Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

The Product Development Scientist/Food is responsible for independently leading and executing product development projects, from concept through commercialization. This role builds on technical knowledge and hands-on experience to develop innovative food products and improve existing formulations in alignment with company goals, operational capabilities, and regulatory standards. The Product Development Scientist collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, including Operations, Quality Assurance, and Procurement, to ensure product feasibility, scalability, and successful implementation in manufacturing.

Reporting to Senior R&D Manager, this role functions as a technical lead on assigned projects- overseeing development activities, guiding Food Scientist members, managing project timelines, and supporting continuous improvement efforts across the R&D team.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Responsible for product development project timelines and deliverables, collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure alignment and implementation.
• Lead multiple key projects, multiple high-impact projects from concept to launch, ensuring they stay on track, meet key objectives, and are executed with excellence.
• Develop, review, and maintain accurate technical documents including formulas, specifications, nutritional information, and regulatory data. Ensuring products comply with safety and quality standards.
• Adaptability and openness to engage in new areas of product development as timeline evolve.
• Identify and evaluate new ingredients, technologies, or process innovations.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams—including project managers, product developers, brand managers, and manufacturing team members—from concept through commercialization, ensuring clear and effective communication every step of the way.
• Modify and optimize existing products to improve quality, cost, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Ensure product compliance with food safety quality, and regulatory requirements – FDA, USDA, FSMA, etc.
• Provide technical support during commercialization, including on-site product trial support.
• Contribute to cost savings and process improvements initiatives by identifying formulas or ingredient optimization opportunities.
• Conduct and document sensory and analytical evaluation; interpret data to make inform formula decisions.
• Maintains accurate records of experiments, procedures, and results.

Requirements:

• 3 years of relevant experience in Product Development.
• Experience in R&D or Food Technology within a food manufacturing company.
• Detailed-oriented with a commitment to maintain high work standards and integrity.
• Ability to lead multiple development projects from concept through commercialization.
• Knowledge in food science principles and experience in product development.
• Knowledge of food processing techniques, ingredient functionality, and product formulation.
• Experience with FDA, USDA regulations, nutritional labeling, and food safety regulations.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Teams, Word, Excel Power Point); experience with formulation or nutritional software.

Working Conditions:

• Standard office hours apply, with occasional early, late, or weekend to support commercialization.
• Must be able to wear appropriate PPE and adhere to food safety protocols.
• Ability to stand, walk, or lift materials (up to ~50lbs) during production trials or plant support activities.

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