Application Scientist

CPS, Inc.; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

CPS, Inc. is seeking an Application Scientist to lead development, optimization, and commercialization of food and beverage applications using our ingredient portfolio.

You will drive cross-functional projects from concept to market to deliver scalable, market-ready solutions. The role emphasizes proteins, starches, fibers, coatings, bakery and beverage systems, with bench-to-pilot trials and sensory evaluations.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or related discipline.
• 3–8 years of experience in food applications, R&D, or product development.

Responsibilities

• Develop prototype formulations using plant proteins, starches, fibers, and specialty ingredients.
• Design and optimize nutritional base systems for bars, snacks, cereals, and functional foods.
• Develop coating systems to improve adhesion, texture, oil reduction, and sensory performance.
• Formulate bakery applications including breads, cookies, crackers, and sweet baked goods.
• Create beverage applications such as protein beverages, powdered drink mixes, and functional drinks.
• Conduct bench-top, pilot-plant, and commercial-scale trials for manufacturability and consistency.
• Document results in technical reports.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical formulation

Food chemistry

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Master’s degree in Food Science/related

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science/related

Tools

Documentation systems

Job description

The Application Scientist is responsible for the development, optimization, and commercialization of food and beverage applications utilizing the company’s ingredient portfolio. This role supports customer innovation, internal product development, and commercialization across cereals and snacks, coating systems, bakery products, and beverage applications. The position requires strong technical knowledge, project management capability, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver scalable, market-ready solutions aligned with business objectives.

What You Will Be Doing:

• Product Development & Technical Execution
• Develop prototype formulations and finished applications using plant proteins, starches, fibers, and specialty ingredients.
• Design and optimize nutritional base systems for bars, snacks, cereals, and functional foods.
• Develop and improve coating systems to enhance adhesion, texture, oil reduction, and sensory performance.
• Formulate bakery applications including breads, cookies, crackers, and sweet baked goods with improved nutrition and functionality.
• Create beverage applications such as protein beverages, powdered drink mixes, and functional drinks.
• Conduct bench-top, pilot-plant, and commercial-scale trials to ensure manufacturability and consistency.
• Perform sensory, stability, and shelf-life evaluations; document results in technical reports.

Customer & Commercial Support

• Partner with Sales and Marketing to translate customer briefs into scalable product concepts.
• Provide technical support, troubleshooting, and formulation guidance to customers.
• Support plant trials, commercialization activities, and technical documentation.
• Participate in customer meetings, demonstrations, and innovation sessions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Compliance

• Collaborate with Quality, Regulatory, Operations, and Procurement to ensure compliance and successful scale-up.
• Maintain accurate documentation, formulations, and project records in accordance with company procedures.
• Support continuous improvement and innovation pipeline initiatives.
• Remain current on industry trends, including plant-based nutrition, high-protein, keto, and reduced-carbohydrate formulations.

Salary

$110,000 - $130,000

Benefits Available

Who We Are Looking For:

• Master’s degree required. Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or related discipline required.
• Minimum 3-8 years of experience in food applications, R&D, or product development.
• Experience in extrusion, bakery systems, coating technologies, or beverage formulation preferred.
• Experience supporting commercialization and plant-scale production strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of ingredient functionality (proteins, starches, fibers, hydrocolloids).
• Demonstrated formulation capability across snacks, bakery, coatings, and beverages.
• Knowledge of nutrition targets, labeling considerations, and regulatory fundamentals.
• Ability to manage multiple technical projects with strong problem-solving skills.
• Effective written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Proficiency with standard laboratory, pilot-plant, and documentation systems.
• If you’d like to hear more about this opportunity and others we are currently working on, please contact Jeff Fee at [e-mail].

JO: 67.26JF