrive, and make an impact. From day one, you'll be empowered to bring your ideas to the table and help shape the future of snacking.

The Opportunity: Product Development Technologist

Responsible for supporting research and development activities focused on technical services, product optimization, and commercialization of existing products. This role works closely with Product Developers, Operations, Quality, and Procurement to improve product performance, troubleshoot manufacturing challenges, evaluate ingredient and process changes, and support product transfers and scale-up activities. Key responsibilities include bench-top prototyping, analytical and sensory testing, shelf-life evaluations, Product Quality Standards (PQS), and technical documentation. The Product Development Technologist plays a critical role in maintaining product quality, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring successful implementation of product and process changes.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Collaborate with Product Developers and R&D leadership to prioritize technical service and product development activities.
• Conduct analytical, sensory, and shelf-life testing to validate formulation and process changes.
• Coordinate internal and external sensory evaluations to support product optimization, competitive benchmarking, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Prepare product samples, documentation, and test materials for sensory studies and external laboratory submissions.
• Organize and facilitate employee sensory panels and product cuttings to assess product performance and consumer preference.
• Summarize test results to provide technical recommendations alongside product developers to support decision-making.
• Support plant trials, First Production Runs (FPRs), and commercialization activities related to product transfers, formula updates, and process changes.
• Troubleshoot formulation and processing issues during manufacturing trials and commercial production.
• Support and maintain Product Quality Standards (PQS) and related technical documentation for assigned product categories.
• Train plant personnel on product standards, evaluation methods, and critical quality attributes.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Operations, Quality, Packaging, and Marketing to identify and implement product and process improvements.
• Maintain organized laboratory records, ingredient inventories, and project documentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of departmental and company objectives

What You Bring:

Experience:

• Requires a minimum of 2 years' experience in food manufacturing in operations, quality assurance or R&D labs
• Understanding of common laboratory testing methods for snack foods including analytical and sensory evaluation
• Experience working in cross functional teams.
• Experience with common data management software and communication tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)

Skills:

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to compile data and draw valid conclusions
• Able to comprehend and retain technical written instruction and product specific knowledge
• Ability to maintain a clean, organized workspace; demonstrated history of attention to detail and ability to execute work independently
• Able to balance priorities and manage multiple projects on an on-going basis
• Able to effectively listen, communicate, and interface across several organizational levels
• Self-motived individual that enjoys working with teams

External Recruitment Process:

• Easy Application (5 mins): Introduce yourself and answer a few key questions to get started.
• Engaging Chat Interview (20-25 mins): Share your experiences in an online chat, highlighting how your values align with ours.
• Live Interview: Selected candidates will meet with the hiring manager to explore their alignment with the team and overall Utz company culture.

Why Utz?

We're proud to offer a supportive, inclusive environment where associates can grow their careers and live their healthiest lives. Our benefits include:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
• Employer-match 401(k) and profit-sharing
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Career development programs and more

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.