Sci, R&D - Product Dev

Scientist, R&D – Product Development (Shelf Stable Meals)​ 

Job Purpose  

​​This is a Research and Development (R&D) role leading Product Development initiatives under the Shelf Stable Meals team within the Hydration, Desserts, and Meals platform. We’re looking for a talented individual to lead product development initiatives working on beloved brands like Kraft Mac & Cheese, Velveeta Shells & Cheese, and Cracker Barrel Mac & Cheese. Your role will be leading and driving technical projects to projects to drive growth, product/pack superiority, and future proof brands through innovative solutions.​  

Essential Functions & Responsibilities  

• ​​This role has responsibility for developing new product formulations, portfolio renovation and customer product solutions across various product lines.  

• ​Work from ideation to commercialization, from benchtop samples to final production, and from raw material to finished product specification.  

• ​Manage multiple assignments/development projects concurrently to meet R&D timelines.  

• ​Build strong relationships and collaborate with internal and external colleagues to optimize new product development processes.  

• ​Utilize ingredient and process knowledge, experimental design, and data interpretation tools to make technically sound recommendations.  

• ​Champion an innovative approach and exhibit influence on the cross functional partners  

• ​Collaborate with other colleagues within and outside of your immediate team  

• ​Develop relationships with and coordinate commercialization activities across internal and external manufacturing facilities.  

• ​Lead and complete product testing, qualification, and commercialization in laboratory and production environments. ​ 

Expected Experience & Required Skills 

• ​​Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering or a related scientific field with a minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience, or Master’s degree with minimum one (1) year of related experience 

• ​Shelf stable meal solutions/side dishes, cheese powder, process cheese, dry powder blending, and/or pasta experience preferred but not  

• ​Understanding of ingredient functionality and interrelationship of ingredients and process  

• ​Highly motivated and able to multi-task varying degrees of complex projects  

• ​Excellent communication, influencing, prioritization, and project management skills  

• ​Strong critical thinking skills and ability to make connections to the big picture  

• ​Ability to lead, coach, and motivate others  

• ​Manage multiple assignments/tasks concurrently with the ability to question the priority of work  

• ​Willingness to travel approximately 30% of the time. Travel could include (but not limited to): to internal plants, co-manufacturers, and suppliers. ​ 

Work Environment & Schedule 

This position is considered a ​Normal office environment with moderate travel to customer locations, stores, manufacturing facilities, etc.; offices are open workspaces​