Scientist, Principal

Job Overview

The Principal Scientist will lead innovation and development initiatives for kettle-cooked products, including soups, sauces, and other wet-processed foods. This role is responsible for driving technical excellence, ensuring food safety compliance, and delivering high-quality, customer-focused solutions. The ideal candidate combines deep food science expertise with hands-on experience in kettle processing and commercialization.

• Lead formulation and process development for kettle-cooked products, ensuring alignment with customer requirements and company standards.
• Oversee scale-up from bench to plant trials, including yield analysis and process optimization.

• Serve as the subject matter expert for kettle processing technologies and clean-label solutions.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior scientists and technicians.

• Partner with cross-functional teams (Sales, Operations, Quality Assurance) to support commercialization and troubleshoot technical challenges.
• Engage with customers to present technical solutions and support product launches.

• Ensure adherence to GMPs, SSOPs, and food safety regulations throughout development and production.

• Identify emerging trends and technologies in kettle processing to maintain competitive advantage.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 8+ years of experience in food product development, with a strong focus on kettle-cooked products.
• Proven track record of successful commercialization and process optimization.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret technical data.
• Excellent communication and project management skills.
• Integrity, Collaboration, Continuous Improvement, and Accountability.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.