Product Development Specialist Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Engineering, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred). Equivalent combinations of education and relevant work experience will be considered.
• 3–5 years of experience in food manufacturing, process engineering, or R&D.
• Strong working knowledge of food safety systems and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and continuous improvement techniques (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).
• Effective communication, project management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects at once.
• Proficiency with product development tools, customer portals, project management software and MS Office suite.
• Strong analytical, math, and problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on quality and compliance.
• Proactive and positive attitude.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Analyze current manufacturing processes to identify inefficiencies and improvement opportunities.
• Lead SKU rationalization efforts across ingredients, recipes, and finished goods to reduce complexity and identify cost‑savings opportunities while ensuring product quality and compliance.
• Develop and evaluate formulations, ingredient specifications, and production processes.
• Lead trials and validations for new processing methods, technologies, and ingredients.
• Preparation of concept products on R&D bench, and graduation of concepts to manufacturing environment. Hands-on involvement in the preparation and distribution of customer samples.
• Partner with cross-functional teams (QA, Operations, Engineering) to implement scalable and sustainable solutions.
• Develop and update SOPs and process control parameters to ensure product consistency and regulatory compliance.
• Analyze and interpret production data to assess performance, yield, and quality, and communicate insights and recommendations to the team.
• Apply statistical tools (e.g., root cause analysis, SPC) to diagnose process issues and implement corrective actions.
• Support cost-reduction and waste minimization initiatives with a cross functional team through innovative process design.
• Assist in the development of new food products from concept through commercialization, ensuring alignment with company goals, market needs, and consumer preferences.
• Lead the creation and ongoing improvement of product specification sheets, partnering cross‑functionally to ensure all product attributes, formulations, and requirements are accurately documented.
• Facilitate the transition of new formulations from lab-scale to full production.
• Evaluate ingredient performance and ensure compatibility with current manufacturing systems.
• Align process changes with sensory, nutritional, and regulatory expectations.
• Maintain detailed records of R&D trials, validations, and process modifications.
• Ensure adherence to food safety and quality systems (HACCP, GMP, FSMA, SQF).
• Assist with internal audits and regulatory inspections by providing required process documentation.

Benefits

• annual target bonus program
• 401k company contribution with company match up to 5%
• Starting at 3 weeks paid time off
• 10+ calendar holidays
• up to 12 weeks paid parental bonding leave
• employee assistance program
• comprehensive healthcare plans and wellness programs
• pet insurance
• legal shield and identity theft protection
• short-term and long-term disability plans