Sake Development Engineer
せいしゅ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
A research and technical role that leverages fermentation technology, chemical analysis, and sensory evaluation in sake brewing to design recipes for new sake products and develop manufacturing processes.
Description
Sake development engineers select sake rice varieties, set rice polishing ratios and brewing conditions, and optimize fermentation processes including management of yeast and koji. To evaluate sake's flavor components and quality, they conduct chemical analyses using instruments such as HPLC, GC, and pH meters, and verify flavor characteristics through sensory evaluation. They also contribute to process design and quality management system development when scaling up laboratory test brewing to industrial production. By surveying consumer preferences and market trends, they develop new products like functional sake and sake incorporating diverse regional characteristics. They commonly work in universities, research institutions, or R&D labs and factories of brewing companies, collaborating with teams across multiple departments to advance projects.
Future Outlook
Although challenges such as declining domestic consumption and industry aging exist, expanding demand in overseas markets and growing needs for functional sake and high-value-added products will make the role of sake development engineers increasingly important, with job openings for related R&D positions expected to increase gradually.
Personality Traits
Has cooperativeness / Has curiosity and a spirit of inquiry / Has keen observation skills / Has patience
Work Style
Brewery Work / Field Trials / Flexitime / Laboratory Work / Project-based
Career Path
Brewery Staff → Research and Development Staff → Senior Development Engineer → Development Leader → Research and Development Department Manager
Required Skills
Analytical Equipment Operation / Fermentation Process Design / Quality Management (HACCP) / Sensory Evaluation / Statistical Analysis
Recommended Skills
Maturation Management / Microbiology / Organic Chemistry / Project Management / Reading English Literature
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Analytical & Logical Thinking | Because data interpretation from fermentation and chemical analysis is essential. |
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because meticulous management directly impacts product quality. |
| Learning Agility & Knowledge Acquisition | Continuous learning is needed to keep up with new yeast strains and evolving manufacturing technologies. |
| Problem Solving | Because identifying causes of fermentation issues and implementing countermeasures is required. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Primarily laboratory work with minimal heavy labor. |
Related Qualifications
- Certified Sake Studies Instructor
- Certified Skilled Worker in Food Manufacturing (Brewing)
- Food Hygiene Supervisor
Aliases
- Sake Brewing Engineer
- Sake Brewing Researcher
Related Jobs
- Brewing Engineer
- Fermentation Engineer
- Food Technologist
- Quality Control Engineer