Food Scientist

Roskam Baking Company • Grand Rapids, MI

313d

About The Position

Founded in 1923 and headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Roskam Foods is a leading contract manufacturer that partners with world-renowned food brands, retailers, and food service providers to produce a myriad of frozen, refrigerated and shelf-stable products. We're a scaled, diversified operation with over 2 million square feet of manufacturing and 50 production lines across 8 facilities in the U.S. and Canada. We believe in the power of purpose-driven leadership to generate value for all. And we're on a mission to optimize the potential of our people and brands. We are passionate about multiplying possibilities for our employees and our partners. And we are growing with some amazing new customers! Our growth has created an opening for a new Food Scientist on the Research and Development (R D) team. In this role, you will play a crucial role in the creation, enhancement, and optimization of food products. You will support research initiatives, drive innovation, and collaborate with cross-functional teams and customers to develop market-leading food solutions. This role requires a strong understanding of food science principles, experience in product development, and a passion for helping our customers grow their brands through high-quality, safe, and delicious food products. Come join the team that is reaching exponential potential by multiplying possibilities!

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, Microbiology, or related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in food product development, preferably in a consumer-packaged goods (CPG) or food manufacturing environment.
• Experience with product categories similar to Roskam Foods preferred including snacks, confections, frozen breakfast/meals, cereal, granola or related product adjacencies.
• Strong understanding of food chemistry, microbiology, sensory evaluation, and food processing principles.
• Proficiency in recipe formulation, ingredient functionality, and product optimization.
• Experience with food regulations, food safety standards, and quality assurance protocols.
• Excellent project management, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities.
• Creative problem-solving skills and a passion for innovation in the food industry.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully lead multiple complex development projects simultaneously.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills.
• Ability to collaborate and interact with all levels and functional areas (internally and with customers).
• Knowledgeable in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Responsibilities

• Support research efforts to identify emerging food trends, ingredients, and technologies.
• Drive innovation by conceptualizing and developing new product ideas aligned with consumer preferences and market demands.
• Participate in all aspects of product development from concept to commercialization.
• Develop prototypes, conduct sensory evaluations, and refine formulations to meet desired taste, texture, nutritional, and regulatory requirements.
• Translate concepts into manufacturing friendly products.
• Conduct pilot plant and production line trials.
• Provide production start-up support.
• Conduct shelf-life testing and sensory evaluations.
• Develop and optimize product formulations, considering factors such as ingredient functionality, cost, shelf-life stability, and production scalability.
• Identify and evaluate raw materials and ingredients for use in product formulations.
• Collaborate with procurement and suppliers to source high-quality ingredients that meet quality, safety, and sustainability standards.
• Optimize manufacturing processes to improve product quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
• Stay abreast of food safety regulations and ensure product compliance with relevant food laws and standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including marketing, sales, quality assurance, and supply chain to align product development initiatives with business objectives.
• Manage complex projects, prioritizing tasks and deadlines effectively.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in food science and product development.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision benefits
• Life and disability insurance
• 401K plan with company match

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Food Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree