The Sr. R&D Scientist will be an expert in the formulation of milk/dairy-based beverage products and cheese products and have oversight in the management of the development from prototype through commercialization.
The Sr. R&D Scientist will manage the development of customer specifications, nutrition facts panels, and ingredient statements for products, and ensure compliance with all FDA standards of identity and label-related claims. The Sr. Scientist will be the main project liaison between the R&D department and other business units within the organization. Provides technical support to Operations and customers, as needed.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.
• Manage the creation and development of new products, optimize existing products, and adapt customer formulas.
• Manage and develop benchtop sample processes and evaluate for shipment to customers.
• Set up formulas and processes for plant trials and production.
• Work cross-functionally with Operations, Procurement, and Quality to conduct pilot and production trials for customer and thermal process testing.
• Expand and extend the organization's knowledge of new materials, processes, and certain equipment to enhance the technical understanding of self and the R&D team.
• Provide timely and appropriate product information to support customer requirements.
• Manage and assist in the creation of product specifications, ingredient statements, and Nutrition Facts panels, assuring products meet appropriate FDA/USDA requirements for shelf-stable products.
• Leverage outside resources to recommend new technology platforms to support new beverage product development.
• Ensure overall management of the pilot plant, overseeing ingredient inventories, supplies, equipment cleaning & maintenance.
• Provide technical support and leadership to Operations.
• Responsible for multiple food and beverage development projects from bench to commercialization for all production lines
• Have experience/knowledge of thermal processing, including:
o Being a lead for Temperature distribution studies (qualification and re-qualification of retort machines).
o Being a lead for heat penetration testing for new formulas and any formula changes, and FDA filing.
o Assist with developing thermal processing studies for production retorts, under the direction of management and Process Authority.
• Drive and lead multiple cross-functional teams (internal and external) for the successful completion of trialseneral processing, process optimization, Quality & audits support, cost improvement initiatives)
• Keep up with industry trends and standards to ensure both personal and company competitiveness.
• Ensure documentation of formulas and product parameters to meet LACF requirements.
• Assist in reviewing product-related artwork and ensure it meets regulatory (FDA, USDA, DOT, State) and internal requirements for labeling and design.
Education and Experience
• Minimum B.S. in Food Science, Nutrition, or a related field. Master's preferred in Dairy Science
• Preferred 5+ years of food product development and commercialization experience
• Solid understanding of emulsions, milk & whey proteins, food safety, and allergens
• Retort knowledge/experience desired
• Ability to discriminate flavors
• Demonstrates initiative and ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent relationship skills and ability to work directly with customers and sales
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal)
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Excellent project management and organizational skills
• Ability to maintain and operate laboratory and pilot equipment
• Ability to work in a production environment and support production trials in a 24/7 operation
• Good troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Strong in Microsoft Excel and navigating web-based systems
Note: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, or working conditions associated with this job.
Pay range - 110k-120k base salary (based on experience). Full medical, dental, vision, 401k, offered.
All job duties and responsibilities outlined in this job description must be performed onsite at our designated workplace location. This position does not offer remote, hybrid, or or telecommuting work options. Applicants must be able and willing to work in person as a condition of employment.
