Associate Food Scientist

Lamb Weston; Richland (WA); On-site; USD 59,000 - 89,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Well-being programs

Paid Time Off

401(k) plan with company contributions

Family-Friendly events

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Lamb Weston in Richland, WA is seeking an Associate Food Scientist to support new product development from conception through commercialization. Under supervision, you will conduct experiments, gather data, draft reports, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet project milestones.

The role requires a BS in Food Science or related field (Masters preferred) with 1 year of relevant experience. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and strong written/verbal communication are essential; some

Qualifications

• BS in Food Science or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Pro-active self-starter, willing to take responsibility for business tasks.
• Plans, prioritizes and completes tasks effectively and efficiently.
• Execute experiments and prepare results for review.
• Develop and document the process for the manufacture of the product.
• Collaborate with Engineering/Packaging/Operations/QA and Marketing to meet project deadlines.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Microsoft Office

Education

BS in Food Science or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Title: Associate Food Scientist

Location: Richland, WA

Job Requisition ID: Req-271753

Time Type: Full time

About Lamb Weston

You’ve probably enjoyed our fries without even knowing it! As a leading manufacturer in our industry, we inspire and bring people together with foods they love and trust. Our customer base includes international food service providers, restaurants, and households in over 100 countries around the world.

A highly innovative global corporation with a start-up mindset, we empower every individual to make a genuine difference. You’ll gain access to hands‑on training to fuel your growth and success, explore opportunities for new solutions, and you’ll join a winning team of 10,000+ people all dedicated to raising the bar – together.

If you have a strong drive for results, a desire to help us bring the world together through our fries, and are ready for a fresh challenge, we want to hear from you.

Job Description Summary

Under supervision: research, conducts experiments, gathers data, develops preliminary findings and prepares new products with written reports for the development of new products projects beginning at conception through successful commercialization. Follows established protocols and work plans. Drafts for review technical proposals and reports.

Job Description

• Pro‑active self-starter, willing to accept responsibility for business tasks
• Plans, prioritizes and completes tasks effectively and efficiently
• Change plans quickly according to business needs
• Learns and utilizes on-line specification system, ingredients, formulation, etc. to document and track products
• Execute experiments and prepare results for review
• Using consumer insights, conceptualizes and develops new product prototypes
• Formulates new products to match the ingredient statement, nutritional profile, cost and product attributes of the target product. Uses sensory tools to optimize product formulation internally and externally
• Present new product ideas to cross functional team
• Develop and document the process for the manufacture of the product
• Identify and executes key product quality, stability, cooking parameter and safety testing protocols
• Executing on cost saving opportunities
• Properly documents activities, conclusions and recommendations in lab notebook
• Develop project timelines that are acceptable to management, marketing and R&D managers
• Work closely with project manager to create and maintain accurate timelines
• Develop finished product and processing specifications
• Conduct plant trials and new product start ups
• Support sales in new product presentations to customers
• Collaborate with Engineering/Packaging/Operations/QA and Marketing to meet project deadlines

Position Requirements

Basic & Preferred Qualifications

• BS in Food Science or related field required. Master’s degree preferred
• 1-year relevant work experience or internship
• Clear, concise written and verbal communication
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products
• Sporadic to frequent travel, including flying to all parts of the U.S., possibly overseas, and driving a company or rental automobile 4 to 6 hours as needed. Must be able to travel independently and as a responsible CAG representative.

Physical Environment/Demands

• Use of tools, equipment, and machinery
• Walking/standing/sitting
• Lifting
• Climbing
• Pushing/pulling
• Cramped/confined space
• Office environment
• Possible exposure to:
• dirt, fumes, smoke
• water/wet environment
• noise, vibrations
• grease/oil/ dust/shavings
• smells
• hot and cold temperatures
• Broad range of food tasting and consumption
• Team member may sit for long periods of time at desk or computer terminal
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear
• Team member may use calculators, keyboards, telephone and other office equipment in the course of normal workday
• Stooping, bending, twisting and reaching may be required in completion of job duties

Industry-Competitive Benefits

Coupled with our compensation and bonus incentive programs, our benefits deliver rewards that are market competitive. Some of the most attractive elements of our benefit programs include:

• Health Insurance Benefits - Medical, Dental, Vision
• Flexible Spending Accounts for Health and Dependent Care, and Health Reimbursement Accounts
• Well‑being programs including companywide events and a wellness incentive program
• Paid Time Off
• Financial Wellness – Industry leading 401(k) plan with generous company contributions, Financial Planning Services, Employee Stock purchase program, and Health Savings Accounts, Life and Accident insurance
• Family-Friendly Employee events
• Employee Assistance Program services – mental health and other concierge type services

Benefits may vary based on location, job role/level, job status, and/or the terms of any applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Anticipated Close Date

The anticipated close date is a good faith estimate for when this job will be closed. Some jobs may be unposted or filled earlier or later than the Anticipated Close Date depending on interview processes and business needs.

Anticipated Close Date: 11/14/2026

Pay Transparency

In compliance with applicable state and local laws, Lamb Weston has opted to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. This compensation is specific to this position and takes into account a number of variables. Actual compensation may be higher or lower in the range posted based on various factors, including, but not limited to, job duties, experience and expertise. A candidate's work location could also impact the actual compensation being outside of the range to reflect local cost of labor. A reasonable annual estimate of the range for this role is listed below.

Pay Rate or Range: $59,010.00 - $88,510.00

Equal Opportunity Employer

Lamb Weston is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected factor under federal, state or local law