Dairy Product Development Engineer
らくのうせいひんかいはつぎじゅつしゃ
Industry & Occupation
Classification
- Major : Research and Technical Occupations
- Middle : Development Engineers
- Minor : Food Development Engineers
Summary
Technical position involving the development of new products such as cheese, butter, and yogurt using milk as raw material, and improvement of existing products.
Description
Dairy product development engineers target dairy products such as cheese, butter, and yogurt, handling a series of development tasks including conceptualization of new products considering market needs, prototyping, process verification in pilot plants, scale-up, sensory evaluation, microbiological and chemical quality tests, shelf-life tests, cost analysis, regulatory compliance, and collaboration with manufacturing and marketing departments. Amid changing consumer preferences, introduction of functional materials, and sustainability requirements, engineers are required to possess broad knowledge and a continuous research mindset.
Future Outlook
With increasing demand for health-oriented and functional foods, development of lactic acid bacteria and plant-based alternatives is advancing, and the market is expanding. Demand for sustainability-compliant products and new fermentation technologies is also expected to rise.
Personality Traits
Analytical orientation / Curious and inquisitive / Good team player / Patient
Work Style
Field Visits / Laboratory Work / Manufacturing Site Collaboration / Project-based / Remote Research
Career Path
Junior Development Engineer → Senior Development Engineer → Development Team Leader → Project Manager → R&D Department Manager
Required Skills
Fermentation Process Design / Food Chemical Analysis / Microbiological Testing / Quality Control / Scale-up Technology / Sensory Evaluation
Recommended Skills
English Document Reading / Hygiene Management / Project Management / Statistical Analysis
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Analytical & Logical Thinking | Because it is necessary to logically interpret manufacturing processes and analysis results. |
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because high accuracy is required for managing trace components and quality tests. |
| Creativity & Ideation | Because generating ideas for new products that align with consumer needs is important. |
| Learning Agility & Knowledge Acquisition | Because it is necessary to continuously learn and apply new technologies and raw material characteristics. |
| Problem Solving | Essential for investigating causes of fermentation or quality issues. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Mainly laboratory or office work, with low physical demands. |
Related Qualifications
- Dairy Product Manufacturing Technician
- Food Hygiene Manager
- Food Hygiene Supervisor
Aliases
- Dairy Product Development Engineer
Related Jobs
- Dairy Technician
- Food Development Engineer
- Food Researcher
- Quality Control Officer