Food Scientist
About the Opportunity
Food Scientist (Confectionery & Food Product Development)
Onsite Role - Upper Midwest U.S. Production Facility
Compensation
- Total Compensation Range: Approximately $60,000 - $105,000 annually
- Base Salary: Approximately $55,000 - $85,000
- Year 1 Guaranteed Bonus: $5,000 - $20,000
- Profit Sharing Eligibility: Available after one year of service, tied to company performance and profitability
About the Organization
This opportunity is with a well-established, multi-generational, privately held food manufacturing company headquartered in the Midwestern United States. The organization produces a broad and growing portfolio of high-quality food products for both human and animal consumption.
The company emphasizes a people-first culture built on trust, collaboration, and long-term relationships. Its values center on product excellence, innovation, and meaningful contributions to employees, customers, and the broader community. The organization maintains a reputation for authenticity, operational integrity, and steady growth within competitive food manufacturing markets.
Role Overview
The Food Scientist plays a vital role in product innovation, quality assurance, and continuous improvement initiatives within the organization. This position is responsible for developing and refining product formulations, particularly in confectionery applications, aligning them with consumer trends, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications.
This role supports the full product lifecycle-from concept ideation and benchtop development through scale-up, plant trials, and commercialization. The Food Scientist collaborates cross-functionally with internal departments such as production, quality, procurement, and sales, while also interfacing externally with customers, suppliers, and industry organizations.
Key Responsibilities
Product Development & Innovation
- Develop and optimize formulations for new and existing products
- Align product attributes with customer requirements, including flavor, texture, nutritional targets, and labeling claims
- Stay informed on emerging market trends, ingredient innovations, and regulatory updates
- Apply knowledge of ingredient functionality and interactions in multi-component systems
Research & Development Execution
- Conduct benchtop experiments and prototype development
- Manage scaling processes from laboratory to commercial production
- Coordinate and execute plant trials, including documentation and data collection
- Analyze results and implement adjustments for product consistency and performance
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with production teams to transfer formulations and ensure successful manufacturing execution
- Partner with procurement and suppliers to source ingredients and materials
- Communicate project timelines, updates, and results with internal stakeholders, including sales and leadership teams
Quality, Compliance & Documentation
- Support labeling development and ensure compliance with applicable regulations
- Maintain accurate formulation records, reports, and technical documentation
- Participate in troubleshooting product or process issues, identifying root causes and implementing solutions
- Monitor product stability, shelf-life, and overall quality standards
Supplier & Industry Engagement
- Build and maintain relationships with ingredient suppliers and technical partners
- Leverage supplier insights for innovation and problem-solving
- Represent the organization at industry events, trade groups, and customer meetings as needed
Additional Contributions
- Assist broader R&D team members on collaborative projects
- Maintain laboratory equipment, tools, and materials
- Continuously expand knowledge of ingredients, processing technologies, and industry advancements
- Support ongoing improvement initiatives across product lines
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Food Science or a related field
- Minimum of 2 years of practical experience in food product development, preferably in confectionery
- Strong understanding of ingredient functionality and formulation science
- Experience with new product development processes and commercialization
- Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively in team environments
- Proficiency with standard computer tools and technical documentation
Benefits Summary
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
- Wellness incentives tied to healthcare savings
- Paid time off and recognized holidays
- Retirement savings plan with employer matching
- Access to onsite or affiliated healthcare services and prescription programs
- Financial planning resources and support
- Educational assistance and relocation support where applicable
- Additional incentive programs tied to individual and company performance
FAQs
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