Job Title: Food Scientist
Job Description

Executes activities related to timely product development, which includes new products, product improvements, line extensions, and product quality for both co-packed and self-manufactured products.

ResponsibilitiesFormulates new products, line extensions, and product improvements to achieve desired goals.Lead formulation, management, and execution of development from bench to production scale for new products and product improvements.Align cross-functional expectations of products from conception through scale-up.Provide technical expertise on cross-functional project teams, ranging from long-term continuous improvement projects to daily production occurrences.Run plant trials of new or cost-reduced ingredients.Innovate and renovate according to product development goals.Taste and provide formal opinions regarding product outcomes.Respond reasonably and thoughtfully to cross-functional requests to produce tangible deliverables within tight timelines.Interpret consumer research and assemble input from cross-functional teams to support formulation efforts.Maintain clear project communication and timelines.Stay updated with FDA and USDA regulations and policies.Work closely with the sales and marketing team to communicate technical and descriptive attributes of products for presentation documentation.Provide recommendations and insights on future innovation and opportunities.Source raw materials and ingredients required to support formulation activities.Research and procure raw materials for new product development efforts.Achieve cost reduction by finding new sources for key raw materials.Partner with the purchasing team to source ingredients that drive process improvement.Leverage knowledge of supplier and vendor base to identify new sources.Evaluate specification sheets from suppliers to determine the viability of raw materials.Work closely with the FSQ team to monitor and review new materials, providing recommendations based on materials’ performance.Maintain clear documentation of development work.Create ingredient statements and nutritional panels using Genesis Software.Write specifications and batch sheets for new and existing products.Review and approve product label drafts for accuracy.Maintain accurate documentation of all lab results.Manage the shelf life process.Track production efforts to include timelines as part of the shelf life process.Conduct shelf life testing to meet timelines and promptly notify appropriate teams if shelf life does not meet minimum testing dates.Organize hedonic shelf life testing internally, ensuring all documentation is effectively maintained.Work with external agencies to test and track microbiological shelf life results, scheduling drop off and pick up to ensure effective measuring.Brainstorm solutions with the Director in the event of failed shelf life testing.Organize and procure ingredients for shelf life sample production while adhering to GMPs.Provide recommendations for FSQ regarding the shelf life of products.Perform key department duties to ensure expeditious and effective department management.Assist in validation tests to approve new materials or processes.Facilitate cross-functional meetings, schedule meetings, coordinate calendars, track budget expenditures, generate and distribute reports, and provide administrative support.Assist the R&D department in continuous improvement efforts and follow up on corrective action implementation.Coach and guide lab personnel through new projects as needed.Stay up to date with industry technology through training and independent investigation.Assist in sample shipping.Keep the R&D Director informed about problems and opportunities for improvement.Provide weekly reports of project status.Assist with special in-plant or lab projects as directed.Perform other duties as assigned.Essential SkillsBachelor of Science degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or a related discipline.A minimum of 3 years’ related food R&D experience in an FDA and/or USDA facility, with a demonstrated ability to develop successful food products.Good project management skills.Solid understanding of food manufacturing, product development, and food safety principles, guidelines, and objectives.Practical understanding and ability to apply key food science concepts such as functions of microbiology inhibitors and inherent ingredient functions.Ability to apply basic culinary techniques, baking, reading and following recipes, stove top cooking, and cold salad/dip preparation.Ability to work autonomously and hold others accountable.Strong analytical skills.Ability to interpret and provide recommendations or feedback on products and revisions.Good communication skills, both verbal and written.Great attention to detail.Ability to work effortlessly in a team environment and apply good judgment.Familiarity with GMPs, hazards, safety principles, and constraints.Strong computer skills, including the Microsoft Office platform and ERP systems.Spanish language fluency is desirable.Additional Skills & QualificationsExperience with kitchen appliances is a plus.A lifelong-learning mindset.Commensurate combination of education and experience may substitute for formal qualifications.Work Environment

Work hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. The role frequently requires standing, lifting, walking, reaching, stooping, bending, smelling, listening, speaking, and seeing to perform essential job duties. Work conditions vary, with flexibility being critical. Temperatures range from 5 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit in processing departments. Exposure to potentially dangerous machinery and equipment, electrical, mechanical, and chemical hazards are present. The noise level is high and constant, and floors are damp and slick. Must be able to bend, stoop, pull, and lift up to 50 pounds and stand for long periods. Close visual acuity is required to view a computer terminal, analyze reports, and manage data and detail. The role also involves tasting a wide variety of foods.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $32.00 - $50.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Union City,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Feb 21, 2025.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I are embedded into our culture through:

Hiring diverse talent Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.