Dairy R&D Scientist - Product Innovator (Onsite Rockford)

Kinsa Group; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits including dental and

401(k) benefits

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Kinsa Group is seeking a Research & Development Scientist for its Rockford, Illinois area onsite team to bring dairy-based beverages and cheese products from concept to commercialization. You will apply food science to develop safe, high-quality products while collaborating with customers and internal teams.

Responsibilities include benchtop sample development, plant-trial formulas, compliance with FDA/USDA, and providing technical support throughout development projects and 24/7 production

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Nutrition, or related field; master’s in Dairy Science preferred.
• 3+ years of dairy food/beverage R&D experience with product development and commercialization
• Strong understanding of emulsions, milk/whey proteins, food safety, allergens, flavor evaluation; retort experience desired.
• Ability to operate lab and pilot equipment and work in a production environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop new products and optimize existing ones; adapt customer formulas and prepare benchtop samples for shipment.
• Set formulas and processes for plant trials and production in collaboration with Operations, Procurement, and Quality for pilot and production testing.
• Create product specs, ingredient statements, and Nutrition Facts panels following FDA/USDA requirements.
• Build relationships with customers and Sales by providing technical info and support throughout development projects.
• Support Operations with troubleshooting, equipment oversight, and production trials in a 24/7 setting.
• Assist with thermal processing studies and maintain documentation for formulas and product parameters to ensure compliance with low-acid canned food requirements.

Skills

Microsoft Excel

Project management

Organizational skills

Communication

Troubleshooting

Problem solving

Flavor evaluation

Emulsions

Food safety

Allergens

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science/Nutrition

Master’s degree in Dairy Science

Job description

Kinsa Group is seeking a Research & Development Scientist for its Rockford, Illinois area onsite team to bring dairy-based beverages and cheese products from concept to commercialization. You will apply food science to develop safe, high-quality products while collaborating with customers and internal teams.

Responsibilities include benchtop sample development, plant-trial formulas, compliance with FDA/USDA, and providing technical support throughout development projects and 24/7 production