Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Food Scientist to join our dynamic team at Chaucer Foods. As a Food Scientist, you will play a pivotal role in developing freeze-dried ingredients for our customers and creating innovative retail products that leverage our core technology of freeze-drying. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in food science, project management, and a passion for driving new product development (NPD) initiatives.
Job Responsibilities:
- Develop freeze-dried ingredients tailored to meet customer specifications and preferences.
- Lead the development of new and innovative retail products incorporating freeze-drying technology.
- Calculate product nutritionals and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
- Manage projects efficiently through Salesforce, ensuring timely completion and effective communication with stakeholders.
- Maintain detailed product development records, including formulation iterations, analytical test results, and project milestones.
- Scale up new products from pilot to full-scale manufacturing, optimizing processes for efficiency and quality.
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams throughout all stages of NPD, including ideation, procurement, formulation, testing, and process design.
- Liaise with suppliers and co-manufacturers to source ingredients and coordinate production activities.
- Engage with customers to
- Engage with customers to communicate project status, gather feedback, and refine project scopes accordingly.
- Create product bills of materials (BOMs) and trial reports to document findings and recommendations.
- Direct R&D technicians to execute trial plans and test designs, ensuring adherence to project objectives and timelines.
- Develop and document new R&D processes and procedures to streamline product development workflows, enhance efficiency, and ensure consistency in experimentation, data collection, and analysis.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or related field.
- Proven experience in food product development, preferably within the freeze-dried ingredients or snacks industry.
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
- Proficiency in Salesforce or similar project management software is preferred.
- Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions.
- Knowledge of food regulations and standards, particularly regarding nutrition labeling and food safety.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with diverse teams and build strong relationships with customers and suppliers.
- Creative problem-solving abilities and a passion for innovation in the food indstry.
- Leadership qualities with the ability to mentor and motivate team members.
Environment:
Employees in R&D can expect to work in a variety of environments, including office spaces, laboratories, outdoor areas, and production facilities. This dynamic setting offers exposure to different aspects of our operations and requires adaptability from our team members.
Physical Requirements:
Candidates should be prepared for physical demands, including the ability to stand for extended periods, as well as occasional exposure to cold temperatures in certain production environments. Additionally, the role may involve lifting and handling of materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
Join us at Chaucer Foods and be part of a team dedicated to shaping the future of freeze-dried ingredients and snacks. If you are a proactive and results-driven Food Scientist with a passion for creating high-quality products, we encourage you to apply.
Travel:
While the majority of work will be conducted onsite, occasional travel may be required, estimated at approximately 10% of the time. This may include visits to suppliers, customers, or other company locations, providing opportunities for collaboration and professional development beyond the office and lab settings.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $68,000.00 - $84,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
Ability to Relocate:
- Forest Grove, OR 97116: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person