Food Scientist

Jack Link's Protein Snacks • Minneapolis, MN

12d • $75,000 - $90,000

About The Position

The Food Scientist plays a key role in corporate research, development, and innovation initiatives, including new product development, product and process improvement, quality, and food safety. The position supports company growth objectives through the use of technology and innovation in product development, packaging, quality control, and operations.

The Food Scientist develops and supports innovation from internal and external sources, explores alternative ingredients, vendors, and processes, and researches potential new product platforms. The role manages assigned projects from sourcing and verifying ingredients and materials through plant trials, technical development, commercialization, and documentation. It also leads product cuttings, promotes quality awareness, improves products and processes, and maintains specifications, nutritional information, labeling, and regulatory documentation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Meat Science, Food Science, Animal Science, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of product development experience or experience working in relevant food manufacturing.
• Familiarity with laboratory procedures and equipment.
• Proficient written and oral communication skills.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Demonstrated relationship and leadership skills, including effective collaboration with R&D, quality, and cross-functional partners.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a bias for action.
• Detail-oriented, with demonstrated experience maintaining accurate records of tests and related work.
• Ability to travel up to 30%.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Meat Science, Food Science, Animal Science, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in the meat processing industry or meat laboratory experience.
• Understanding of USDA regulations.
• Smokehouse experience, including natural and atomized smoke applications.
• Experience in the shelf-stable meat snack industry.
• Knowledge of food manufacturing regulations, standards and labeling, plant sanitation, and microbiology.

Responsibilities

• Drive and support innovation development from internal and external sources to help fulfill the company’s strategic plan.
• Explore alternative ingredients, vendors, and processes to improve margins for new and existing product opportunities.
• Support the identification and research of potential new platform opportunities.
• Provide feedback and technical assistance as a member of the R&D team.
• Manage assigned projects, including sourcing and verifying raw ingredients and other materials; collaborating with Operations, QA, and R&D staff to schedule and conduct plant trials; performing hands-on technical development and commercialization in line with the NPD process; and documenting test formulas, procedures, and outcomes.
• Lead product cuttings for cross-functional teams covering existing products, product improvements, new products, and competitive samples.
• Champion quality awareness and maintain product quality across product lines.
• Continuously improve products and processes to enhance product quality and profitability.
• Document and maintain product and process specifications, nutritional values, product labeling, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical benefits
• Dental benefits
• Vision benefits
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• 401(k) participation
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Annual incentive and program-specific awards may be available to eligible Team Members.

What This Job Offers

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