R&D Technical Lead

The R&D Technical Lead will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of Dan-O’s Research and Development lab, including equipment oversight, process management and lab maintenance. This individual contributor role plays a critical role in driving product innovation, ensuring technical excellence and maintaining Dan-O’s high product standards throughout the development lifecycle. The position also supports post-commercialization efforts, contributing to food safety and quality initiatives to ensure a consistent, high-quality experience for our consumers.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee R&D lab operations, including equipment maintenance, inventory management and workspace organization
• Maintain detailed records of product formulations, specifications and nutritional data within Dan-O’s systems
• Support the product development process from concept through commercialization, including lab testing, scale-ups and production runs
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Operations, Quality and Finance to support innovation and execute project timelines
• Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies and competitive products to inform new business opportunities
• Assist in the identification and execution of improvements to lab procedures, processes and documentation
• Lead the development of maintenance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for technical processes
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulatory requirements, including retail labeling regulations
• Conduct and support general sensory testing and quality evaluations of new and existing products
• Manage multiple projects concurrently, ensuring delivery on time and within budget
• Assist with troubleshooting product performance or quality issues as needed post-launch
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of R&D and company objectives

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering or related field
• 5-7 years of experience in R&D, food safety, or product quality within the food industry
• Strong understanding of product development processes, sensory testing and commercialization practices
• Proficiency with lab instrumentation, food safety protocols, and regulatory labeling requirements
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with external partners
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills; highly organized and detail-oriented
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace and related tools
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time