Food Scientist

Roskam Foods; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Tuition reimbursement

Life and disability insurance

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Roskam Foods, based in Grand Rapids, MI, seeks a qualified Food Science professional to drive new product development and process optimization. You will lead cross‑functional teams, translate concepts into manufacturable products, and ensure compliance with GMPs, SQF, and HACCP principles.

The role demands a strong lab background, problem solving, and collaboration across sales, marketing, and production to deliver high‑quality foods. Travel may be required as part of project work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Food Science or related field.
• Experience in food manufacturing preferred.
• Lab experience with good laboratory practices.
• Creative problem-solving and innovative mindset.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Willingness to travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Develop project plans and lead cross-departmental teams to ensure project execution.
• Conduct bench-top development to meet consumer and customer objectives.
• Lead formulation and process optimization projects.
• Translate concepts into manufacturable products.
• Apply GMPs, SQF, HACCP to ensure safe, quality production.
• Sourcing and evaluating new ingredients and suppliers.
• Conduct pilot plant trials and support production start-ups.
• Create and manage specifications and process parameters.
• Perform shelf-life and sensory testing.
• Lead productivity and waste-reduction initiatives.
• Coordinate pricing requests for new product developments.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing and customers on ideas.
• Participate in internal/external customer meetings and presentations.
• Stay updated on FDA regulations related to food processing.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science / related field

Tools

Genesis R&D software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Description and Purpose:

Founded in 1923 and headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Roskam Foods is a leading contract manufacturer that partners with world-renowned food brands, retailers, and food service providers to produce a myriad of frozen, refrigerated and shelf-stable products. We're a scaled, diversified operation with over 2 million square feet of manufacturing and 50 production lines across 8 facilities in the U.S. and Canada. We believe in the power of purpose-driven leadership to generate value for all. And we're on a mission to optimize the potential of our people and brands. We are passionate about multiplying possibilities for our employees and our partners.

Roskam Foods produces and packages food products with the goal of consistently meeting and exceeding customer expectations for quality, safety, and wholesomeness.

Key Essential Functions:

• Project Management: Develop project plans and lead cross-departmental teams to ensure successful project execution.
• New Product Development: Conduct bench-top development using scientific techniques to meet consumer and customer objectives.
• Formulation and Process Optimization: Lead projects focused on formulation and process improvements.
• Manufacturing Integration: Translate concepts into products that are feasible for manufacturing.
• Food Safety Knowledge: Apply a strong understanding of formulation and process design principles to ensure safe and quality food production (GMPs, SQF, HACCP).
• Ingredient Sourcing: Identify, evaluate, and obtain necessary approvals for new and alternate ingredients and suppliers.
• Trial Execution: Conduct pilot plant and production line trials to validate product formulations.
• Production Support: Provide support during production start-ups to ensure smooth transitions.
• Specification Development: Create and manage specifications and process parameters using electronic systems and templates.
• Shelf-Life and Sensory Testing: Conduct shelf-life evaluations and sensory testing to assess product quality.
• Productivity Initiatives: Lead projects aimed at improving productivity and reducing waste.
• Pricing Coordination: Coordinate pricing requests for new product developments and formula revisions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Support sales, marketing, and customers in generating new product ideas.
• Customer Engagement: Participate in internal and external customer meetings and product presentations.
• Competitive Analysis: Evaluate relevant competitive products to inform development strategies.
• Regulatory Awareness: Stay updated on current FDA regulations related to food processing.
• Project Status Reporting: Keep supervisors informed of project progress and collaborate on next steps.
• Market Trend Awareness: Engage in food shows, sales meetings, technical presentations, and supplier partnerships to remain aware of market trends.

Education/Experience/Skills/Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Previous experience in food manufacturing is preferred.
• Experience in a laboratory setting with a demonstrated understanding of good laboratory practices.
• Creative problem-solving skills and a strong orientation toward innovation.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and multi-tasking abilities; skilled in collaborating across all levels and functions.
• Proactive, enthusiastic, and motivated contributor with a detail-oriented mindset.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; knowledge of Genesis R&D software preferred.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally and work in various environmental conditions (cold, hot, wet).
• Willingness to travel as needed.

• medical, dental, and vision benefits
• tuition reimbursement
• life and disability insurance
• a 401 (k) plan with company match

AAP/EEO Statement: Roskam Foods is a recognized veteran-friendly and equal opportunity employer.

We are excited to introduce you to all that Roskam has to offer-from the many valuable benefits to programs that support your lifestyle needs and opportunities for professional development. Roskam is an equal opportunity employer.