Food Innovation Scientist: Concept to Launch Leader

Socotra, Inc.; Waltham (MA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Inclusive culture

Hybrid work model

Paid time off and holidays

Paid volunteer time off

Development and advancement

Tuition reimbursement

401(k) plan

Flexible benefits from day one

Paid parental and adoption leave

Job summary

Welch's in the United States is hiring a Food Scientist to accelerate innovation across our fruit‑based foods and beverages. You will lead projects from concept through scale‑up and commercialization, translating consumer insights into prototypes and actionable plans.

This role sits at our Waltham, MA headquarters with a hybrid schedule: three days in‑person and remote‑flex days on Thursdays and Fridays. You’ll collaborate across Marketing, Consumer Insights, QA, Operations, and Finance to drive

Qualifications

• At least three years of new product development experience launching food/beverage products from concept to commercialization.
• Experience leading cross‑functional teams and providing technical leadership for complex product commercialization.
• Experience managing external partners (suppliers, co‑manufacturers, labs).
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize effectively.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to translate data into decisions.
• Knowledge of food safety, GMP, regulatory requirements, and quality systems.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive product innovation projects from concept through commercialization.
• Translate consumer insights and trends into prototypes and concepts.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Consumer Insights to develop learning plans and guide development.
• Make trade‑offs across cost, quality, speed, and feasibility to meet objectives.
• Coordinate with manufacturing teams and co‑manufacturers on timelines and qualifications.
• Leverage supplier data and AI-enabled tools to identify trends and opportunities.
• Provide technical support for business continuity, quality, and cost optimization.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Consumer Insights, QA, Operations, Finance to achieve goals.
• Create and review raw material, nutritional, formulation, manufacturing, and finished‑product specs.

Skills

NPD experience

Cross-functional leadership

Technical leadership

Partner management

Project management

Analytical skills

Food safety

Regulatory knowledge

Prioritization

Manufacturing exposure

Travel willingness

Fruit/veg beverages experience

Education

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

Job description

Welch's in the United States is hiring a Food Scientist to accelerate innovation across our fruit‑based foods and beverages. You will lead projects from concept through scale‑up and commercialization, translating consumer insights into prototypes and actionable plans.

This role sits at our Waltham, MA headquarters with a hybrid schedule: three days in‑person and remote‑flex days on Thursdays and Fridays. You’ll collaborate across Marketing, Consumer Insights, QA, Operations, and Finance to drive