Product Development Scientist

Position Summary

Provide hands on product development and food science/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 the Corporate Food Technology (CFT) Organization.

Job#: 3037525

Product Development Scientist

Onsite in Cincinnati, OH

6‑month contract + extension

This role collaborates cross‑functionally to bring products from concept through commercialization while maintaining Safety, Quality, and Reliability (SQR) standards and demonstrating our core values of respect, integrity, inclusion, and safety.

• 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 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.
• Some travel is 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 (e.g., biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or chemical engineering).
• 3+ years of hands‑on product development or food technology experience, including ingredients such as flavors, colors, sweeteners, starches, emulsifiers, proteins, fats, etc.
• 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.

Everforth Apex Systems is an equal‑opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Everforth Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law.