Food Scientist II
About The Position
The Food Scientist II leads complex research and development initiatives that support innovation, product optimization, quality improvement, and regulatory compliance across pistachio, almond, and nut-based product lines. The role provides technical leadership from concept through commercialization, applying food science and engineering expertise to solve product and process challenges and support cross-functional decision-making. It involves translating business, consumer, and technical needs into scalable solutions that improve product quality and operational performance. The position leads development and commercialization, feasibility assessments, plant trials, and commercial scale-up. It serves as a subject matter expert in ingredient functionality, formulation, processing, and product quality; oversees regulatory and labeling compliance; and leads sensory and shelf-life programs. The Food Scientist II analyzes research and technical data, maintains detailed documentation, collaborates with operations and other business teams, promotes safety and continuous improvement, and mentors junior colleagues as needed.
Requirements
- Bachelor's or master's degree in food science, food engineering, chemical engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant industry experience.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interact with all organizational levels, customers, consumers, and regulatory officials.
- Strong analytical skills, including mathematics and Excel.
- Ability to perform basic arithmetic using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals, and calculate ratios and percentages.
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, navigate ambiguity, and take ownership of projects from ideation to execution.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Hands-on, self-motivated, and results-oriented, with a collaborative and innovative mindset.
- Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
- Required vision abilities include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
- Regular exposure to moving mechanical parts and condensed work areas; occasional exposure to extreme heat. The work environment is usually loud and has usually high dust levels; safety protection will be provided.
- May spend 50% or more of work hours on the plant floor.
Responsibilities
- Lead development and commercialization of new and existing pistachio, almond, and nut-based products using food science and engineering principles.
- Provide technical leadership for complex R&D initiatives, identifying risks, resolving challenges, and advancing projects in alignment with business objectives.
- Serve as a subject matter expert in ingredient functionality, product formulation, processing, and product quality.
- Lead product feasibility assessments, plant trials, and commercial scale-up activities.
- Evaluate emerging technologies, ingredients, and industry trends for innovation and process optimization opportunities.
- Oversee regulatory and labeling compliance, including the accuracy of nutrition, ingredient, specification, and packaging information for domestic and international requirements.
- Lead sensory and shelf-life programs to assess product quality, validate performance, and recommend improvements to product stability and consumer acceptance.
- Analyze technical data and research findings and develop recommendations related to product performance, shelf-life extension, packaging, and process improvements.
- Establish, maintain, and communicate technical documentation, product specifications, reports, and project records.
- Partner with operations, marketing, sales, quality, and supply chain teams to align development with consumer expectations, manufacturing capabilities, and business strategy.
- Promote safety, quality, innovation, and continuous improvement within R&D and across the organization.
- Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior team members and cross-functional partners as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
