Food Scientist II
About The Position
This role is responsible for creating product recipes, assisting with preparation, scaling, and baking. The Food Scientist II will prepare and ship samples to customers, document formulas and formula changes, and input formulas and ingredients into the company program for nutritional information and cost analysis. This position involves evaluating food ingredients for cost reduction and quality improvement, conducting sensory evaluations, and managing R&D lab activities. The role also includes ordering supplies, maintaining the lab, training technicians, and participating in cross-functional teams to resolve technical issues and support product development. Additionally, the Food Scientist II will run plant tests, troubleshoot production and lab problems, develop product specifications, conduct shelf-life studies, and prepare paperwork for third-party analysis. The position also involves tracking sample requests, participating in sales and marketing meetings, and collaborating with ingredient vendors.
Requirements
- Ability to perform physical demands of both office and plant work. Physical requirements may include the ability to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects up to 30 lbs. Work involves sitting, walking and/or standing for extended periods of time.
- Must have a Bachelor of Science Degree (Food Science, Chemistry, Biology or Applied Science).
- Experience in the Food Industry with Bakery experience preferred (2-4 or more years of production or R&D/QC laboratory experience).
- Basic to moderate knowledge of food regulations, nutrition labeling, ingredients, and ingredient functionality.
- Ability to calculate figures, amounts, weights, and measures.
- Moderate to advanced computer skills (word, excel, and database navigation).
- Demonstrated effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent ability to communicate effectively, apply judgment and understand sense of urgency to support the sales, marketing, purchasing and production efforts.
- Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.
Nice To Haves
- Bi-Lingual, ability to speak Spanish a plus.
Responsibilities
- Creates product recipes and assists in preparation, scaling, and baking.
- Prepares samples for customers and assists in selection of samples and shipping to the customer.
- Documents formulas and formula changes on a continuous basis to keep them updated and current.
- Adds formulas and ingredients into the company program on a timely basis to provide nutritional information and cost for new formulations or changes in existing formulations.
- Evaluates current and alternative food ingredients to reduce cost, improve product quality, or provide additional vendor approvals for purchasing to resource from.
- Conducts sensory evaluation of new products or existing products for customer sample release, R&D product development, or quality assessment.
- Manages R&D lab activities, technician, and plant personnel as needed when R&D Director is off-site or unavailable.
- Orders lab supplies, ingredients and shipping materials for customer packages as needed.
- Keeps R&D lab clean and organized and manages inventory of retain samples.
- Trains laboratory technicians as needed to perform R&D activities.
- Participates in cross-functional teams to ensure effective resolution of technical issues, support product development initiatives and provide updates as needed.
- Runs plant tests independently and/or with a technician and documents processes, conditions, and changes.
- Supports quality systems with consumer complaint diagnosis and reply as needed.
- Troubleshoots production and lab tests problems to come up with solutions.
- Develops and documents product specifications, includes photographs, measurements, and product detail for current and existing products.
- Conducts shelf-life studies and documents results.
- Prepares paperwork for 3rd party analysis of products and reports results.
- Tracks sample requests and deadlines to ensure that timelines are met.
- Participates in Sales and Marketing meetings for customer sample requirements and for new or existing product requests.
- Works with ingredient vendors for formula work, new product innovation and productivity opportunities.
Benefits
- Competitive pay and performance bonuses
- 401(k) with company match
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Company-paid life insurance and EAP support
- Generous PTO and career growth opportunities
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
