Sr. R&D Scientist

Formulates shelf stable, milk-based beverage products and manages the development from prototype through commercialization. Works with Regulatory to create customer specifications, nutrition facts panels and ingredient statements for products, ensuring compliance with all FDA standards of identity and label related claims. Builds relationships with customers, and works across functions to execute production trials and testing. Provides technical support to Operations and customers, as needed.

Qualifications and Responsibilities:

• Develop new products, optimize existing products, and adapt customer formulas.
• Produce bench top samples and evaluate for shipment to customers.
• Set up formulas and processes for plant trials and production.
• Work cross-functionally with Operations, Procurement and Quality to conduct pilot and production trials for customer and thermal process testing.
• Provide timely and appropriate product information to support customer requirements.
• Create product specifications, ingredient statements and Nutrition Facts panels, assuring products meet appropriate FDA/USDA requirements for shelf stable products.
• Leverage outside resources to recommend new technology platforms to support new beverage product development.
• Subject matter expert for dairy-based beverages and emulsions.
• Maintain beverage lab and pilot plant, overseeing ingredient inventories, supplies, equipment cleaning & maintenance.
• Provide technical support and leadership to operations.
• Assist with thermal processing studies in pilot and production retorts, under the direction of management and Process Authority.
• Ensure documentation of formulas and product parameters to meet LACF requirements.
• Review product related artwork and ensure it meets regulatory (FDA, USDA, DOT, State) and internal requirements for labeling and design.

Requirements:

• Minimum B.S. in Food Science, Nutrition or related field. Minimum Masters preferred in Dairy Science
• Preferred 5-7 years of food product development and commercialization experience.
• Solid understanding of emulsions, milk & whey proteins, food safety and allergens
• Ability to discriminate flavors.
• Demonstrates initiative and ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent relationship skills and ability to work directly with customers and sales.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal)
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills
• Ability to maintain and operate laboratory and pilot equipment.
• Ability to work in production environment and support production trials in a 24/7 operation.
• Good troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Strong in Microsoft Excel and navigating web-based systems.