Food Technologist - R&D (Frozen Desserts & Yogurt)

|~ Please thoroughly read the job description and only apply if it aligns with your expertise

Company Description ~|

MahaRudra Group is a growing startup in the food and dairy sector, committed to bringing innovative, health-forward frozen dessert products to the Indian market. We are building something meaningful from the ground up and are looking for passionate professionals who want to be part of a founding team that shapes a brand from zero.If you have the hunger to create, experiment, and see your work on actual shelves - this role is for you.

Role Overview:

We are looking for an experienced and innovative Food Technologist – R&D to lead our product development function for a new range of frozen yogurt-based ice cream products. This is a hands-on R&D role where you will be responsible for developing, testing, and standardizing an entire product portfolio from scratch.

The candidate must be based in or willing to relocate and work full-time in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and standardise formulations for a range of frozen yogurt-based products.

• Work on achieving specific texture profiles, Suitable for retail packaging and commercial production

• Develop low-sugar and natural sweetener-based variants like using Stevia and other natural sugar substitutes while maintaining taste, mouthfeel, and product stability

• Research and implement use of live probiotic cultures, Greek yogurt bases, and clean-label ingredients in frozen format

• Conduct shelf life studies, freeze-thaw stability testing, and sensory evaluations

• Develop products that meet FSSAI standards and labeling requirements for dairy and frozen dessert categories

• Work with procurement to identify and evaluate ingredient suppliers for cultures, stabilizers, emulsifiers, natural flavors, and Stevia-based sweeteners

• Create and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), product specifications, and batch records

• Able to Scale up successfully tested lab formulations to pilot and commercial production batches

• Stay updated on global frozen dessert trends and translate them into relevant product concepts for the Indian market.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• 3–7 years of hands-on experience in Food Technology R&D, preferably in frozen desserts, dairy, or ice cream manufacturing

• Strong knowledge of frozen dessert formulation - Ice cream, frozen yogurt, gelato, or similar categories

• Practical understanding of yogurt fermentation, probiotic cultures, and dairy-based mix development

• Experience or solid working knowledge of Stevia, erythritol, or other natural/alternative sweeteners - including how to balance sweetness, bitterness masking, and texture when using them

• Knowledge of stabilizers and emulsifiers (guar gum, locust bean gum, carrageenan, mono-diglycerides etc.) and their role in frozen dessert texture

• Understanding of cold chain requirements and frozen product manufacturing environment

• Familiarity with FSSAI regulations for frozen desserts and dairy products

• Strong sensory evaluation skills - ability to taste, analyze, and improve products methodically

• Ability to work independently and lead R&D from scratch in a startup environment

• Comfortable working in a factory/lab setting - not a desk-only role

Good to Have:

• Exposure to international frozen dessert product formats like high-protein, probiotic, or better-for-you frozen treats

• Experience with clean-label formulation (no artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors)

• Knowledge of export-quality standards or experience working with brands that sell across markets

• Experience setting up a mini R&D lab or pilot plant from scratch

What We Offer:

• Opportunity to build and own the entire product range of a new brand

• Direct collaboration with the founding team and management

• Competitive salary based on experience

• A rare chance to see your formulations go from lab to launch

• Growth into a senior leadership role as the company scales

Who Should Apply:

• Someone with real factory-floor R&D experience - not just theoretical knowledge

• A person who is detail-oriented, self-driven, and passionate about food innovation

• Candidates who are genuinely excited about building something new in a startup

• Must be willing to work and be based in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh - this is non-negotiable