Analytical Chemist & Specification Writer

Grow with Welch’s!

Welch’s is on a journey towards our bold ambition of being the global leader of convenient, good‑for‑you fruit‑based food and beverages. To turn this goal into a reality we need exceptionally talented, agile, and innovative individuals who are eager to contribute to something extraordinary.

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail‑oriented Analytical Chemist & Specification Writer to join our Food Safety & Quality team. This hybrid role combines analytical chemistry expertise with specification authorship and facilitation. The successful candidate will be responsible for Welch’s lab compliance program, including development of methods, troubleshooting, and training. The position will also facilitate the creation, maintenance, and training of manufacturing, packaging, and food safety & quality specifications that meet regulatory, customer, and internal requirements.

This role will be based out of our Waltham, MA headquarters. The in‑office schedule is designed to maximize collaboration and relationship building with 3 days in office and Thursdays/Fridays remote/flex.

Analytical Chemistry (60%)

• Develop, validate, and maintain laboratory test methods in compliance with regulatory and industry standards.
• Lead laboratory compliance program, assuring consistent analytical results from all plant and corporate labs with supporting documentation; includes verification and audit needs.
• Provide leadership across labs to maintain needed capability for business and operations.
• Interpret test results, prepare reports, and communicate findings to cross‑functional teams.
• Support troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis related to analytical methods and equipment.
• Ensure laboratory practices align with GLP, GMP, and FSMA requirements.
• Provide systems support for enterprise tools used through the FSQ Teams, including Hygiena ATP software, SPC software, and sanitation/audit software.

Specification Writing & Facilitation (40%)

• Facilitate creation and maintenance of specifications / technical documentation by gathering data from subject matter experts; develop standardized, consistent, easy‑to‑find documents that are the foundation of company processes and procedures.
• Reconcile discrepancies through working sessions with stakeholders.
• Author, review, and maintain manufacturing, packaging, and food safety & quality specifications; the role may evolve to include finished product and raw materials documentation.
• Communicate updates and deliver training on specifications to impacted stakeholders.
• Ensure specifications meet FDA, USDA, FSMA, Codex, and customer standards.
• Manage specification updates in electronic systems of record.
• Act as subject‑matter expert during audits and customer inquiries.

• A strong, organized project manager who can manage multiple projects concurrently and deliver on time with urgency.
• Proficiency with laboratory instrumentation, strong lab skills, and technical troubleshooting ability.
• An individual with a foundation of food safety & quality, ideally with plant experience.
• Understanding of HACCP, PCI, FSMA, GFSI audit schemes, Food Defense and policy & procedure development.
• A strong technical trainer.
• A driver of change who can lead and influence others within and outside the organization.
• Technically curious with the ability to translate insights into action and think beyond immediate consequences.
• A strong team player who can develop positive relationships across facilities and the company.

• BS in Food Science, Engineering, Chemistry, Microbiology or related science.
• 3–5 years combined experience in laboratory method work, corporate food safety or R&D, plant quality assurance, and/or plant operations.
• Knowledge of HACCP, PCQI, GFSI certification, FSMA and Food Defense in the branded food products industry.
• Understanding of plant operations as it relates to product, ingredients, packaging, and food safety & quality with experience in plant quality and food safety management.
• Strong written communication skills with ability to develop documentation that is easy to understand, train on, and communicate across all levels.
• Abilit…