Staff Scientist Popcorn & Kid Snacking

Technical Expertise

• Deep understanding of fried snack processing, including:
  • Tortilla chips: masa systems, nixtamalized corn, dough hydration, sheeting, baking/drying, frying.
  • Potato chips: potato chemistry, slicing, blanching (if used), frying control, oil quality, color management.
  • Additional fried snacks: extruded snacks, pellet expansion, multi-step frying, seasoning systems
• Expertise in frying science: heat transfer, moisture loss, oil degradation, filtration, turnover, oxidation, acrylamide control.
• Proficiency in seasoning adhesion, application systems, and flavor delivery for fried snacks.
• Experience with statistical analysis, DOE design, and process optimization.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory, food safety, and quality practices relevant to frying operations.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross-functional technical programs independently.
• Ability to influence decision-making across teams including Operations, Engineering, Marketing, and Procurement.
• Strong communication skills in both technical documentation and cross-functional presentations.
• Experience mentoring junior staff is strongly preferred.

Soft Skills & Behaviors

• Strong analytical thinker with advanced problem-solving ability.
• Curious-driven, innovative, and comfortable with ambiguity.
• Strong time-management and project-prioritization skills.
• Collaborative and able to work across multiple facilities and stakeholders.

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements

• BS, MS, or PhD in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, or related with 7-10+ years of experience, preferably including tortilla chips, potato chips, fried snacks, or related categories.
• Strong track record of successful commercialization from benchtop through plant start-up.
• Experience designing and executing pilot and plant trials required.
• Experience with sensory evaluation and consumer learning preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading technical problem solving in manufacturing environments.

Other Requirements

• Ability to work in lab, pilot plant, and production environments.
• Travel 15–30% (plant trials, supplier visits, testing at multiple facilities).
• Ability to lift materials up to ~25 lbs for pilot testing work.