Dairy R&D Scientist: Innovation & Product Optimization

Ornua; Hilbert (WI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Ornua, a leading dairy company, seeks an R&D Scientist in Hilbert, WI to drive product development and commercialization across cross-functional teams. The role emphasizes experimental design, material risk assessment, and mentoring Technologists and Technicians to deliver high-quality cheese solutions.

You will contribute to shelf-life studies, sensory analysis, and process optimization, coordinating from concept through production. Travel up to 25% to support sites and customers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food, Dairy, or related scientific field with 5+ years' industrial experience or an MS/PhD with 3+ years in dairy ingredients/cheese context.
• Experience developing standardized and non-standardized processed cheese or imitation cheese.
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation and pilot plant systems; knowledge of FDA CFR cheese standards is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Lead product development and optimization projects in collaboration with R&D/Innovation, Sales, Procurement, Finance, and QA.
• Supervise Technologists and Technicians; mentor and upskill team members.
• Plan, execute, and evaluate experiments; manage projects with ROI and efficiency focus; drive commercialization.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Time management

Computer proficiency

Travel 25% availability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food/Dairy or related field

MS/PhD in related field

Tools

Laboratory instrumentation

Pilot plant systems

Sensory analysis equipment

Job description

Ornua, a leading dairy company, seeks an R&D Scientist in Hilbert, WI to drive product development and commercialization across cross-functional teams. The role emphasizes experimental design, material risk assessment, and mentoring Technologists and Technicians to deliver high-quality cheese solutions.

You will contribute to shelf-life studies, sensory analysis, and process optimization, coordinating from concept through production. Travel up to 25% to support sites and customers.