Research and Development Engineer - Beverage/Liquid Industry

ERAM Talent is seeking an experienced Research & Development (R&D) Engineer – Beverages.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing innovative beverage formulations, improving existing products, conducting pilot trials, and supporting factory-scale production. This role requires strong expertise in beverage formulation, sugar reduction technologies, and functional ingredients.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and formulate new beverage and liquid products based on market trends and customer requirements.
• Improve existing beverage formulations to enhance taste, quality, nutritional value, and production efficiency.
• Lead sugar reduction initiatives using alternative sweeteners while maintaining product taste, texture, and stability.
• Develop formulations incorporating functional ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fibers.
• Conduct laboratory trials, bench-top formulations, and pilot-scale testing.
• Lead factory scale-up activities and support the successful transition from laboratory development to commercial production.
• Evaluate thermal processing methods, including pasteurization, to ensure product quality and ingredient stability.
• Select and evaluate raw materials and identify suitable alternatives when required.
• Provide technical support during new product launches and production trials.
• Train production teams on processing requirements for new formulations.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues such as sedimentation, phase separation, flavor degradation, and color changes.
• Work closely with Quality Assurance to ensure compliance with food safety and regulatory standards.
• Conduct shelf-life studies, stability testing, and maintain complete technical documentation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of hands-on R&D experience in the Beverage or Liquid Food Manufacturing industry.
• Proven experience in beverage formulation and product development.
• Strong knowledge of functional ingredients and their stability in liquid applications.
• Demonstrated experience in sugar reduction projects and alternative sweeteners.
• Experience with pilot plant trials and factory-scale production.
• Sound understanding of pasteurization, beverage processing, and food safety standards.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent documentation and communication abilities.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in juice, flavored beverages, dairy beverages, functional drinks, or similar liquid food products.
• Exposure to cost optimization and product reformulation projects.
• Familiarity with international food safety and quality management systems.