Sr. Manager, Incubation R&D & Technical Prototyping at SAMYANG AMERICA INC – Brea, California

About Samyang America

Samyang America stands as the #1 Gen Z brand, boldly shaping the future of food culture with innovative flavors, viral trends, and unforgettable brand experiences. We don’t just create food - we craft moments that spark excitement, inspire connection, and celebrate bold individuality.

Our mission is to bring daring, delicious products to the market that resonate deeply with the next generation of food lovers. From iconic spicy noodles to creative new launches, we are driven by passion, creativity, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of taste and culture.

At Samyang America, you’ll join a dynamic team that thrives on innovation, collaboration, and a shared love for bold flavor experiences. We value fresh ideas, energetic spirit, and the courage to lead trends rather than follow them.

If you’re ready to be part of a brand that’s more than just food - a brand that moves culture and creates unforgettable moments - join our team today!

Position Summary:

We are seeking a Senior Manager of Incubation R&D to lead rapid prototyping and technical feasibility development for disruptive and architectural innovation initiatives. This role will operate at the intersection of emerging technology, ingredient systems, and product experience.

This is a fast-paced, experimentation-focused R&D role — distinct from traditional commercialization pipelines.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop rapid prototypes across emerging product platforms

• Lead the development of company food product prototyping capability.

  • Recommend a comprehensive plan that should include build/partner/contract options and considerations.

• Assess ingredient systems, processing feasibility, and scalability risks

• Collaborate with suppliers and pilot facilities

• Conduct early regulatory and compliance assessments

• Iterate prototypes based on consumer and market feedback

• Prepare technical transition packages for scale-up

Requirements:

• 8–15+ years experience in food R&D or technical product development

• Strong knowledge of formulation, ingredient functionality, and processing

• Experience bringing new technologies or formats to market

• Ability to operate in rapid iteration environments

• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills

• Experience in alternative proteins, fermentation, functional ingredients, or emerging food technologies

• Experience in early-stage innovation environments

• Regulatory familiarity (FDA/USDA)

Preferred:

• Experience in alternative proteins, fermentation, functional ingredients, or emerging food technologies

• Experience in early-stage innovation environments with a passion for getting to “looks like, tastes like” protocepts quickly

• Regulatory familiarity (FDA/USDA)

• Complements a strong knowledge of the applicable science with a “hands on” approach to translating it into the MVP (minimum viable product)

Success Profile:

• Technically creative

• Structured yet agile

• Comfortable with ambiguity

• Solution-oriented and experimental

• Strong problem-solving ability

The base salary for this position is between $110,000.00 and $140,000.00 per year. Actual compensation will depend on a variety of factors, including qualifications, experience, and location. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation and benefits, including an annual incentive bonus, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, PTO/FTO, and a 401(k) plan with company match.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:

Samyang America is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We do not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.