Chocolate Technologist

Lindt & Sprüngli; San Leandro, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 84,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chocolate Technologist at Lindt & Sprüngli Group leads development and renovation of chocolate products from concept to commercialization, prepares benchtop samples, conducts shelf life studies, supports sensory tests, and leads plant trials to meet quality objectives.

The ideal candidate holds a BS in food science or related field, has 3–5+ years in product development in chocolate, and can work independently while documenting results and coordinating supplier qualifications.

Qualifications

• BS in food science or closely related degree is required.
• 3-5+ years of product development experience taking products from concept to commercialization.
• Previous industrial chocolate experience is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and/or renovate product formulas and ingredients to meet objectives and quality requirements.
• Create benchtop samples for new or existing products and coordinate plant trials.
• Collaborate with external ingredient suppliers and manage data analysis for technical reports.

Skills

Product development

Data analysis

Sensory evaluation

Education

BS in food science or related field

Job description

WHO WE ARE

At Ghirardelli, we honor tradition and drive innovation, aiming to be the top choice for premium chocolate. Our commitment to Making Life A Bite Better inspires both our products and the way we do business. We support personal and professional growth, recognizing that each employee’s contribution directly impacts Ghirardelli’s growth and success. Join our dynamic team and help shape Ghirardelli's future.

Job Summary

The Chocolate Technologist is someone with a background in Product Development that ideally has at least 3-5 years of experience in the chocolate industry taking products from concept to commercialization. They should have experience in formulating and renovating chocolate products as well as some experience overseeing these projects. They should be starting to work independently and possess a desire to grow and develop further in this field. The Chocolate Technologist has a degree in food science or a closely related degree field, and will support the confections business (chocolate squares, seasonal shapes and bars) on projects that can include but are not limited to: developing new products and the renovation of existing formulas and ingredients in order to achieve product improvements or supply assurance. The Chocolate Technologist also prepares benchtop samples, conducts shelf life studies, supports sensory evaluation tests, executes raw material supplier set up and qualification, maintains accurate development records, executes factory trials, writes reports and makes recommendations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and/or renovate product formulas (internal or co-manufactured) and ingredients as needed in order to meet company objectives and quality requirements
• Create hand-made/bench top samples of new and/or existing products
• Collaborate with external ingredient suppliers
• Independent and working knowledge of innovation stage gate process and use of all product and recipe systems
• Independently analyze data and write technical reports with recommendations
• Independently plan and lead plant trials (internal or co-manufactured)

Minimum Education & Experience Required

• BS in food science, food technology, chemistry, chemical/biological/food engineering or closely related degree required
• 3-5+ years of related experience in Product Development taking products from concept to commercialization
• Previous industrial chocolate experience heavily preferred

Physical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements

• Occasional to Constant Repetitive Fine Manipulation (keyboarding, writing, sample making)
• Rare to Occasional Simple Grasping
• Occasional to Constant Sitting
• Rare to Occasional Walking
• Occasional twisting of the neck and waist
• Occasional to Constant Reaching at or below the Shoulder level
• Ability to travel to various locations across the country or local travel to meetings
• Occasional to Frequent usage of verbal communication equipment (telephone, radio, cellular)
• Rare to occasional squatting (filing & retrieving files)
• Rare to Occasional ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Salary

Salary Range: $83,800 - $108,929

About Lindt & Sprüngli Group

Looking to grow your career in a dynamic, international setting? Join the Lindt & Sprüngli Group! Together, we thrive to achieve our bold ambitions, powered by our purpose and unique culture of community and mutual support - rooted in a proud tradition, yet always evolving to stay ahead and set new standards. Across our diverse local teams, we think globally and act locally - empowering people to grow, take ownership and shape a sustainable future together. We are a responsible "employer of choice" who provides an inspiring people experience. Together, we build trust, drive innovation, and grow - as individuals and as a business. Lindt & Sprüngli has been enchanting the world with chocolate for over 180 years. The long-established Swiss company with its roots in Zurich is a global leader in the premium chocolate category. Lindt & Sprüngli produces quality chocolates today at its 12 factories in Europe and the USA. Its products are sold by 41 subsidiaries and branch offices in around 620 of its own stores as well as via a network of around 100 distributors around the globe. With around 15,500 employees, the Lindt & Sprüngli Group reported sales of CHF 5.92 billion in 2025. Our commitment to contributing to a sustainable tomorrow is a key element driving the company’s actions and ambitions. Since 2008, the Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program has been our Responsible Sourcing Standard for cocoa.