Product Development Scientist

About the role

This position will support the Global Technical Services (GTS) team, including product development, quality assurance, and compliance, reporting to the Product Development Director. The PD Scientist will manage technical aspects of projects and work with a cross-functional team to support the successful development, launch, and ongoing quality of all SAMBAZON products.

The role involves close collaboration with product development, quality assurance, compliance, co-manufacturing, marketing, innovation, sourcing/procurement, and production planning. Key responsibilities include managing technical documentation for finished products and formulas, maintaining the lab facility, raw material and finished product samples, shelf-life testing, and sensory evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Product development bench-top lab work and record keeping, including developing formulas within defined guardrails for cost, nutrition, taste, weighing ingredients, basic lab analysis (pH, brix, etc.), sensory evaluation, and reporting results.
• Plan and support manufacturing trials to test and commercialize products.
• Work with the procurement team on ordering and tracking ingredients for trials; communicate formulas to internal and external teams.
• Input formulas into nutritional software for products across all channels.
• Maintain sample FIFO (First In, First Out) for finished product retains and raw ingredients; organize and dispose of expired samples unless used for shelf-life testing.
• Manage shelf-life testing of finished products, including sending samples to labs, running sensory analysis, and writing reports.
• Organize and update technical documents for raw materials and finished products, such as product specifications, manufacturing procedures, nutritional information, and SOPs; input data into Filemaker database.
• Evaluate new raw materials, including sensory analysis, performance in finished products, and specification reviews; assist with material setup after approval.
• Lead and participate in sensory evaluation and analysis of new and existing products; document outcomes and recommend next steps.
• Support lab maintenance, including scheduling equipment calibration and maintenance, monitoring refrigerator and freezer temperatures, ordering lab supplies, and keeping lab spaces clean and organized.
• Develop strong relationships with internal and external partners, customers, suppliers, and co-manufacturers to develop and implement solutions.
• Manage technical aspects of projects to deliver results on time.
• Support the restaurant group, innovation team, sales, and/or marketing with tastings, samples for photoshoots, and nutritional analysis.

Requirements

• B.S. degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Nutrition, or a similar science-based discipline.
• 3-6 years of related work experience.

Skills

• Ability to manage multiple projects, daily tasks, and work independently.
• Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with the GTS team and cross-functional partners to solve problems.
• Clear written and verbal communication with team members, vendors, and manufacturers.
• Understanding of intellectual property principles.
• Intellectually curious with a focus on finding and developing opportunities and solutions.
• Highly creative technical development and problem-solving skills; resourceful.
• Demonstrated excellence in building relationships, collaboration, and working cross-functionally.
• Self-directed, high energy, with strong attention to detail.
• Comfortable working with change and ambiguity.
• Strong working knowledge of food science, health and nutrition, food manufacturing processes, quality assurance principles, basic laboratory procedures, ingredient supply market, and market research practices.
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance requirements, quality systems, and technical documentation.
• Basic math skills: multiplication, division, addition, subtraction, algebra, and percentages.
• Proficiency in MS Office programs (Excel, Word, etc.); experience with Filemaker and Genesis (Esha) is a plus.
• Willingness to travel up to 20% as needed, including visits to co-manufacturer plants.

Benefits

• Annual bonus opportunity.
• Generous benefits package.
• Year-round half-day Fridays.