Research & Development Manager

Pressed Juicery is expanding—and we’re hiring an R&D Manager to bring clean-label innovation from our test kitchen to full-scale production!

Based in Fresno and Dinuba, CA, this hands-on role ensures that every formula developed at HQ is executed with precision on the line—batch after batch, bottle after bottle. You'll also help explore new opportunities as we expand into drinks, protein smoothies, Freeze, wellness bowls, and beyond.

About Pressed Juicery

Pressed Juicery is at the forefront of the wellness movement and is dedicated to making healthy living as convenient and delicious as possible. Pressed operates over 100 retail stores, is available in nearly 3,000 supermarkets, and can be delivered to any US location through the Pressed Juicery website or app.

Our Mission

Pressed Juicery’s mission is to empower your wellness journey.

Our Workplace Culture

• We embrace diversity, equity, inclusion, and belongingness!
• We speak up with radically candid communication.
• We wholeheartedly support personal and professional growth.
• We believe mistakes can be valuable and lead to continuous improvement.
• Lastly, we value excellence and strive to achieve greatness in all we do!

Our Values

• Community - as leaders, we celebrate differences, champion strengths, and compassionately aspire to be our most vibrant selves.
• Passion - curious and humble, we inspire people to make healthy choices.
• Growth - pursuing wellness with intention, we create and embrace good energy.

Our Benefits

• 401k match
• 13 paid holidays and 8 Pressed Days (additional days off)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Two weeks of vacation time
• Flexible Spending Account
• Paid parental leave
• Employee Referral Program

About the Role

As Pressed expands, consistent product execution is critical. This role ensures what’s developed at HQ gets delivered on the line — batch after batch, bottle after bottle. We’re hiring an R&D Manager to bridge benchtop formulation and plant-floor execution. Based in Fresno and Dinuba, this role is a hands-on extension of the LA-based R&D team. You’ll replicate and troubleshoot formulations in real time, adjusting for natural ingredient variability while upholding Pressed’s clean-label standards (no natural flavors, additives, or preservatives). Ideal candidates are strong sensory evaluators, quick problem-solvers, and effective communicators in fast-paced, bilingual (English/Spanish) environments.

Key Responsibilities include

Product Execution & Scale-Up

• Execute and scale gold-standard formulas in pilot and production runs.
• Adjust processes for ingredient variability (e.g., citrus, herbs, roots, fruits).
• Collaborate with QA, Production, and Procurement for consistent batch outcomes.
• Lead on-floor troubleshooting, post-run reviews, and root cause analysis.
• Citrus blending experience (Valencia, Navel, Mandarin) is a plus.

Sensory & Quality

• Lead in-line sensory checks (flavor, aroma, mouthfeel) against standards.
• Track Brix, pH, color, and taste metrics across inputs and runs.
• Help maintain a gold standard reference and feedback loop with HQ.

Ingredient & Shelf-Life Management

• Evaluate new and backup ingredients for sensory and formulation fit.
• Assist with HPP shelf-life testing (sensory, microbial, packaging stability).
• Document ingredient variability and formulation changes.

Innovation Support

• Support benchtop iteration and small-batch pilots for new concepts.
• Execute short-run tests (e.g., protein smoothies, Freeze blends, Cleanse packs).
• Collaborate with HQ Innovation to identify scale-up friction early.

Manufacturing Liaison

• Serve as bilingual (Spanish-English) link between HQ and floor teams.
• Translate formulation intent into production-ready instructions.
• Assist with new line validation and equipment commissioning.
• Reinforce GMP, HACCP, and internal quality protocols.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain clear logs of trials, adjustments, and sensory evaluations.
• Use Excel, Word, and PowerPoint to report findings and share learnings.
• Proactively communicate trends or issues to HQ R&D for continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of food and beverage manufacturing, formulation, or R&D experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field.
• Fluent in Spanish (strongly preferred).
• Hands-on experience with clean-label and/or cold-pressed formulations.
• Strong sensory skills and ability to detect off-spec product quickly.
• Comfortable working on the production floor and in a lab.
• Familiar with GMP, HACCP, and shelf-life testing.
• Skilled in cross-functional work with QA, Ops, and Innovation.
• Able to adapt quickly and troubleshoot in fast-paced, iterative environments.
• Experience with short-run pilots or test market support preferred.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction.

Pressed Juicery, Inc. participates in the E-Verify program. Please visit https://pressed.com/careers to learn more about the E-Verify program.