Senior Research And Development Scientist
6 days ago
Dallas
R&D SENIOR PRINCIPAL SCIENTIST-HIGH MOISTURE FOODS Our client, an international and highly successful Fortune 100 Food Company, is again growing and now seeking an R&D Senior Principal Scientist-High Moisture Foods as an addition to staff: The Foods North America R&D Sr. Principal Scientist will lead refresh, reframe, and breakthrough product and process development across the high-moisture foods refrigerated and shelf-stable Dips, Salsa, and Sauces platform, a $1B+ business. This role will lead high-profile innovation, capacity building, and brand stewardship initiatives to sustain and grow the core business. Initiatives will include new idea generation, prototype development, product optimization, process development and scale-up, and production start-up for test market and national launch of new products for the team. This role will immediately take on high-profile development and capacity projects to help continue platform growth. This position is a highly collaborative role, requiring an ability to make strong working relationships with cross-functional teams and an ability to embrace and drive the company’s must-win objectives. Responsibilities • Lead Dips / Salsa & high moisture food Breakthrough Innovation through ingredients, formulation, process technologies, and packaging interaction., • Explore new ingredients, products, and processes leveraging internal and external resources., • Work with Product Supply and Co-Manufacturing facilities to evaluate, qualify, and commercialize additional platform capacity., • Design and execute experiments. Analyze and interpret data to make sound technical recommendations on product and process issues., • Communicate impact to the business., • Coordinate production at bench top, pilot plant, and manufacturing levels for shelf life, stability, sales samples, scale-up, and other needs., • Heavy interaction and direct engagement with Contract Manufacturing & Ingredient Suppliers., • Develop and maintain effective working relationships across R&D and non-R&D functions, including Procurement, Co-Manufacturing, Quality, SRA, and Legal., • Provide trial and commercialization support to products at co-manufacturing facilities., • Effectively manage multiple projects (new and existing) and project types (Innovation, Productivity, and Brand Stewardship), develop work streams, define resource needs, and drive alignment., • Input, review, and finalize formula specifications and ingredient specifications., • Actively participate in Marketing Research, including focus groups, consumer research, etc., • Perform basic economic evaluations on ingredients, suppliers, and formulations., • Support talent development by providing guidance and oversight to less experienced developers and technicians., • Represent R&D on multi-functional business teams comprised of individuals from a variety of disciplines, including Marketing, Purchasing, Engineering, and other groups., • Influence others through strong communication & interpersonal skills., • Travel 25-30% Compensation & Benefits: • The expected compensation range for this position is between $118,700 - $170,000 plus bonus and relocation package., • Bonus based on performance and eligibility target payout is 15% of annual salary paid out annually., • Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sickness, and bereavement., • In addition to salary, the company offers a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees and their families, subject to elections and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health, and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan. Qualifications • M.S. or PhD degree in Food Science or Food Engineering or related field with 9+ years of experience – ideal experience working with high-moisture foods and thermal processing in rigid, semi-rigid, and flexible containers (shelf stable and refrigerated products)., • PhD preferred., • Strong knowledge of ingredient functionality & formulation chemistry., • Strong working knowledge of experimental design & product development protocols (from concept to execution), including formulation, stability testing, product/package interaction, and sensory and consumer testing methodology., • Demonstrated ability to function effectively in a dynamic and fast-paced environment as well as manage multiple projects simultaneously., • Adapts to change. Demonstrates personal leadership to influence and positively motivate self and peers., • Outstanding teamwork and communication skills., • Can effectively work with various functions regardless of level (from techs to leadership)., • Strong organization, documentation, and formula management skills. This is a growth opportunity! You must be a Permanent Resident of the USA or have a valid Green Card to be considered.