About This Role
Leading formulation across the product pipeline for a fast-growing functional food and beverage brand is the essence of this role. The Food Scientist will drive new product innovation and improve existing products in collaboration with various teams including Regulatory, Quality, Operations, and the in-house Lab Team.
Responsibilities
- Lead formula development from concept through co-manufacturer qualification and commercial production for both new launches and improvements to products already on shelf
- Apply formulation science across formats, including liquid beverage chemistry and powdered formulation
- Partner with co-manufacturers on technical evaluations, line troubleshooting, and quality control standards
- Build ingredient validation protocols and backup supplier qualification processes that meet retail audit standards
- Create sensory specifications and pass/fail standards with Quality and Sensory teams
- Guide third-party lab testing and work with Regulatory to align ingredient dosages with claim requirements
- Collaborate with Marketing and leadership to ensure product concepts are commercially viable and scientifically sound
- Help shape stage-gate processes and technical documentation as the team scales
Requirements
- 3+ years of food or beverage formulation experience (beverage preferred)
- A track record of taking a product from concept through a co-manufacturer to retail shelf, including time on the production floor
- Deep technical expertise in at least one commercial format and eagerness to learn others
- Experience building sensory specs and validation protocols that hold up at commercial scale
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, or a related field
- Sound judgment on when a decision needs rigor and when it can move fast
- High standards for quality and a builder's mindset for creating new products, systems, and processes
Nice to have:
- Experience with functional ingredients such as adaptogens, mushroom extracts, nootropics, or botanicals
- Background at a better-for-you or natural brand that has scaled through retailers like Target, Whole Foods, Kroger, or Costco
- Familiarity with structure/function claims and dosage regulations
- Multi-format experience (e.g., RTD plus powders, bars, or gummies)
Benefits
- Opportunity to shape a growing product portfolio and processes
- Real ownership and direct impact on product launches
- Support from a cross-functional team that values strong science
Important Details
- H-1B sponsorship and H-1B transfers are not available for this role.
