Permanent Food Science Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Food Scientist / R&D ManagerCompany: Vigo Importing CompanyLocation: Tampa, FL (Hybrid considered)Reports to: VP Operations / General Manager / VP Innovation Works closely with: Quality Assurance, Marketing, Operations, ProcurementRole OverviewVigo Importing Company, a Tampa-based, multi-generational, family business and a leader in the food importing and distribution industry since 1947, is seeking a Food Scientist / R&D Manager.The Food Scientist / R&D Manager serves as the technical owner of product formulation, ingredient functionality, and scale-up across a growing portfolio of shelf-stable food products.This role does not own Quality Assurance or regulatory compliance, but works in close partnership with QA to ensure all technical decisions are safe, compliant, and production-ready.Core ResponsibilitiesProduct Development, Innovation & ReformulationLead formulation and reformulation of shelf-stable food products to meet sensory, functional, cost, and shelf-life objectivesEvaluate opportunities to simplify ingredient statements, improve label friendliness, and modernize formulations without compromising performanceSupport the company?s innovation pipeline by translating marketing and consumer insights into technically viable productsOwn bench-top development, pilot trials, and scale-up to commercial productionWork with QA to assess food safety implications and confirm formulations align with approved limits and documentation requirements.Ingredient Technical SpecificationsDevelop internally defined, fit-for-use ingredient specifications based on functional performance, process behavior, and product requirements (COA requirements)Establish acceptable ranges and tolerances that balance performance, quality consistency, and supply flexibilityDefine approved ingredient alternatives and functional equivalency criteria to support sourcing flexibility and cost-down initiativesWork with QA to incorporate food safety parameters, allergen status, COA requirements, and formal approval into controlled specification documents.Product Specifications & Performance CriteriaDefine product-level technical targets (pH, water activity, viscosity, texture, sensory benchmarks, stability expectations, etc.)Support shelf-life strategy through formulation decisions and ingredient selectionTroubleshoot formulation-driven performance or consistency issues across production and co-manufacturersWork with QA to ensure product specs are measurable, defensible, and aligned with safety and compliance standards.Scale-Up & Manufacturing SupportLead technical transfer from development to production at internal facilities and co-manufacturersSupport process optimization related to formulation, ingredient handling, and processing conditionsInvestigate and resolve formulation-driven production issuesCross-Functional Collaboration & Technical LeadershipPartner closely with Sales/Marketing to:Evaluate the feasibility of new product conceptsSupport innovation briefs with technical inputAlign formulation capabilities with consumer and category trendsProvide technical input to Procurement on ingredient sourcing, supplier changes, and reformulation opportunitiesServe as the internal subject-matter expert on ingredient functionality and processing behaviorAct as the technical interface with ingredient suppliers, co-manufacturers, and external laboratoriesSupport the Customer Service department with addressing inquiries related to technical product attributes.Assist with providing technical data sheets and COAs for commercial customers.QualificationsBachelor?s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or related discipline (Master?s preferred)5 10+ years of hands-on food formulation and commercialization experienceExperience with shelf-stable food systems (sauces, condiments, dry blends, acidified foods, or similar)Strong understanding of ingredient functionality, processing impacts, and scale-upFamiliarity with consumer and ingredient trends in the food industryHACCP training or certification is a plus, but not requiredAbility to work cross-functionally in a fast-moving, collaborative environmentBenefitsHealth InsurancePTOProfit SharingBonusesCompetitive Salary