R&D Food Scientist

This role is a key contributor to the product innovation process and is part of a cross-functional marketing and R&D team that includes Innovation, E-Commerce, Consumer Insights, and Category Management. The individual will be responsible for end-to-end product development from concept to commercialization including prototype creation, sample preparation, and specification documentation.

Client Details

My food manufacturing client is a leading snack player in the food industry, committed to producing high-quality, safe, and innovative products for our consumers.

Description

• Partner with cross-functional teams to develop new snack products from ideation through commercialization.
• Prepare and ship customer samples in a timely and complete manner.
• Collaborate with marketing and external partners to refine formulations based on consumer feedback.
• Learn and utilize nutritional software to generate ingredient statements and verify packaging compliance.
• Maintain and update R&D formula specifications and ingredient documentation.
• Manage ingredient inventory for development projects.
• Independently manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment with strong attention to detail.
• Coordinate plant trials, sensory evaluations, and shelf-life testing.
• Source ingredients from production and assist in preparing for customer presentations.
• Conduct competitive product analysis to identify trends and whitespace opportunities.
• Understand production capabilities to inform future product development.

Profile

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in food product development preferred.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Proficiency in analytical tools such as Microsoft Excel.
• Strong understanding of ingredient functionality, food chemistry, and formulation techniques.
• Familiarity with food processing technologies such as extrusion, roasting, baking, drying, and coating.
• Experience with sensory evaluation, shelf-life testing, and analytical methods.
• Proficiency in nutritional labeling software (e.g., NutriCalc, Genesis R&D).
• Knowledge of food safety standards and regulatory compliance (FDA, USDA, FSMA, HACCP).
• Experience with clean label, allergen management, and dietary certifications (e.g., Non-GMO, Organic, Kosher, Gluten-Free).
• Ability to scale formulations from bench-top to full production.

Job Offer

• Salary up to $100k
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
• Professional development opportunities
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment

Michael Page will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.