Food Process Development Scientist

Edesia Nutrition•North Kingstown, RI

About The Position

Edesia is a non-profit social enterprise on a mission to end global malnutrition. We manufacture and distribute life-saving, ready-to-use therapeutic foods—such as Plumpy’Nut and Nutributter—to treat and prevent malnutrition among children and mothers in the world’s most vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities. Through strong partnerships with leading humanitarian organizations, NGOs, and Ministries of Health, we ensure our products reach those who need them most—even in the midst of the most complex and challenging humanitarian emergencies. The Food Process Development Scientist is in a hands-on position to oversee and operate a pilot-scale food processing facility. This role will be responsible for translating laboratory concepts into scalable, production-ready processes by creating pilot plant systems, running trials, and optimizing process parameters. The ideal candidate combines strong food science knowledge with practical manufacturing and equipment experience. This role bridges research, product development, and full-scale manufacturing by translating lab concepts into scalable, production-ready processes through hands-on pilot plant execution.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in food engineering, chemical engineering, or related field.
3–6 years of experience in food processing, manufacturing, or pilot plant operations.
Strong understanding of food processing technologies (thermal processing, mixing, extrusion, packaging, shelf-life, etc.).
Experience with process scale-up, equipment design, unit operations, and hands-on experience with food manufacturing equipment.
Knowledge of food safety systems including HACCP, GMP, and risk assessments.
Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with automation systems, PLCs, control panels, and data logging systems.
Experience in experimental design (DOE) and statistical data analysis.
Knowledge of sensory evaluation and the impact of processing on nutrition and product quality.
Knowledge of Data Science, digital twins, and Lean Manufacturing

Responsibilities

Operate pilot-scale equipment and manage day-to-day pilot plant activities.
Develop and execute experimental trials, scale-up studies, and process validation runs.
Monitor critical control points and process variables (time, temperature, pressure, flow rates, shear).
Troubleshoot mechanical, process, and product quality issues in real time.
Specify, install, and commission pilot-scale equipment (mixers, heat exchangers, extruders, pumps, packaging equipment, etc.).
Work closely with R&D, Quality, Engineering, and Production teams to support product commercialization.
Provide technical guidance to operators and junior staff.
Translate lab formulations into pilot- and production-scale processes.
Perform scale-up trials and establish process windows for commercial manufacturing.
Document process parameters, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and technical reports.
Conduct risk assessments for new processes and equipment.
Ensure pilot plant activities comply with food safety standards (HACCP, GMP, requirements).
Maintain sanitation, allergen control, and workplace safety programs in the pilot plant.