Product Development Scientist

• Base Pay $75,000.00 - $80,000.00 / Year
• Employee Type FT Exempt
• Required Degree 4 Year Degree

Description

The Product Development Scientist specializes in powder-based formulation and flavor system development, bringing a high level of technical expertise to the creation, optimization, and commercialization of finished nutraceutical products. This role leads benchtop development of complex powder formulations, with particular depth in flavor chemistry, sensory evaluation, ingredient interaction, and powder physics, and serves as a key technical resource across Product Development, Sales, Procurement, Quality, and Production.

• Develop flavor systems for powder products, including flavor selection, blending, dosage optimization, and iteration based on internal and customer sensory feedback.
• Apply understanding of flavor-ingredient interaction to address common powder challenges: bitterness masking, metallic notes, oxidative off-flavors, and flavor fade over shelf life.
• Conduct structured organoleptic evaluations (appearance, aroma, taste, texture, mouthfeel, aftertaste), document panel feedback, and translate sensory data into actionable formulation changes.
• Manage flavor sample inventory, evaluate new flavor technologies from supplier partners, and maintain flavor library with approved usage levels and application notes.
• Support customer flavor briefs from concept through approval, coordinating revisions with Sales and flavor vendors to align on target profile, cost, and timeline.

• Design and develop complex powder formulations from concept through commercialization, including pre-workouts, greens blends, protein powders, amino acid complexes, functional beverages, and specialty wellness blends.
• Evaluate and optimize powder system characteristics including bulk density, tap density, flowability, hygroscopicity, particle size distribution, and dispersibility across formula iterations.
• Conduct benchtop trials and scale-up development to assess blend ability, segregation risk, and processing suitability; document results and recommend adjustments.
• Troubleshoot formulation and processing issues related to caking, clumping, color instability, moisture uptake, and ingredient incompatibility.
• Record and interpret bench test results including pH, brix, salinity, color, viscosity, and reconstitution behavior.
• Review ingredient specifications, allergen statements, COAs, and compositional data to ensure formula integrity and label compliance.

• Evaluate new and alternative raw materials for functional performance, sensory impact, and cost suitability; provide structured technical assessments to Quality, Sourcing and Procurement.
• Check ingredient inventory levels and coordinate replenishment requests as needed to maintain uninterrupted development activity.

• Independently manage a pipeline of development projects using Odoo project management tools, maintaining accurate status on quote sheets, flavor evaluations, benching activities, scale-ups, and expiration extensions.
• Complete tasks with urgency and precision, proactively communicating progress, blockers, and milestone updates to Product Development management and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Participate in cross-functional project meetings to align on timelines, sample status, and commercialization readiness.

• Operate proficiently in an ERP system to search and manage part numbers for raw materials, packaging components, finished goods, and sub-assemblies.
• Review current costs, vendors, pack sizes, MOQs, BOMs, purchase history, and production records to inform quoting decisions.
• Build new quote sheets from customer-supplied briefs and formulas; transfer legacy quotes into current format with accuracy.
• Create RFQs for new ingredients and notify Sourcing/ Procurement with relevant project details, estimated volumes, and supplier recommendations.
• Draft preliminary Supplement and Nutrition Facts panels and ingredient composition statements in coordination with Regulatory.
• Build BOMs for finished products and sub-assemblies for customer-approved formulas.
• Prepare and ship product samples to customers; coordinate with Shipping on labels, packaging, and delivery timelines.
• Assist Commercialization with density measurements, scoop size determinations, packaging format recommendations, and blend instructions for new launches.
• Support Production…