Product Development Food Scientist

Position Summary

Provide hands-on product development and food technology expertise to support the development, optimization, and commercialization of food products. This role is focused on bench-top formulation, recipe optimization, and technical problem-solving, while operating within Kroger manufacturing, quality, and regulatory processes. The Food Technologist collaborates cross-functionally to bring products from concept through commercialization while maintaining Safety, Quality, and Reliability (SQR) standards and demonstrating client’s core values of respect, integrity, inclusion, and safety.

Job#: 3034138

Job Description:

Product Development Food Scientist
Onsite in Cincy
1-year contract

• Develop and optimize product formulations at the bench and pilot scale, including ingredient evaluation, recipe adjustment, and cost or quality improvements
• Execute hands-on bench-top experimentation and support pilot plant and plant trials for new and existing products
• Partner cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, Procurement, Sensory, Marketing and Project Management teams to support product commercialization
• Support commercialization activities, including scale-up, trial execution, process validation, and issue resolution during plant runs
• Troubleshoot product or process challenges at the manufacturing plant level and recommend practical, technically sound solutions
• Support reformulation initiatives to improve cost, quality, performance, or supply continuity while maintaining product integrity
• Follow established client manufacturing, food safety, quality assurance, and documentation processes throughout development and commercialization
• Prepare and maintain product documentation, including formulations, specifications, and technical summaries
• Participate in sensory evaluations and collaborate with Sensory teams to assess product quality and consumer feedback
• Demonstrate strong project organization skills, managing multiple development projects that may shift in scope or priority
• Adapt quickly to changing project needs, business priorities, or timelines while maintaining attention to detail
• Utilize and learn computer-based tools and applications to support formulation work, project tracking, and technical documentation
• Travel as required to support plant trials, and commercialization efforts
• Perform all job functions safely and in compliance with regulatory and company requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Dairy Science, Bakery Science, or a related technical discipline
• 3+ years of hands-on product development or food technology experience
• Demonstrated experience with bench-top formulation and recipe optimization
• Exposure to manufacturing environments, plant trials, or scaled production processes
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to apply food science fundamentals in practical situations
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Experience supporting commercialization, plant trials, or line trials for food products
• Exposure to troubleshooting product quality or process issues at the plant level
• Experience working across multiple product categories or formulations
• Strong project planning and organizational skills, with the agility to adapt to shifting priorities
• Comfort using computer-based applications (formulation software, documentation systems, project management tools) and willingness to learn new technologies
• Passion for hands-on product development and continuous learning