Senior Product Development Scientist

Sargento Foods Inc • Town of Rhine, WI

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

This role involves applying scientific and engineering principles to the research, development, production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, and utilization of foods. The Senior Product Development Scientist will conduct product research and development, maintain technical documentation, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop new business opportunities. The position requires a strong understanding of food standards, safety regulations, and good manufacturing practices, as well as the ability to study and apply methods to improve food quality. Responsibilities include conducting or supervising product testing, developing processing methods, and scaling up products for manufacturing. The role may also involve supervising technicians or interns and requires up to 20% overnight travel.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Food Science or equivalent with seven plus years relevant experience; or Master’s (MS) degree in Food Science or equivalent with four plus years industry experience; or PhD in Food Science or equivalent.
• Strong computer skills are necessary for this position, including word processing, presentation and spreadsheet software, SAP.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred experience working with dairy and cheese.

Responsibilities

• Conducts product research and development of foods.
• Maintains written technical documentation and product and process specifications.
• Participate and/or lead cross-functional teams charged with the development of new business opportunities.
• Develops strong cross-functional relationships.
• Collaborates with internal (manufacturing, engineering, marketing, quality systems, procurement) and external (suppliers, consultants) functional experts to help resolve issues.
• Recommends technical direction to management.
• Demonstrates initiative, creativity, and thoroughness in the execution of complex projects.
• May plan and conduct independent research projects and participates in the development of project objectives.
• Fully understands and applies food standards, safety and sanitary regulations, and good manufacturing practices.
• 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.
• Makes recommendations for process or product improvements and identify opportunities for new or improved process or products.
• 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.
• May supervise a technician and/or intern.
• Other duties may be assigned.

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: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree