Senior Food Technologist (Dry Applications)

Kinder's•Walnut Creek, CA

13d•$115,000 - $125,000•Onsite

About The Position

Kinder's is seeking a Senior Food Technologist specializing in Dry Applications to provide technical support for all product development activities. This role focuses on bench-top formulation and scale-up for innovation, migration, and renovation projects, including product cuttings, plant trials, and documentation. Kinder's is a fast-growing, founder-led CPG company known for its innovative and flavor-obsessed culture, operating like a 'pirate ship' in the industry. As the company expands globally and approaches $1 billion in revenue, this position offers the opportunity to make a real impact on millions of meals and lives by adding flavor.

Requirements

BS Degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or a similar discipline
3-5 years of food industry experience
Knowledge of food manufacturing, formulation, and ingredient functionality for sauces
Working knowledge of food safety and microbiology
Familiarity with packaging technology to evaluate adequacy of packaging
Working knowledge of food labeling regulations
Familiarity with sensory evaluation procedures
Excellent time management skills, sense of urgency, and desire to complete all assignments on a timely basis
Must be able to travel up to 30% of the time

Nice To Haves

Growth mindset with an excitement to learn (and teach)
Passionate people-lover excited by the opportunity to build strong relationships with teammates and consumers
Low ego with a strong sense of humility
Thrive in a dynamic, lean, and agile environment
Collaborative mindset with an ability to find creative solutions
Self-starter who takes initiative and is willing to speak their mind
Excited to be part of a fast-moving team with the ability to be a leader and a follower where required
Enjoy making decisions and finding ways to say ‘yes’ as often as possible to impactful and important priorities

Responsibilities

Design and execute product development innovation, renovation, cost optimization, and quality initiatives with guidance.
Follow through on product refinements based on feedback from Product Development, Marketing, and Customers.
Leverage vendor capabilities and co-packers to expand formulation possibilities, explore new ingredients and product technologies, and increase speed to market.
Manage internal cuttings, providing guidance on product development in conjunction with the Culinary Team.
Optimize product formulations based on consumer feedback, ingredient opportunities, nutritional guidelines, and cost constraints.
Support new product launches, including plant trials and initial production runs at contract manufacturers.
Confirm that product specifications are met.
Confirm that package and process specifications are met with the process engineer.
Coordinate logistics for plant trial unique raw materials and sample delivery/acquisition.
Design and conduct shelf-life stability testing for new products.