Sr. Food Technologist

Senior Food Technologist – C.H. Guenther

Location: Elk Grove, CA

The Senior Food Technologist will lead innovation, optimization, and technical advancement initiatives across the tortilla category and related product lines. The role requires deep expertise in formulation science, process improvement, and cross‑functional collaboration. The Senior Food Technologist will mentor junior staff, drive complex product development projects, and serve as the technical liaison between R&D, operations, and commercial teams.

• Assist in the development and implementation of new and innovative products aligned with strategic goals.
• Interpret customer product requirements into actionable development and commercialization plans.
• Oversee shelf‑life testing, analyze data, and present technical recommendations.
• Supervise product testing, including batching of ingredients and process validation.
• Manage documentation and data integrity for all R&D activities using advanced reporting systems.
• Validate manufacturing processes during plant trials and provide continuous improvement feedback.
• Conduct post‑test analysis of finished products and guide process optimization.
• Coordinate sensory evaluation sessions and lead cross‑functional interpretation of results.
• Ensure regulatory compliance, nutrition labeling, and technical documentation accuracy in collaboration with QA.
• Drive cost optimization, process improvement, and line extension initiatives through technical innovation.
• Collaborate with Sales and Marketing to provide technical support and product feasibility analysis.
• Mentor and train technologists in formulation, testing, and commercialization best practices.
• Support corporate sustainability and quality initiatives within the product innovation pipeline.
• Flexibility to work non‑standard hours and travel for product launches or technical validations as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, or related field;
  Master’s degree preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience in fresh/frozen baked goods or food product development.
• Extensive experience in Food Manufacturing with strong understanding of plant operations.
• Experience leading cross‑functional teams and managing product launches from concept to commercialization.

• Proficient use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, One Note) and related applications.
• Ability to manage multiple projects from conception to commercialization.
• Demonstrated project management skills with complex, multi‑phase projects.
• Strong communication and presentation skills across all organizational levels.
• Advanced analytical, problem‑solving, and technical writing abilities.
• Proven ability to train, coach, and develop others in R&D best practices.

• Office and manufacturing environment with exposure to dust, fumes, odors, darkness, noise, and vibration.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds at times.
• Travel on an as‑needed basis (less than 25%).

• Demonstrate, promote, and exemplify the Company’s Core Values in People, Quality, and Growth.

C.H. Guenther & Son values transparency in compensation. Salary range: $70,127 – $124,487. Actual compensation may vary based on location and experience. The company offers benefits including health and disability insurance, retirement savings options, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance programs, parental leave, paid time off, and company‑paid holidays.

C.H. Guenther & Son is a E‑Verify participating employer. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of the pre‑employment screening process which includes a drug screen and review of criminal background and other records as required.

AA/EEO/Drug‑Free Employer.