Director Application Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MGP Ingredients is a leading supplier of premium distilled spirits and food ingredient solutions. Its Distilling Solutions segment provides bourbons, whiskeys, ryes, gins, and vodkas to craft and multinational brands. MGP's own Branded Spirts business is growing following the 2021 acquisition of Luxco, a top spirits producer, bottler, supplier, and importer as well as the 2023 acquisition of Penelope Bourbon, known for its wide range of uniquely blended expressions. Ingredient Solutions delivers nutritional, functional wheat- and pea-based ingredients aligned with consumer trends. The company operates in locations across the Midwestern U.S., and overseas in Northern Ireland and Mexico.

THE OPPORTUNITY:

The Application Scientist is responsible for the development, optimization, and commercialization of food and beverage applications utilizing the company’s ingredient portfolio. This role supports customer innovation, internal product development, and commercialization across cereals and snacks, coating systems, bakery products, and beverage applications. The position requires strong technical knowledge, project management capability, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver scalable, market-ready solutions aligned with business objectives.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:

Product Development & Technical Execution

• Develop prototype formulations and finished applications using plant proteins, starches, fibers, and specialty ingredients.
• Design and optimize nutritional base systems for bars, snacks, cereals, and functional foods.
• Develop and improve coating systems to enhance adhesion, texture, oil reduction, and sensory performance.
• Formulate bakery applications including breads, cookies, crackers, and sweet baked goods with improved nutrition and functionality.
• Create beverage applications such as protein beverages, powdered drink mixes, and functional drinks.
• Conduct bench-top, pilot-plant, and commercial-scale trials to ensure manufacturability and consistency.
• Perform sensory, stability, and shelf-life evaluations; document results in technical reports.

Customer & Commercial Support

• Partner with Sales and Marketing to translate customer briefs into scalable product concepts.
• Provide technical support, troubleshooting, and formulation guidance to customers.
• Support plant trials, commercialization activities, and technical documentation.
• Participate in customer meetings, demonstrations, and innovation sessions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Compliance

• Collaborate with Quality, Regulatory, Operations, and Procurement to ensure compliance and successful scale-up.
• Maintain accurate documentation, formulations, and project records in accordance with company procedures.
• Support continuous improvement and innovation pipeline initiatives.
• Remain current on industry trends, including plant-based nutrition, high-protein, keto, and reduced-carbohydrate formulations.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

• Master’s degree required. Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or related discipline required.
• Minimum 3–8 years of experience in food applications, R&D, or product development.
• Experience in extrusion, bakery systems, coating technologies, or beverage formulation preferred.
• Experience supporting commercialization and plant-scale production strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of ingredient functionality (proteins, starches, fibers, hydrocolloids).
• Demonstrated formulation capability across snacks, bakery, coatings, and beverages.
• Knowledge of nutrition targets, labeling considerations, and regulatory fundamentals.
• Ability to manage multiple technical projects with strong problem-solving skills.
• Effective written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Proficiency with standard laboratory, pilot-plant, and documentation systems.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Includes frequently used office equipment, computer software programs, manuals, books, or other written resources, hand tools, power tools, two-way radios, and other tools/equipment/resources; Includes use of sanitation equipment and lab/field equipment; Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook, SAP, copier/printer. Office Equipment: Computer, Copier, Fax machine, two-way radio. Ability to work in laboratory, pilot-plant, and manufacturing environments. Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and stand for extended periods during trials. Occasional exposure to food allergens and production equipment with appropriate PPE.

If you require a reasonable accommodation in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Caitlin Zbikowski, Talent Manager @ c.zbikowski@mgpi.com.

If the above speaks to you, we’re excited to learn more about you! At MGP, we know that our people are our greatest strength. With different perspectives and unique ways of thinking, our employees are as varied as our products. We believe that inclusivity strengthens the organization and champions a company culture that is evolving to reflect all of us. Culture results from our behaviors, our personal commitment, our curiosity, how we collaborate, and the ways we courageously share our perspectives and expect others to do the same. Each of us can make a difference by fostering thinking and actions that empower us to connect, belong and grow together.

Compensation is competitive and is commensurate with experience. MGP offers exceptional medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, 401(k) Match and PTO.

All successful candidates for this position will be required to submit to a criminal background check and drug test.