Research and Development Technician

Job summary

The R&D Technician supports the development, testing, and scaling of chocolate and confectionery products from concept to commercial production. This role involves preparing formulations, conducting factory trials, and maintaining laboratory standards while ensuring compliance with food safety and quality regulations.

Job details

Craving a dream job? Join one of Canada's Top Employers. Purdys Chocolatier is delighted to have been voted by our employees as one of Canada's Best Employers. This esteemed award is a testament to the rich texture of our history and our more than 115 years of dedication to quality, trust,and supportive work environment. Job type: Full-time, permanent Expected pay range: $55,000-$65,000 per year Do you love chocolates? As a proud Canadian Chocolatier, we create connection and joy through the power of chocolate and have a great deal of fun doing so. We truly value diversity in our workforce and therefore, welcome applicants of all ethnic groups, genders, races, religions, abilities, and backgrounds. We’re looking for a Research & Development Technician to join our Operations team based in the 2777 Kingsway office in Vancouver, BC. Job Overview: The Research & Development Technician supports Product Development and Production teams in developing, testing, scaling up, and commercializing chocolate and sugar confectionery products. This hands-on role prepares formulations, produces laboratory and pilot samples, assists with factory trials, collects process and quality data, maintains the R&D laboratory, and helps improve product quality, efficiency, and waste reduction. The successful candidate will work closely with Product Development, Process Development, Production, Quality Assurance, Procurement, and Maintenance teams to move products from concept to commercial production. You will have the opportunity to: Prepare bench-top and pilot-scale product formulations using approved recipes. Produce product samples for internal evaluations and customer presentations. Support the development and optimization of chocolate and confectionery products. Evaluate ingredients, benchmark competitor products, and recommend improvements. Assist with product scale-up from R&D to commercial production. Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot R&D processing equipment. Monitor and record key process parameters and trial results. Prepare materials, equipment, and documentation for production trials. Coordinate trials with Production, Quality Assurance, Maintenance, and Planning teams. Support first production runs, product launches, and technology transfer activities. Conduct sensory evaluations and assist with analytical testing. Maintain formulation records, specifications, SOPs, and trial reports. Ensure accurate documentation and inventory management of ingredients and supplies. Maintain a clean, organized, and food-safe R&D laboratory. Follow GMP, HACCP, SQF, food safety, allergen management, and regulatory requirements. Promote a safe working environment and support sanitation programs. You will be a good fit if you have: Diploma or Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Culinary Science, Confectionery Science, or a related discipline. 2–5 years of experience in chocolate, candy, bakery, snack, or food manufacturing. Experience with confectionery processing is preferred. Experience supporting pilot and commercial production trials is an asset. Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 25 kg (55 lb) Comfort working in both laboratory and manufacturing environments. Manual dexterity for weighing, mixing, decorating, sampling, and operating equipment. Get Ready to Enjoy Employee discount on chocolate products Referral programs Continuous learning Working in a team environment Ready to dive deeper? Check out our Instagram, TikTok or Facebook. We appreciate the interest of all applicants, and while we wish we could personally reach out to everyone, we can only contact those selected for an interview. We genuinely care about providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you require assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please reach out to us via email at resumes@purdys.com. We're here to help!

What you’ll do

The R&D Technician supports the development, testing, and scaling of chocolate and confectionery products from concept to commercial production. This role involves preparing formulations, conducting factory trials, and maintaining laboratory standards while ensuring compliance with food safety and quality regulations.

Requirements

Candidates must hold a diploma or degree in Food Science or a related discipline and possess 2–5 years of experience in food manufacturing. The role requires the physical ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 25 kg, along with comfort working in both laboratory and factory settings.

Benefits

• Employee discount • Referral programs • Continuous learning

Listed skills

• Process Optimization · Preferred
• Quality assurance · Preferred
• Food safety · Preferred
• Product Development · Preferred
• Inventory management · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Food science
• Product development
• Formulation
• Pilot-scale production
• Quality assurance
• GMP
• HACCP
• SQF
• Food safety
• Allergen management
• Sensory evaluation
• Analytical testing
• Equipment troubleshooting
• Inventory management
• Process optimization
• Continuous Development
• Food Science
• Analytical Testing
• Food Manufacturing
• TikTok
• Culinary Science
• Research
• Management
• Good Manufacturing Practices
• Procurement
• Food Technology
• Food Safety And Sanitation
• Hazard Analysis And Critical Control Points (HACCP)
• Inventory Management
• Fine Motor Skills
• New Product Development
• Operations
• Presentations
• Process Development
• Sanitation
• Quality Assurance
• Sensory Analysis
• Team Management
• Technology Transfer
• Troubleshooting (Problem Solving)
• Waste Minimization
• Product Quality (QA/QC)

Job areas

• Food & Beverage
• Manufacturing
• Science & Research
• Research and Development Technician
• Research Technician
• Survey and Market Research Interviewers
• Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other