Food Product Development Technologist/Scientist

Essential Functions: The Food Product Development Scientist is responsible for the execution of new product development projects for multi-channel markets, along with improvement to existing products. He/she uses chemistry, microbiology, engineering and other sciences to study the principles underlying the processing and deterioration of foods and applies food science knowledge to determine best ways to process, package, preserve, store and distribute food.  This position works closely with Sales and Marketing.  It also requires visiting current and potential customers, researching market place and attending culinary events.   Besides developing products, assists with manufacturing of products at several co-packer facilities.   Specific Responsibilities Include: Carries out process support and development, new product development, and quality control Takes new product from concept kitchen sample to kitchen prototype approved for further development Develops the ability to repeat processes to ensure consistency and safety Develops process and formula adjustments for product manufacturing at the pilot plant level or initial production runs for consumer test samples. Checks raw ingredients for maturity or stability for processing, and finished products for safety, quality and nutritional value.Develops food standards and production specifications Develops new or improved ways of preserving, processing, packaging, storing, and delivering foods, using knowledge of chemistry, microbiology, and other sciencesStudies methods to improve aspects of foods such as chemical composition, flavor, color, texture, nutritional value, and convenienceStudies the structure and composition of food, or the changes foods undergo in storage and processingTests new products for flavor, texture, composition, shelf life, color, nutritional content, and adherence to government and industry standardsConfer with process engineers, flavor experts, and packaging and marketing specialists in order to resolve problems in product development. Conducts laboratory experiments for quality/cost improvement of existing products by means of new technologies, ingredients, or processes Assists with product costing, oversees pilot plant tests and initial trial runs at co-packer’s manufacturing facilities  Develops bench top samples of new products according to cost and sensory guidelines Participates in sensory evaluation and customer testing for new products under development Based upon consumer test data, optimize formula or procedures of products under development. Coordinate heat penetration tests as needed for new product and quality improvement projects. Work with Purchasing Department to develop purchase specifications for new raw materials and finished products. Works with the Quality Assurance Department to evaluate quality systems, manufacturing and technical expertise of potential co-packers Works with new and existing suppliers to find alternate ingredients Visits current and potential new customers to identify opportunities for new products or product improvements Attends culinary and professional association meetings and functions to stay current on new culinary trends Manages continuous improvement process for quality and customer satisfaction Education: Must have Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Biology or related Science or Engineering field; a Master’s degree is preferred. Experience and Background: Minimum of 3-5 years of directly related experience in a similar position in the food industry.   Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo Culinary training is a plus.   Must be experienced with project management, willing to work long hours during pilot runs.   Bilingual – English/Spanish a plus. Job Title: Food Product Development Technologist/ScientistCompany: Juanita's FoodsLocation: Wilmington, CA 90744 Status: Full Time, EmployeeJob Category: Biotech/R&D/ScienceRelevant Work Experience: 2+ to 5 YearsCareer Level: Experienced (Non-Manager)Education Level: Bachelor's Degree Company: Juanita's Foods Address: Wilmington, CA 90744