Summary/ObjectiveThe Food Technologist is responsible for the development, testing, and optimization of seasoning and flavor blends used in a variety of food products. This role blends culinary creativity with food science to create consistent, high-quality flavor systems that meet product specifications, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations. This position requires hands-on formulation, ingredient evaluation and collaboration with R&D, Quality and Operations. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of flavor systems, raw materials, and food processing, and is passionate about creating consistent, high-quality dry flavor systems that perform at scale.
Essential Functions: The Food Technologist essential functions include new development, revisions and duplications of seasoning and flavor blends to meet sensory, functional, cost and regulatory requirements. Responsibilities involve evaluating and choosing raw materials for formulations, perform sensory evaluations to guide formulation decisions, and ensuring compliance with quality, labeling regulations and food safety.
Responsibilities/Skills/Abilities:- Utilizes independent judgment to develop seasoning and flavor systems for large food manufacturers based on customersโ specified requirements and project parameters
- Knowledge of formulating for Organic, Non GMO Project, Vegan, Paleo, Keto, Grain Free and other specific requirement lists of Retail chains
- Understanding of 21 CFR Part 101 Food Labeling
- Understanding of GMP, Food Safety, and allergen management principles.
- Generate ingredient statements and nutritional of final formulation using Genesis software
- Prepare and evaluate seasonings in customerโs final product application
- Prepare seasoning samples and finished products for shipment to customers
- Enter all appropriate data for all projects completed in Salesforce
- Enter formulas and all formula attributes into Genesis
- Export all preliminary specifications and prepare and send shipment communication through email for each project assigned
- Perform analytical testing and taste panels when needed
- Assist Quality in evaluating production retains when needed
- Collaborate with suppliers for samples, pricing and documentation for raw materials
- Evaluate alternate ingredients as secondary and tertiary supply to primary ingredients
- Collaborate with various departments and customers during the creation process in person and using Microsoft Teams
- Participating in brainstorming sessions for Innovation
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams)
- Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fastpaced environment.
- The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Work Experience Requirements:- 3 5 years of handson experience in product development, research and development (R&D).
- Proven track record of developing recipes, duplicating flavor profiles and improving formulations
- Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines
Education/Knowledge Requirements:- Bachelorโs degree in Food Science, Culinary or related scientific discipline preferred.
Reports To: R&D Project Manager
Supervisory responsibilities: None
Backup: All Food Technologists as required
Physical Requirements:- Work involves standing most of the workday greater than 50% of the time. Sitting for computer related work is required as needed.
- Typing and applying pressure with the fingers and palm required.
- The person in this position needs to move about inside the R&D lab and storage rooms to access ingredients, lab supplies and lab equipment.
- Constantly operates a laboratory scale, tabletop mixers, sieves, computer, calculator, and printer.
- Frequently lifts up to 5 lbs. and occasionally lifts 50 lb. bags
- The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
- The ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Work environment/Hours:- Fulltime Office hours are typically 8:305:00pm, MondayFriday with occasional overtime.
TravelโThis position could occasionally require customer visits and travel to industry shows if needed.
EEO: We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by the law.