From our humble beginnings in 1917 to becoming one of Canada’s largest privately owned value-added protein providers, JD Sweid Foods has built its success on a strong commitment to quality, innovation, and customer partnership. With a diverse portfolio of poultry, beef, and pork products, we proudly serve retail and foodservice customers across Canada from our facilities in Waterloo, ON and Langley, BC.
We are seeking a motivated and result-driven Product Development Technician to support our product innovation efforts. This role is ideal for an individual with a strong interest in food science and new product development who enjoys working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. You will play a key role in supporting the development, testing, and commercialization of new and improved products while collaborating with cross-functional teams.
General:
Reporting to the Product Development Manager, the Product Development Technician provides technical, operational, and administrative support throughout the product development lifecycle—from concept to commercialization. You will contribute to innovation initiatives, assist with plant trials, and support continuous improvement efforts to ensure products meet quality, cost, and customer expectations.
This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
Responsibilities:
- Support Product Development initiatives, including new product development and improvements to existing products.
- Assist with formulation development, bench-top sample preparation, and plant trials.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Operations, QA, Procurement, and Business Development) to support product scale-up and commercialization.
- Provide technical and operational support during product trials, launches, and start-ups.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, including optimizing product quality, cost, and process efficiency.
- Assist in developing and maintaining processing methods, SOPs, and product specifications.
- Maintain accurate documentation, project records, and sample tracking to ensure traceability.
- Coordinate shipment of samples to customers and external laboratories.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of laboratory and workspaces.
- Demonstrate behaviours aligned with JD Sweid Foods’ core values: Teamwork, Integrity, Performance-Driven, and Solution-Oriented.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
- 2–3 years of relevant experience in new product development, preferably in the food industry.
- Experience in a manufacturing environment is an asset.
- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills with attention to detail.
- Self-starter with a proactive, “can-do” attitude and willingness to take initiative.
- Strong organizational, time management, and project coordination skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment.
- Adaptable and open to change, with a focus on continuous improvement.
What We Offer:
- Total compensation package includes:
- Base salary, depending on the successful candidate’s experience, skills, and knowledge.
- Annual bonus: based on company financial / operational results, and achievement of personal KPOs.
- Vacation: 15 paid vacation days per year.
- Sick Leave: 10 paid sick days per year.
- Benefits: extended health, dental coverage, life insurance, and EAFP.
- Retirement Savings: RRSP matching contributions up to 2.5%.
- Tuition reimbursement
JD Sweid Foods is committed to fair and equitable recruiting practices. Accommodation is available for persons with disabilities during all stages of the employment process. JD Sweid Foods is an equal opportunity employer. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
