Research & Development Assistant
14 days ago
Hicksville
Job Description R&D Assistant (Bilingual – English/Spanish) Department: Research & Development Reports To: Manager, Confectionery/Food R&D and Manufacturing Optimization Location: Hicksville, NY (On-Site) Position Summary Nassau Candy is seeking a detail-oriented, bilingual R&D Assistant to support our Manager of Confectionery/Food R&D and Manufacturing Optimization. This role is critical in helping execute day-to-day R&D activities, coordinating product sample development, and serving as a liaison between Product Development and Production. The successful candidate will enable the R&D Manager to focus on strategic initiatives by ensuring projects, samples, schedules, and production support activities are completed accurately and efficiently. This is a hands-on position that requires strong organizational skills, precision, and the ability to work collaboratively in both an office and manufacturing environment. Essential Responsibilities Product Sample Preparation • Prepare product samples for internal evaluation, customer presentations, and product development projects., • Accurately weigh, measure, and document ingredients using laboratory and production scales., • Maintain organized sample records, formulas, and supporting documentation., • Ensure consistency, quality, and food safety standards are followed throughout sample preparation. Production & Product Development Support • Serve as a liaison between Product Development and Production to ensure successful execution of R&D initiatives., • Coordinate sample production with manufacturing teams on the production floor., • Assist with troubleshooting production issues related to product development., • Communicate project status and timelines between departments. Project Coordination • Assist with long-term R&D and manufacturing optimization projects., • Support formulation updates, including flavor changes and ingredient modifications., • Help organize project timelines, priorities, and schedules., • Track project progress and follow up with stakeholders to ensure deadlines are met. Ingredient Sourcing & Procurement Support • Assist with sourcing ingredients and materials required for product development., • Coordinate receipt and organization of ingredients for sample preparation., • Maintain inventory of R&D ingredients and supplies., • Work with suppliers and internal purchasing as needed. Administrative & Documentation • Maintain accurate records of formulas, testing results, specifications, and sample logs., • Prepare reports and documentation to support R&D activities., • Assist with scheduling product evaluations, production trials, and project meetings., • Support continuous improvement initiatives within the R&D department. Qualifications Required • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Biology, or a related scientific field preferred. Relevant food manufacturing experience may be considered in lieu of a degree., • Bilingual in English and Spanish is required., • Experience in a food manufacturing, laboratory, quality, or R&D environment., • Strong mathematical skills and ability to accurately weigh and measure ingredients., • Experience using digital scales and measuring equipment with a high degree of precision., • Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills., • Strong written and verbal communication skills., • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word). Preferred Qualifications • Experience with confectionery, candy, baked goods, snack foods, or specialty food manufacturing., • Understanding of GMPs, food safety, sanitation, and allergen control., • Experience supporting product development or commercialization projects. Key Competencies • Exceptional attention to detail, • Strong organizational and time management skills, • Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment, • Collaborative and team-oriented, • Problem-solving mindset, • Precision and accuracy, • Strong follow-through, • Ability to communicate effectively with both office and production employees Physical Requirements • Ability to stand and walk throughout a manufacturing facility., • Ability to lift up to 30 pounds occasionally., • Ability to accurately measure and handle food ingredients., • Comfortable working in both office and production environments. Work Environment • Full-time, on-site position located in Hicksville, New York., • Regular interaction with production, quality, purchasing, and product development teams., • Work is performed in both office and food manufacturing environments requiring adherence to GMP and food safety standards. Why This Role Matters This position plays a vital role in accelerating product development, supporting manufacturing optimization, and ensuring successful execution of R&D initiatives. By managing daily operational activities, coordinating samples, and supporting cross-functional projects, the R&D Assistant enables the Manager of Confectionery/Food R&D and Manufacturing Optimization to focus on innovation, strategic product development, and continuous improvement initiatives that drive the business forward.