Beverage R&D / NPD Technologist

Beverage R&D / NPD Technologist R&D Lead

Company: Rithvahi Foods Pvt. Ltd.

Location: Hyderabad, Telangana (On-site)

Employment Type: Full-time | Initial 36 Month Contract

Salary: 30,000–45,000 per month (Based on experience and technical expertise)

Relocation: Assistance available for suitable out-of-state candidates

Career Opportunity: Potential permanent employment, career growth and additional company benefits based on performance.

About Rithvahi Foods

Rithvahi Foods Pvt. Ltd. is an emerging beverage startup based in Hyderabad, focused on developing and manufacturing innovative Ready-to-Drink (RTD) beverages for the Indian market.

We are currently establishing our in-house beverage R&D capabilities and developing a diverse product portfolio across multiple beverage categories.

As a growing startup, we are looking for an experienced, passionate and technically skilled Beverage R&D / NPD Technologist who can take ownership of our laboratory-based product development activities and help lead our R&D initiatives.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys hands-on product development, experimentation, problem-solving and building new products from the ground up.

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced beverage professional with strong practical laboratory experience who can independently conduct formulation trials, develop new products, optimise existing formulations and support commercial manufacturing readiness.

This is primarily a hands-on laboratory role, not a desk-based research or advisory position.

The selected candidate will play a key role in developing our internal R&D capabilities, coordinating with external technical specialists and suppliers, and supporting the transition from laboratory trials to commercial production.

Beverage Categories

Our current and future development portfolio includes:

• Carbonated Soft Drinks (CSD) and Sparkling Beverages
• Energy Drinks
• Fruit-Based Beverages
• Basil Seed Beverages
• Sports and Functional Drinks
• Innovative RTD Beverage Concepts

Key Responsibilities

1. Beverage Formulation & Product Development

• Independently develop beverage formulations and prototypes.
• Conduct hands-on laboratory trials, experiments and product optimisation.
• Work with flavours, fruit concentrates, sweeteners, acidulants, stabilisers, preservatives and functional ingredients.
• Optimise taste, sweetness, acidity, colour, mouthfeel and overall product quality.
• Conduct competitor benchmarking and sensory evaluations.

2. Laboratory Operations & Trial Execution

• Plan, prepare and execute beverage trials in the R&D laboratory.
• Operate laboratory equipment and measure critical parameters including pH, Brix and carbonation.
• Maintain accurate formulation sheets, trial records and laboratory documentation.
• Establish laboratory procedures, ingredient-handling practices and testing protocols.
• Troubleshoot formulation, processing and product-stability issues.

3. Ingredient Research & Supplier Sourcing

• Research and identify suitable beverage ingredients and formulation technologies.
• Source ingredients, flavours and additives from manufacturers and suppliers.
• Coordinate with flavour houses and ingredient suppliers for samples and technical information.
• Evaluate ingredient quality, functionality, availability and commercial suitability.

4. Product Stability & Commercialisation

• Plan and monitor product stability and shelf-life studies.
• Investigate microbial, physical and sensory stability challenges.
• Coordinate with external laboratories for product testing and validation.
• Support pilot trials, process optimisation and commercial manufacturing scale-up.
• Work with regulatory and manufacturing specialists to ensure product development aligns with applicable requirements.

5. R&D Ownership & Coordination

• Take ownership of assigned beverage development projects from concept to trial completion.
• Help establish and improve our internal R&D systems, documentation and SOPs.
• Coordinate with external consultants, ingredient suppliers and other technical partners.
• Provide regular progress updates, trial results and recommendations to the management team.

Qualifications & Experience

Required:

• Degree or Diploma in Food Technology, Food Science, Beverage Technology, Dairy Technology, Biotechnology or a related discipline.
• Relevant hands-on experience in beverage R&D, formulation or new product development.
• Proven ability to independently conduct laboratory formulation trials.
• Practical knowledge of beverage ingredients, pH, Brix, sensory evaluation and product stability.
• Strong technical troubleshooting, documentation and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to take responsibility for laboratory work and manage multiple development activities.

Preferred:

• Experience developing carbonated beverages, energy drinks, fruit beverages, basil seed drinks or functional beverages.
• Experience working with flavour houses, ingredient suppliers or beverage manufacturers.
• Knowledge of beverage preservation, shelf-life development and commercial production processes.
• Previous experience leading R&D projects or independently managing a beverage development laboratory.

Practical beverage formulation experience will be given greater importance than job title or academic qualifications alone.

Employment, Growth & Benefits

This position will initially be offered as a 3–6 month full-time contract, with the intention of building a long-term R&D team as our company grows.

For the right candidate, based on technical capability, performance and business requirements, we offer the potential for:

• Permanent employment following the initial contract.
• Career growth opportunities within our expanding R&D and manufacturing operations.
• Opportunity to take on greater R&D leadership responsibilities.
• Additional employee benefits as the company develops.
• Relocation assistance for suitable candidates moving to Hyderabad from other states, subject to discussion.

We are looking for someone who wants to grow with a startup, contribute ideas, take ownership and help build a successful beverage development operation.