Join Our Team
QTrade Teas is a fast-growing contract manufacturer serving premium brands in the tea and nutraceutical beverage space. We help our partners bring innovative, high-quality products to market. If you’re passionate about tea, beverages, and hands-on product creation, this is your opportunity to turn creativity into real products on the shelf.
About the Role
We’re looking for a hands-on, creative Junior R&D Specialist who combines product development knowledge with real-world beverage experience. This role bridges barista-level expertise and food science, supporting the development of innovative tea and beverage products from concept to commercialization.
You’ll collaborate closely with R&D, operations, and commercial teams to ensure products meet flavor, quality, and regulatory standards while delivering an exceptional consumer experience.
What You’ll Do
Product Development & Innovation
- Assist in developing new tea and beverage products from concept to prototype
- Support pilot trials and production scale-ups
- Document formulations, changes, and project updates (ERP & Excel)
- Ensure products meet flavor, quality, and commercial standards
Hands-On Beverage Development
- Apply barista skills to test recipes, brewing methods, and presentation
- Conduct sensory evaluations (taste, aroma, appearance)
- Refine formulations based on feedback and testing
Quality & Compliance
- Partner with manufacturing teams to meet product specifications
- Support allergen control and cross-contamination prevention
- Ensure compliance with beverage and food safety standards
Market Trends & Insights
- Research beverage trends and consumer preferences
- Translate insights into new product ideas
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work with marketing, sales, and operations to align on product goals
- Help manage timelines to ensure on-time product launches
What We’re Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Culinary Arts, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 0–2 years of experience in product development or beverage creation
- Barista or hands-on beverage experience strongly preferred
- Passion for tea, beverages, and flavor innovation
- Strong sensory skills and attention to detail
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel; ERP experience is a plus
- Excellent organization, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
- Knowledge of beverage/tea quality standards or regulations is a plus
Why Join QTrade Teas?
- Work on cutting-edge beverage innovation
- Hands-on experience from concept to commercialization
- Collaborative, fast-paced, and entrepreneurial environment
- Clear growth path in R&D and product development
- Competitive salary and benefits
Apply Today
If you’re passionate about creating the next generation of tea and beverage products and want to grow your career in R&D, we’d love to hear from you.
QTrade is the nation's most prominent importer of organic teas and botanicals, boasting a distinguished history of over three decades in the industry. We are one of the few full-service manufacturers, overseeing every aspect from direct sourcing to master tea blending, in-house production, and order fulfillment. This comprehensive approach enables QTrade to offer an all-encompassing partnership model within the industry while maintaining the highest standards of quality and consistency.
Watch Our Journey and Capabilities: https://vimeo.com/750531733
Visit our website: www.qtradeteas.com to learn more
We are an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $18.00 - $24.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
