Research Technician jobs in Toronto, ON

R & D Technologist

Location: Scarborough, Ontario

Number of Positions: 1
Vacancy Status: Replacement

Work Schedule: Day Shift, 8 hours per day including 30min meal break

Salary Range: $65,000- 75,000

About Us:

Tradition Fine Foods Ltd. is a second-generation family-owned company founded in 1982, based in Scarborough, Ontario. We are a market leader in thaw and serve baking technology, specializing in frozen sweet goods like muffins, croissants, and pastries for retail, foodservice, and contract manufacturing. We are known for our high-quality products, innovation, and advanced manufacturing capabilities.

Our vision is “to provide an unparalleled manufacturing solution experience to the world’s leading food companies and brands”. We have close to 180,000 sq feet of leading-edge bakery production space, in which we produce exceptional bakery products including bars, croissants, pastries, muffins, and brownies for retail and foodservice customers.

Our team creates outstanding value for our customers through innovative solutions, collaborative partnerships, and leading-edge technology, which separates us from other co-manufacturers. We are passionate leaders who love to win, care about our customers and our team members, and take exceptional pride in delivering with excellence in everything we do!

Why Join Us:

Tradition offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package (health, dental, life, and disability), alongside a commitment to professional growth and career progression. Employees gain access to an RRSP employer match after three months and enjoy unique time-off perks, including four annual personal days and a paid day off for their birthday.

Job Statement

The R&D Technologist supports the development and optimization of high-quality sweet and savory bakery and snack products co-manufactured by TFF across all six production lines. The role provides hands-on experience in product formulation, process improvement and commercialization while fostering continuous improvement and technical growth.

Essential Functions:

• Product Development & Innovation: Supporting the development and optimization of sweet and savoury bakery and snack products, ensuring quality and consistency across all production lines.
• Production Trials & Commercialization: Assist in the preparation, execution and documentation of production trials, both internal and customer-facing, providing accurate summaries and supporting information flow throughout the commercialization process.
• Technical Analysis & Evaluation: Perform product analysis, sensory evaluations, batching, and sample preparation in the lab to ensure product specifications and quality standards are met.
• Customer Engagement: Prepare in a timely manner demonstration samples and prototypes for customers, as requested by the Projects and Sales teams, including coordination of sample shipments.
• Process Management: Assist in maintaining and monitoring the TFF commercialization timelines, driving efficiency and innovation. Prepare Bench top lab samples to be scaled for Production trial execution.
• Documentation & Control: Maintain accurate and detailed documentation for formulations, SQF compliance, raw materials, nutritional information, and allergens. Lead the formulation control process.
• Lab & Equipment Management: Contribute to the upkeep of the product development lab, ensuring cleanliness, organization, and proper maintenance of equipment and raw materials.
• Ingredient & Flavor Testing: Support the evaluation of new ingredients and flavors to confirm compliance with specifications and quality standards including shelf life.
• Industry & Trend Analysis: Stay informed on industry developments, initiate and manage studies/projects to apply new technologies to existing products, and actively network to stay current with customer and consumer trends.
• Cost Optimization: Assist in evaluating alternative ingredients and process improvements to reduce costs while maintaining quality.
• Shelf-Life Studies: Participate in product shelf-life studies to ensure product stability and quality over time.
• Additional Duties: Fulfill other R&D duties as required to support departmental objectives and organizational growth.

Physical Demands

• May be required to stand/sit for long periods of time
• Adapt to production shift times and needs that sometimes go beyond regular business hours.
• May engage in frequent bending, stooping or squatting
• Due to the environment, must be able to work in various weather and temperature conditions which include extreme heat, humidity and cold
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 10kg
• Must be able to work in tight or enclosed spaces
• May involve repetitive motions such as computer work/typing

Job Specifications

• Post secondary diploma/degree in Food Science or a related field
• 2+ years’ experience in a similar role would be considered an asset
• Pastry experience is a definite asset
• Experience in a Food Manufacturing Environment (HACCP)
• Excellent communication skills both written and oral
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize on a regular basis
• Strong computer skills
• Ability to evaluate, discuss and/or form an opinion of laboratory test results
• Excellent customer service skills
• Must be able to work independently with a high degree of self-initiative

Disclosure of AI Use: Please be advised that we use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help screen and assess applicants for this position.

Interview Process: If you are interviewed for this position, you will be notified of your hiring status (whether a decision has been made) within 45 days of your last interview.

We are committed to creating accessible environments for our team members, candidates and customers. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of application and employment processes.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00-$75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Extended health care
• RRSP match

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Experience:

• food manufacturing: 2 years (required)

Work Location: In person