Scientist, Principal

Job Overview

The Principal Scientist will lead innovation and development initiatives for kettle-cooked products, including soups, sauces, and other wet-processed foods. This role is responsible for driving technical excellence, ensuring food safety compliance, and delivering high-quality, customer-focused solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead formulation and process development for kettle-cooked products, ensuring alignment with customer requirements and company standards.
• Oversee scale-up from bench to plant trials, including yield analysis and process optimization.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for kettle processing technologies and clean-label solutions.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior scientists and technicians.
• Partner with cross-functional teams (Sales, Operations, Quality Assurance) to support commercialization and troubleshoot technical challenges.
• Engage with customers to present technical solutions and support product launches.
• Ensure adherence to GMPs, SSOPs, and food safety regulations throughout development and production.
• Identify emerging trends and technologies in kettle processing to maintain competitive advantage.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 8+ years of experience in food product development, with a strong focus on kettle-cooked products.
• Proven track record of successful commercialization and process optimization.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret technical data.
• Excellent communication and project management skills.
• Integrity, Collaboration, Continuous Improvement, and Accountability.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Pay

Salary within the range of $130,000 - $150,000, depending on experience*

Benefits

• Unlimited PTO*
• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Telehealth Services
• 401K Matching
• FSA & HSA available
• EAP and wellbeing support
• Tuition reimbursement program available

The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range of candidates hired. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include your specific skills, how many years of experience you have and comparison to other employees already in this role. Most candidates will start in the bottom half of the range.

Unlimited PTO requests are subject to approval and is subject to the current business needs of CTI Foods.