The Food Scientist I reports directly to the Product Development & Commercialization Lead and is responsible for translating validated technical platforms into scalable, launch-ready commercial products within the snack and confectionery portfolio.
This role focuses on formula finalization, scale-up execution, supplier coordination, and commercialization readiness. The position plays a critical role in ensuring products move efficiently from development to successful market launch while meeting performance, quality, and compliance requirements.
The Food Scientist I operates within the Product Development & Commercialization Team and works cross-functionally with Technical & Research, QA, Operations, Procurement, Engineering and external suppliers.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Formula Finalization & Optimization
· Refine and finalize product formulations for commercial readiness.
· Optimize formulas for manufacturability, cost targets, and sensory performance.
· Align bench, pilot, and production formulations.
· Maintain master formulas in designated systems (e.g., SpecRight).
· Ensure formula accuracy aligning with NFP and artwork.
2. Pre-Launch Analytical Validation
· Coordinate and verify required analytical testing prior to commercialization.
· Establish internal product quality standards (texture, moisture range, sensory benchmarks).
· Review analytical data to confirm product consistency and compliance with specification limits.
· Ensure discrepancies between formula and analytical output are resolved prior to launch.
· Support validation of NFP calculations through correct formula alignment.
3. Pre-Launch Compliance & Regulatory Validation
· Ensure formula used for NFP matches production activities with allowed variations.
· Confirm documentation required for audit and regulatory review is complete before launch.
· Proactively identify compliance risks during development phase before artwork is finalized.
4. Scale-Up & Commercial Trials
· Plan and execute pilot and commercial production trials.
· Define and validate critical process parameters in collaboration with Operations.
· Troubleshoot production challenges (texture variation, moisture migration, ingredient interactions).
· Document trial outcomes and quality information.
5. Launch Execution & Cross-Functional Coordination
· Coordinate cross-functional launch readiness activities.
· Ensure all documentation (formula, specification, analytical validation, compliance review) is complete prior to commercialization.
· Partner with QA Compliance for final label approval.
· Participate in sprint reviews and escalation discussions led by the Project Manager.
6. Portfolio Management & Continuous Improvement
· Support cost optimization and formula renovation initiatives.
· Investigate product performance complaints (staleness, hardness, sensory deviation).
· Implement corrective actions to maintain product quality and brand integrity.
Qualifications:
Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or related field.
1–3+ years of experience in snack and/or confectionery product development.
Experience supporting pilot and commercial production.
Working knowledge of: Water activity & moisture control; Texture analysis; Nutrition labeling fundamentals; Basic FDA labeling and compliance requirements
