Product Development Specialist at Somafina – Layton, Utah

Position Description:

The Product Development Specialist supports the development, testing, and improvement of dietary supplement solid dose products such as tablets, capsules, gummies, and powders. This role involves assisting senior R&D staff with product formulation, lab testing, and process optimization under the guidance of more experienced team members. The specialist is also responsible for maintaining a clean, safe laboratory environment and following established protocols.

Essential responsibilities:

• Measure, weigh, and mix ingredients according to established protocols.
• Support R&D staff in preparing formulations for new and improved dietary supplement products (tablets, capsules, powders, and gummies).
• Operate andmaintain lab equipment such as tablet presses, moisture analyzers, disintegration and friability testers, and encapsulation machines under supervision.
• Collect and record data accurately in laboratory forms and digital systems.
• Assistin troubleshooting minor issues with equipment or formulations, escalating more complex problems to senior staff.
• Conduct sensory testing and organoleptic screening protocols to evaluate product quality.
• Develop new flavor concepts and present these to customers under the guidance of senior R&D staff.
• Communicate effectively with cross-functional teams (Production, Quality, and R&D) about project tasks and progress.
• Support Operations and the Production team during scale-up or manufacturing runs.
• Participate in team meetings to discuss ongoing projects and potential improvements.
• Prepare regular progress updates for the R&D team and management as directed.
• Adhere to safety guidelines and wear personal protective equipment (PPE) asrequired.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized laboratory, including proper handling and disposal of samples and materials.
• DevelopnewR&D systems and workflows that help the team scale alongside the company.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree isrequired, coursework in food science, chemistry, biology, nutrition, or a related field is preferred
• Experience in a laboratory, manufacturing, technical environment, foodscience, pharmaceutical, or dietary supplement industriesis preferred but notrequired.

Competencies/skill Qualifications:

• Proficiencyin Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Basic understanding of laboratory practices andmeasurement techniques
• Familiarity with operating common lab equipment is a plus.
• Strong mathematical skills for unit conversions and dosage calculations

Physical Requirements:

• Able to lift and move up to 50 lbs. occasionally.
• Capable of standing for extended periods and working in both lab and production environments.
• Ability to work in environments with significant exposure to powder/dust, varying aromas/odors, and moderate noise levels from production machinery

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to occasionally travel or work flexible hours as needed.
• Must be able to understand, speak, read, and write in English to perform essential job functions andcomply withdocumentation requirements.
• Willingness toparticipatein a rotatingevening/weekendon-call schedule

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Duties and responsibilities may be assigned or modified as business needs evolve. Employment remains on an “at will” basis. Salary is commensurate with experience and market conditions.