Job Description
Product Development Assistant
Golden Platter Foods | Newark, NJ | Full-Time
About Us
Golden Platter Foods is a third-generation, family-owned food manufacturer leading innovation in the frozen food industry. Based in Newark, NJ, we are committed to creating high-quality, better-for-you products that families love—especially premium poultry and meat-based offerings. As we expand our product line and grow our team, we’re looking for a Product Development Assistant with a background in food science and experience working with meat products or in a meat manufacturing environment to play a key support role in our dynamic R&D process.
About the Role
This is a hands-on, fast-paced role supporting all stages of product development—from benchtop testing to sample production and plant trials. We’re looking for someone with a strong foundation in food science and practical knowledge of how meat behaves during formulation and processing. If you’re detail-oriented, collaborative, and ready to grow within a thriving food manufacturing team, we want to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with the preparation, execution, and clean-up of product tastings and internal cuttings
- Support product formulation and testing, especially with meat-based products (e.g., poultry, beef, pork)
- Ensure accurate labeling, storage, and documentation of product samples
- Coordinate sample production in the plant; collect and analyze data during runs
- Track project timelines and communicate progress to the broader team
- Pack and ship samples; maintain detailed logs for inventory and tracking
- Maintain an organized, food-safe R&D kitchen
- Operate and maintain test kitchen equipment, including those replicating meat processing and cooking conditions
- Learn and apply critical product attributes—such as yields, water activity, breading adhesion, and cooking losses—as they relate to meat processing and manufacturing
What You Bring
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Meat Science, Culinary Science, or a related field
- Experience working with meat or in a meat processing environment (internships, co-ops, or full-time roles)
- Knowledge of USDA regulations and meat handling best practices is a strong plus
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines independently
- Clear communication skills and ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams (QA, Ops, Sales, etc.)
- Familiarity with food safety and sanitation protocols
Why Join Golden Platter?
- Work alongside a collaborative, experienced team in a growing, in-demand category
- Hands-on experience in an R&D environment focused on real-world manufacturing challenges
- Contribute to the development of better-for-you frozen products rooted in quality and tradition
- Opportunities for professional growth, skill development, and advancement within a stable, family-owned business
Job Tags
Full time, Internship,