At Death Wish Coffee Company, The World’s Strongest Coffee, we encourage risk taking. Without taking risks—we can’t develop breakthrough products and game changing ideas. We’re looking for the next big risk taker who’s ready to get down and dirty, act boldly, innovate, and has a high tolerance to failure—because that’s what makes our business bloom and products thrive.  

Death Wish Coffee is made by passionate people for passionate people, and our carefully selected, perfectly roasted coffee beans produce a bold, highly caffeinated coffee blend. As the maker of the World’s Strongest Coffee, we strive for the best tasting and highest quality organic and fair-trade beans in every bag. Our processes are USDA certified and we have committed to sustainability throughout our products.

At Death Wish Coffee Co., we seek to develop and support the right people, with the right chemistry, who continually ask questions, and in turn will develop and tactically execute the world’s strongest ideas. We value your passions just as much as your work and have industry-leading perks to reward a job well done. Did someone say free coffee?

Role: 

Death Wish Coffee Co. has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated individual with a strong desire to hustle in the name of the World’s Strongest Coffee. The Research and Development Lead will sit in our Saratoga Springs office, reporting to the VP of Business Development. You will conduct research to develop new products, flavors, protocols, and products for the company. You will be able to identify new niches and opportunities for future company initiatives all while embodying the principles of Death Wish Coffee, and will be a part in managing the new initiatives and executing them all the way from idea to the retail shelves. 

Responsibilities: 

• Run data analysis and conduct market research 

• Build upon our existing network of vendors and supplier partners  

• Manage projects and collaborate with team members to meet goals 

• Plan and execute new product development trials 

• Create budgets for and run new product trials 

• Work in a timely fashion and set clear and reasonable timelines 

• Collaborate with Marketing, Sales, and Operations on new ideas for product development and/or improvement 

• Define new product qualities, specifically the taste profile 

• Ownership and driving force behind the Research & Development team for Death Wish Coffee and all our products 

• Ensure that the production process is in line with the Fair Trade Organic standards 

• Explore and create standards for safety and quality 

   

Who You are: 

• You are passionate about quality ingredients in the products you develop 

• You have an innovative food and/or beverage background and know how to develop products in the natural foods space that are delicious, one of a kind, and keep customers coming back for more 

• You can confidently take your ideas from concept to fruition 

• You thrive in a startup environment and are motivated by the sometimes unknown and demanding culture that others aren’t cut out for 

Requirements: 

• BA/BS in Food Science or related; MBA or marketing experience preferred 

• 5 years of experience in the CPG industry 

• Demonstrable knowledge strategic planning and resource allocation 

• In-depth understanding of all aspects of production process, including quality control, raw materials, manufacturing, distribution, and budget projection 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills 

• Ability to see the big picture and follow through on specific vision from the beginning to the endpoint of a project