Associate Product Development

Nestlé; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k with company match

Healthcare coverage

Performance-based incentives

Job summary

Nestlé USA is seeking an Associate, Product Development to join the innovation and renovation portfolio. You will work across R&D, Product Development, and manufacturing teams to deliver technical solutions and optimize processes.

The role emphasizes collaboration, problem solving, and personal development, with opportunities to lead low-complexity projects. A strong foundation in food science or engineering is required, along with SAP or recipe-management experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Food Science, Engineering, or related field.
• Basic knowledge of technical/manufacturing processes.
• Experience collaborating across cross-functional teams and meeting deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and execute product and process development activities from benchtop to production to achieve goals.
• Formulate products within available technical and manufacturing capabilities.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to align on product design and process capabilities.
• Provide first-line support to ensuring product quality and process improvements.
• Lead or support technical projects involving quality, regulatory, and productivity improvements.

Skills

Cross-functional teamwork

Deadline management

Microsoft 365

Effective communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or Engineering

Tools

SAP

Recipe-management systems

Job description

Foods you love. Brands you trust. And a career that empowers you to grow.

At Nestlé USA, we’re all working towards the same goal – to delight and deliver for our consumers. With a rich portfolio of beloved brands, including DiGiorno, Toll House, and Coffee mate, in 97% of U.S. households, we have a unique opportunity – and responsibility – to be there for every moment in our consumers’ lives.

Joining Nestlé means becoming part of an inclusive workplace that inspires innovation, encourages strategic thinking and creativity, and celebrates your achievements. No matter where you work within the organization, you are empowered to challenge the status quo, embrace risk‑taking, and pioneer new ideas. Our supportive and collaborative environment encourages bold ambitions and continuous learning so that everyone can grow and thrive.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

Position Summary

The Associate, Product Development participates in project teams to deliver technical solutions for the innovation and renovation portfolio and optimization/improvement projects. The role collaborates internally and externally to build relationships, continuously improve technical skills, and support personal development. This individual may act as technical lead on low‑complexity projects.

Job Duties/Responsibilities

Implementation of Innovation & Renovation for Supported Product Categories (50%)

• Develop, implement, and execute product and process development activities, including benchtop, pilot plant, and internal or external factory work, to achieve project goals and deadlines.
• Formulate products within available technical and manufacturing capabilities.
• Match the product demonstrated in consumer testing and ensure there is a viable path to execution before testing is fielded.
• Perform complaint‑reduction exercises and mitigate key risks.
• Ensure appropriate controls are in place to consistently deliver the intended gold standard.
• Actively participate in Innovation & Renovation project teams and contribute to product‑design and process‑capability decisions.

Introduction of New Products and Processes within Factories (30%)

• Collaborate with and influence cross‑functional internal and external project teams, including R&D, Product Development, Project Management, Quality, Regulatory, Engineering, Packaging, Factories, Marketing, Co‑Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Supply Chain.
• With support, lead product development from concept through commercialization for low‑complexity Innovation & Renovation projects, aligned with the Marketing Brief and company requirements.
• Ensure product performance at the factory through trials and the qualification process.
• Continuously improve and optimize current products and processes within factories based on local business needs, supply conditions, and initiatives.
• Lead or support technical projects involving sourcing, quality improvements, compliance, and productivity cost savings.

Ensure Adherence to Product, Process, and Material Standards (10%)

• Comply with Nestlé requirements, including 60/40+, applicable external standards, and the local regulatory framework.
• Under supervision, act as Quality Lead for assigned projects. Apply HACCP and food‑safety fundamentals, new‑material onboarding, allergen and claims validation, and process‑capability principles.

Provide First‑Line Support to Factories (5%)

• Under supervision, provide TAG expertise in ingredients, recipes, and processing to support consistent production of high‑quality products for consumers.

Build Capability (5%)

• Continuously improve technical skills and pursue personal development.
• Represent TAG in general discussions as a subject‑matter resource on manufactured finished products.
• Participate in cross‑functional teams addressing renovation, consumer complaints, and productivity opportunities.
• Participate in structured problem‑solving activities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Engineering, or a related field; OR an associate degree, vocational/technical education, or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Basic knowledge of technical and/or manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a cross‑functional team environment and meet established deadlines.
• Demonstrated organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects or assignments.
• Effective interpersonal, presentation, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated critical‑thinking and problem‑solving skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft 365 applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, SharePoint, and Teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of the product development process from concept through commercialization.
• Working knowledge of SAP and/or recipe‑management systems.
• Experience identifying or implementing process, product, or technical improvements.

Required Experience

• 0–3 years of relevant product development, technical, manufacturing, or related experience.

Preferred Experience

• Consumer packaged goods (CPG) and/or food product development experience.
• Experience participating in consumer research, such as focus groups, central location tests, or similar research activities.
• Operations or manufacturing/factory experience.
• Experience serving as a technical lead on projects of limited scope or complexity.

Salary: $72,722.21 to $97,598.20 per year

Bonus Eligibility: Yes

The pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to knowledge, skills and abilities as well as geographic location. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at top of range.

Nestlé offers performance‑based incentives and a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k with company match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits. Incentives and/or benefit packages may vary depending on the position. Learn more at https://www.nestlejobs.com/nestle-in-the-us-benefits

It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.

To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestlé seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you’ll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.