Food Technologist

Deli Star Corporation • St. Louis, MO

6h • Onsite

About The Position

Deli Star is a next-generation food manufacturing company specializing in fresh, sous-vide cooked proteins and patented food safety technologies, serving trusted brands and culinary teams across the U.S. It operates as a mission-driven startup, powered by entrepreneurial energy, scientific rigor, and a relentless drive to create a more nutritious, efficient, and sustainable food system. With a team of 150 employees, Deli Star is nimble and innovative, experiencing rapid growth, strong customer partnerships, and a long-term vision for a vertically integrated, tech-forward manufacturing platform. This full-time, exempt role drives the creation of next-generation deli meats and sous vide products, involving hands-on formulation, ingredient innovation, and precision processing. The Food Technologist will assist product trials from benchtop to full-scale production, utilizing sensory insights and quality analytics to refine texture, flavor, and performance. The position also involves cross-functional collaboration with marketing and sales to craft compelling customer experiences through innovative recipes and product showcases, ensuring seamless sample fulfillment and execution. This is a high-impact, fast-paced role at the intersection of culinary creativity and food science, shaping premium protein products from concept to market, and reports to the Director of Product Development at the St. Louis, MO Office.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science/Meat Science/Culinology, or related area
• Hands-on product development or lab experience including Internship/Co-op
• Exposure to sensory evaluation and basic quality testing
• Familiarity with HACCP, GMPs, and food safety standards
• Creativity in developing applications, recipes, and product concepts
• Strong attention to detail in executing formulations and trials
• Hands-on, proactive, and comfortable in fast-paced environments

Nice To Haves

• Culinary experience (professional kitchen, butchery, or strong personal passion)
• Knowledge of meat systems, thermal processing, or sous vide

Responsibilities

• Support formulation of new and existing products
• Prepare bench samples and document formula iterations
• Conduct ingredient functionality testing and comparative trials
• Aid in execution of pilot and full-scale production trials
• Conduct sensory analysis for products during developmental stages of projects
• Utilize a variety of quality techniques to build a robust product knowledge base (Texture analysis, pH, etc.)
• Participate in product cuttings and in evaluating results
• Aid in facilitating knowledge transfer from R&D to QA
• Assist with technical support, prototype development, and product displays needed for trade shows, and other marketing activities
• Develop and execute innovative recipes for customer experience sessions
• Ship requested sales samples in a timely manner
• Keep records of products and shipping information
• Maintain supply of shipping materials on hand at Food Discovery Center

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, etc.) that begin on day one of hire.
• Voluntary benefits including additional life, disability, short term disability, etc.
• 401k & company provided match
• Unlimited PTO
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Company led Leadership & Development Programs
• 10 Company Paid Holidays
• Bonus Incentive Programs

What This Job Offers

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