Associate Scientist Product Development

Mars (New); Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars (New) is seeking an Associate Scientist to develop and optimize gum and mint formulations across the portfolio. The role involves taking consumer insights from benchtop prototypes to factory-scale production, working with Marketing, Supply Chain, Packaging, Quality, and Procurement to deliver successful launches.

You will design formulations, lead projects to timelines and budgets, and collaborate with manufacturing teams to validate on full-scale lines while ensuring product quality and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Hands-on experience in a food lab, test kitchen, or pilot plant.
• Strong problem-solving mindset and clear communication.
• Willingness to travel up to 15%.
• 1–3 years of FMCG product development experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and test gum and mint formulations in the laboratory and pilot plant, focusing on flavor release, texture, chew profile, sweetness longevity, and freshness
• Lead the technical delivery of assigned innovation, cost-optimization, and ingredient-continuity projects within agreed timelines and budgets
• Partner with manufacturing and factory innovation teams to test and validate formulations on full-scale production lines
• Create and maintain accurate raw material, recipe, and finished product specifications to ensure consistent product quality, food safety compliance, and accurate costing
• Partner effectively with Marketing, Supply Chain, Packaging, Quality, and Procurement to evaluate project feasibility and ensure smooth commercial launches
• Apply sound scientific methods and root-cause analysis to troubleshoot recipe, stability, or processing issues

Skills

Hands-on lab experience

Project management

Problem solving

Clear communication

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline

Job description

Job Description: The Associate Scientist develops and executes new product formulations, line extensions, and product improvements across the Gum & Mints portfolio (such as Extra, Airwaves and Hubba Bubba). Working closely with cross-functional partners, this role turns consumer insights into tangible, great-tasting products from initial benchtop prototype through to factory scale-up.

What are we looking for?

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, a related scientific discipline or equivalent
• Hands‑on experience in a food lab, test kitchen, or pilot plant environment
• Solid project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Strong problem‑solving mindset and technical curiosity
• Clear oral and written communication skills
• Ability to travel up to 15%

Preferred Qualifications

• 1–3 years of FMCG product development experience

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Product Formulation & Prototyping: Design and test gum and mint formulations in the laboratory and pilot plant, focusing on flavor release, texture, chew profile, sweetness longevity, and freshness
• Project Execution: Lead the technical delivery of assigned innovation, cost‑optimization, and ingredient‑continuity projects within agreed timelines and budgets
• Scale‑up & Factory Trials: Partner with manufacturing and factory innovation teams to test and validate formulations on full‑scale production lines
• Specifications & Quality: Create and maintain accurate raw material, recipe, and finished product specifications to ensure consistent product quality, food safety compliance, and accurate costing
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Partner effectively with Marketing, Supply Chain, Packaging, Quality, and Procurement to evaluate project feasibility and ensure smooth commercial launches
• Problem Solving: Apply sound scientific methods and root‑cause analysis to troubleshoot recipe, stability, or processing issues

What can you expect from Mars?

Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles. Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today. Best‑in‑class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in‑house Mars University. An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus. Mars does not sponsor visas for this role. This position is not eligible for relocation benefits. The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment. The pay range listed is applicable to IL:USD 74,511.00 - USD 102,453.00.

Mars is a family‑owned business with more than $35 billion in global sales. We produce some of the world’s best‑loved brands: M&Ms®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5™, SKITTLES®, BEN’S ORIGINAL®, and COCOAVIA®.

Alongside our consumer brands, we proudly take care of half of the world’s pets through our nutrition, health and services businesses such as Banfield Pet Hospitals™, BluePearl®, Linnaeus, AniCura, VCA™ and Pet Partners™.

Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries.

The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom – inspire our 140,000 Associates into taking action every day towards creating the world we want tomorrow.