R&D Scientist, Commercialization

JonnyPops•Elk River, MN

2d•$90,000 - $135,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The R&D Scientist, Commercialization plays a critical role in taking new products from development into full scale production. This role is focused on commercializing new products on plant equipment, ensuring formulations, processes, and specifications translate successfully from bench to manufacturing. The scientist partners closely with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Marketing to lead plant trials, optimize processes, troubleshoot scaleup challenges, and ensure products are launched safely, efficiently, and to specification. This is a highly hands‑ on role with significant time‑ spent in production environments.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Dairy Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Microbiology or related field
Entry level to 3-5 years of experience with product development or R&D in the food industry
Proven experience with formulation development and commercialization.
Strong understanding of sensory science, flavor systems, and food ingredients.
Proficient in using Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
Able to perform basic mathematical calculations and analyses.
Ability to interpret lab results.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Naturally curious, with an appreciation for ambiguity and the ability to embrace the “test and learn” mentality in pursuit of continuous improvement.
Alignment to our mission to spread kindness – JonnyPops is a kindness-based company
Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.

Nice To Haves

Experience with nutritional labelling (TraceGains NutriCalc) preferred

Responsibilities

Lead product scale‑up, validation, and commercialization during plant trials and initial production runs
Serve as the R&D point of contact on‑site during trials to troubleshoot formulation, process, and equipment performance issues
Translate product formulations and specifications into robust, repeatable manufacturing processes
Partner with Operations to optimize run parameters, yields, quality, and throughput during commercialization
Ensure new products meet sensory, quality, cost, and operational targets at scale
Develop and refine process documentation, specifications, and work instructions to support successful handoff to Operations
Monitor and verify production adherence to R&D developed formulas, processes, and specifications
Collaborate cross functionally with Quality, Supply Chain, Procurement, Regulatory, and Marketing throughout commercialization
Identify and execute cost saving or efficiency opportunities without compromising product quality or brand standards
Serve as the technical product expert for consumer complaints, participating in investigation, root cause determination, and resolution in collaboration with Quality and Operations.
Manage technical relationships with ingredient and packaging suppliers during commercialization and scale‑up
Support sensory evaluations, plant tastings, and shelf life validation as part of launch readiness
Maintain R&D lab, pilot materials, and ingredient inventories as needed
Responsible for ensuring that R&D activities are done in accordance with GMPs, and that food safety and quality in production is not compromised.
Collaborate with QA team to review and approve suppliers.
Collaborate with QA team to approve compliant nutritional labelling and packaging.
Assist Quality and Production teams in root cause analysis and corrective actions.

Benefits

Medical/Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
HSA
FSA
DCFSA
Life & AD&D Insurance
Short & Long Term Disability
FTO/PTO
EAP Programs
Paid Holidays
Employee Referral Program
Sick & Safe Leave
401k
Company Sponsored Meal Plan
Hired candidates may be eligible to receive additional compensation in the form of bonuses and/or commissions.