Associate NPD Specialist

Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream • Bakersfield, CA

2d • $58,240 - $62,400 • Onsite

About The Position

This role is an entry-level position in New Product Development (NPD) focused on innovation and renovation projects for the ice cream business. The incumbent will gain skills and confidence to lead simpler projects under supervision. The role provides technical and project management support to project teams working on innovation, renovation, factory support, quality improvement, and material sourcing. The NPD Associate Scientist will gain product and process knowledge to build professional skills and lead simpler projects. The incumbent ensures products are developed and handed over effectively for efficient factory operation by conducting feasibility studies and technical trials before product launch.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Food science, Dairy Science, Nutrition, Culinology, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Knowledge and understanding of ingredient functionality (eg. diary proteins, emulsifiers, stabilizers).
• Knowledge of physio-chemical laboratory methods to define and test raw materials and finished products.
• 0 – 2 years of experience in food manufacturing, R&D, or product development (internships, co-ops, or lab projects acceptable).
• Creative and analytical mindset—able to merge strategy with flawless execution.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.

Nice To Haves

• Exposure to the manufacture of dairy products or frozen desserts a plus.

Responsibilities

• Implementation of Innovation & Renovation projects under the supervision of Seniors/Mentors.
• Actively participate and shadow seasoned team members to learn all aspects of product development and project management – including formulation, bench work, Pilot Plant and factory trials, raw material selection and specifications, finished product evaluation and testing.
• Learn the administrative aspect of the role (material creation and onboarding, recipe management, regulatory compliance etc.) and requires a grasp of project management skills and tools and timeline management.
• Perform product & process development activities, e.g. new product prototyping, bench top and pilot plant trial management.
• Perform raw material and finished product testing.
• Complete costing analysis, preliminary manufacturing dossiers, trial and first-production technical and commercial sign-off documentation, quality specifications (CRQS) documents.
• Assure accuracy and a timely hand-over of new product documentation (manufacturing dossier) to the factory team to allow for a successful industrialization.
• Ensure that raw material and finished product specifications are complete and available and issued for hand over to the factory.
• Ensure process capability conducted during the industrialization stage in order to ensure accurate costing of the products.
• Support the first 3 production runs to ensure the product has been successfully integrated.
• Participate in continued improvement and optimization of current product and processes within factories according to local business needs and supply situation.
• Ensure adherence to all regulatory, legal and company standards. Align with Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream requirements (includes nutritional and sustainability requirements).
• Work closely with internal procurement teams, and technical to ensure all new materials don’t add additional complexity/risk and/or waste to the factory.
• Continuous improvement of technical and interpersonal skills, while growing internal and external networks.
• Work towards developing expertise for product/process mastership within NPD.
• Develop the proficiencies required to be able to support our factory operations.

Benefits

• Visa sponsorship not available. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States now and in the future. The company does not provide visa sponsorship or any immigration support (including STEM OPT training plan and H-1B lottery registration) for this position.
• Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream Inc. provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants, regardless of race, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level