Product Development Food Scientist

Job#: 3051238 – Onsite in Cincy – 1‑year contract

About the role

Provide hands‑on product development and food technology expertise to support the development, optimization, and commercialization of food products. This role is focused on bench‑top formulation, recipe optimization, and technical problem‑solving, while operating within Kroger manufacturing, quality, and regulatory processes. The Food Technologist collaborates cross‑functionally to bring products from concept through commercialization while maintaining Safety, Quality, and Reliability (SQR) standards and demonstrating client’s core values of respect, integrity, inclusion, and safety.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize product formulations at the bench and pilot scale, including ingredient evaluation, recipe adjustment, and cost or quality improvements
• Execute hands‑on bench‑top experimentation and support pilot plant and plant trials for new and existing products
• Partner cross‑functionally with Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, Procurement, Sensory, Marketing and Project Management teams to support product commercialization
• Support commercialization activities, including scale‑up, trial execution, process validation, and issue resolution during plant runs
• Troubleshoot product or process challenges at the manufacturing plant level and recommend practical, technically sound solutions
• Support reformulation initiatives to improve cost, quality, performance, or supply continuity while maintaining product integrity
• Follow established client manufacturing, food safety, quality assurance, and documentation processes throughout development and commercialization
• Prepare and maintain product documentation, including formulations, specifications, and technical summaries
• Participate in sensory evaluations and collaborate with Sensory teams to assess product quality and consumer feedback
• Demonstrate strong project organization skills, managing multiple development projects that may shift in scope or priority
• Adapt quickly to changing project needs, business priorities, or timelines while maintaining attention to detail
• Utilize and learn computer‑based tools and applications to support formulation work, project tracking, and technical documentation
• Travel as required to support plant trials, and commercialization efforts
• Perform all job functions safely and in compliance with regulatory and company requirements

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Dairy Science, Bakery Science, or a related technical discipline
• 3+ years of hands‑on product development or food technology experience
• Demonstrated experience with bench‑top formulation and recipe optimization
• Exposure to manufacturing environments, plant trials, or scaled production processes
• Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to apply food science fundamentals in practical situations
• Ability to work effectively in a cross‑functional team environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Skills

• Experience supporting commercialization, plant trials, or line trials for food products
• Exposure to troubleshooting product quality or process issues at the plant level
• Experience working