Product Development Scientist / Senior Product Development Scientist

Sargento Foods • Elkhart Lake, WI

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

This role involves applying scientific and engineering principles to the development, optimization, and commercialization of food products. The individual will lead and support projects of increasing complexity, from formulation through scale-up, while collaborating cross-functionally to deliver innovative solutions and drive business results. The Senior level demonstrates greater autonomy, technical leadership, and influence on project direction and outcomes. Sargento offers a culture where employees are treated like family, encouraged to make a meaningful difference, and can transform aspirations into reality with diverse experiences and tools for learning and development.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree (BS) in Food Science or equivalent with three plus years of batter and breading application experience required (Product Development Scientist).
• Master's degree (MS) in Food Science or equivalent (Product Development Scientist).
• Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Food Science or equivalent with seven plus years relevant experience with three years of batter and breading applications experience (Senior Product Development Scientist).
• Master’s (MS) degree in Food Science or equivalent with four plus years industry experience and two years of batter and breading applications experience (Senior Product Development Scientist).
• PhD in Food Science or equivalent (Senior Product Development Scientist).
• Strong computer skills are necessary for this position, including word processing, presentation and spreadsheet software, SAP.
• Current/Valid Driver's License required.

Nice To Haves

• Cheese chemistry knowledge a plus.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates initiative, creativity, and thoroughness in the execution of all projects.
• Receives instruction on specific assignment objectives, complex features, and possible solutions.
• Develops and evaluates technical approaches with supervisory guidance and demonstrates intermediate understanding of scientific principles.
• Studies and applies methods to improve the quality of foods such as flavor, color, texture, nutritional value, convenience, or physical, chemical, and microbiological composition of foods.
• Tests new products in test kitchen, develops specific processing methods in laboratory pilot plant and scales products up in manufacturing facilities.
• Has ability to interpret food standards, safety and sanitary regulations and good manufacturing practices.
• May coordinate work of technicians and others who assist in specific assignments.
• Performs duties with more autonomy and initiative (Senior level).
• Conducts product research and development of foods (Senior level).
• Maintains written technical documentation and product and process specifications (Senior level).
• Participate and/or lead cross-functional teams charged with the development of new business opportunities (Senior level).
• Develops strong cross-functional relationships (Senior level).
• Collaborates with internal (manufacturing, engineering, marketing, quality systems, procurement) and external (suppliers, consultants) functional experts to help resolve issues (Senior level).
• Recommends technical direction to management (Senior level).
• Demonstrates initiative, creativity, and thoroughness in the execution of complex projects (Senior level).
• May plan and conduct independent research projects and participates in the development of project objectives (Senior level).
• Fully understands and applies food standards, safety and sanitary regulations, and good manufacturing practices (Senior level).
• Makes recommendations for process or product improvements and identify opportunities for new or improved process or products (Senior level).
• Conducts or supervises the testing of new products in test kitchen, the development of specific processing methods in laboratory pilot plant and scaling products up in manufacturing facilities (Senior level).
• May supervise a technician and/or intern (Senior level).
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws (Senior level).
• Responsibilities include interviewing, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems (Senior level).

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical including Fertility, Adoption benefits, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Remote ½ day Fridays
• Onsite Health & Wellness Center
• Employer 401K contribution in the top 1% of the nation
• Relocation Assistance
• Tuition Assistance
• Access to Employee Store

What This Job Offers

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